Who Will Replace Blake Shelton On The Voice Next Season?
Blake Shelton announced in October that Season 23 of The Voice will be his last. He’s the only coach who’s been with the show for all 23 seasons. But he feels now is the right time to step away so he can spend more time with his family.
Ever since Shelton made that announcement, fans have wondered who would be his replacement. We finally got our answer when The Voice revealed its coaching lineup for Season 24 on Monday (May 15).
A video shared by The Voice on social media shows the back of one of the famous red chairs. A screen on the chair flashes the names of the coaches of Season 24.
For starters, current coach Niall Horan is returning to the show. He’s the only coach from Season 23 who is coming back for Season 24.
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That means Kelly Clarkson and Chance the Rapper are both leaving The Voice (for now at least). Two coaches from past seasons are returning to fill their chairs…John Legend and Gwen Stefani!
So who is taking Shelton’s place on the show? We’ll give you a few hints first…
1. She’s also a country artist
2. She’s also from Oklahoma
3. She was just on Season 23 as the Mega Mentor
If you guessed Reba McEntire…you’re correct!
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Reba’s History With The Voice Goes Back To The Beginning
McEntire was actually the first country artist The Voice approached to be a coach when the show premiered. But as she told Watch What Happens Live, she turned them down.
“I don’t think I could ever be able to tell somebody that they’re terrible or go find another job or hope you like your nighttime job. I couldn’t do that day in and day out. I just couldn’t do it. So I did pass on it,” she said.
McEntire obviously reconsidered her stance. She was asked earlier this year if she could see herself taking Shelton’s place on the show. Playing coy, she said, “Who could fill Blake’s shoes? That’s gonna be tough. He did a great job and kudos to him.”
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We can’t wait to see McEntire as a coach on The Voice! Get an idea of what she’ll be like by watching some clips from her Mega Mentor sessions below.
There’s always a chance we’ll still see Shelton on The Voice next season. He’s married to Stefani, and has said he’d “love” to come back to serve as her team’s mentor. We’ll see if he does!