Here’s Why Reba McEntire Refuses to Replace Blake Shelton on ‘The Voice’
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Amid Blake Shelton’s looming exit in The Voice, fans are still confused as regards his most deserving replacement. Reba McEntire has been on top of the list ever since, but it seems that the country star is nowhere near ready to take the job.
Reba McEntire Does Not Want to Be a Coach on The Voice
Interestingly, The Voice asked Reba McEntire to serve as coach before it debuted in 2011 – one offer she obviously rejected. Subsequently, the show considered Shelton who willingly took the job, and thus becoming the only original coach that stayed through all seasons.
Sitting down for an interview with ET Online, the 67-year-old singer gave kudos to Shelton for doing a “great job” in the series. She also took the time to address ongoing speculations that she might coach The Voice after Shelton’s final season.
“I got [a look at] the Holland version of The Voice. They sent it to me and I said, ‘I can’t see me doing that,'” she said.
The country star went on and said that she’s a “gypsy at heart.” According to McEntire, she doesn’t think she could stick to just one project and just one place for a long time. She also said that filling Blake’s chair is going to be tough if ever.
Back in 2022, McEntire gave a detailed explanation why she turned down the role years ago.
“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,” she told Country Now. “I couldn’t do that day in and day out, I just couldn’t do it, so I did pass on it.”
However, as she saw The Voice thrive for years, she admitted that she’s regretful that she didn’t take the job. Nonetheless, she still acknowledges that Shelton was the perfect choice for the job.
Blake Shelton Thinks Neal McCoy Should Take His Empty Spot
McEntire is only among several artists being considered for Shelton’s job. Apparently, Shelton has also shared his personal pick for his replacement. Early in December 2022, the country superstar mentioned Neal McCoy as the person he was considering for the job.
“Y’all know that next spring The Voice season 23 will be my last… So I’d like to throw Neal McCoy’s hat in the ring as my replacement! Can I get an amen?!!!!” he wrote on Twitter.
McCoy himself has tendered his delight upon finding out that the self-proclaimed king of The Voice has personally recommended him. Evidently, McCoy would enthusiastically accept the offer should the show ask him to be a coach. Nevertheless, the show is yet to announce the coach who will fill Shelton’s empty chair.