Reba McEntire to join ‘The Voice’ after Blake Shelton exit

Singer Blake Shelton has been a coach on the NBC competition series ‘The Voice’ for 23 seasons. Now, the 46-year-old has decided to exit the show to spend more time with his children.

Country legend Reba McEntire will take his place on the show for season 24. McEntire will be a coach alongside Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan and John Legend.

Reba’s history with ‘The Voice’

McEntire was actually asked to be a coach on the show’s first season, but turned it down. The job was eventually given to Shelton.

“It is very true,” McEntire said on ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’. “It was a very popular show in Holland, I’m pretty sure, and I watched the tape, and I said, ‘No, I’m going to pass on that,’ because 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.”

After seeing the show’s success, McEntire did come to regret her decision.

“I mean, after you see a very successful show that’s been running, what, 15 years? Uh, yeah!” she said. “I’m like shoot, I should have done that.”

However, McEntire did appear as a battle advisor for Shelton’s team during season one. She later returned in February as a mentor, giving advice to artists.

McEntire talks joining the show

Since McEntire is taking over Shelton’s spot in representing country music on the show, she understands there’s pressure, but told People that she’s ready for it.

“The country lane — I’m taking over for Blake so I’m gonna represent country music. [He’s got] big boots,” she said. “I don’t know what size those boots are, but they’re big, so I’m gonna really work hard to make him proud.”

McEntire promised to bring her A-game.

“I do understand that I need to go razzle-dazzle with Gwen being on there. Gwen’s always got the nicest outfits, so I really need to step up my game on that.”