Reba McEntire is speaking out about her decision to join the cast of The Voice. The 68-year-old was just announced as a coach for Season 24 this fall, filling the spot left vacant by Blake Shelton, who is departing the show after next week’s season finale.
“The country lane — I’m taking over for Blake so I’m gonna represent country music,” McEntire tells People. “[He’s got] big boots. 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 will join Gwen Stefani, John Legend and Niall Horan in the red swivel chairs, an undeniable dream team, at leat according to the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
There’s a new Coach in town! See you all this Fall! #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/tLxQIuXtRc
— Reba McEntire (@reba) May 15, 2023
“John and Niall [are] all really funny and clever, and always have so many smart things to say, so I’ve got my work cut out for me,” McEntire admits. “I’m most excited about basically getting started, and I’m sure that I’ll have lots of help, lots of advice, lots of people coming around saying, ‘You can do this. You can do that.’ And I’m not afraid at all. I think it’ll be a very fun adventure.”
The Oklahoma native does acknowledge that there is a bit of pressure being on the show with Stefani, at least when it comes to what she will wear.
“I do understand that I need to go razzle-dazzle with Gwen being on there,” says McEntire. “Gwen’s always got the nicest outfits, so I really need to step up my game on that.”
McEntire previously said she regretted not taking the position when it was offered to her, before it was given to Shelton.
“It was a very popular show in Holland, I’m pretty sure,” McEntire told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. “I watched the tape and I said ‘No, I’m going to pass on that, because I don’t think I’d 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. Blake was the perfect choice. He’s done a wonderful job.”
A date for the Season 24 premiere of The Voice has yet to be announced. Shelton’s run on The Voice will end with the season finale, which will air on Tuesday, May 23 at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.
McEntire’s new book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots and the accompanying album will both be available on October 10. Find all of McEntire’s music and upcoming shows, and pre-order Not That Fancy, at Reba.com.
Read ‘Reba McEntire: 11 Things to Know About the Country Music Legend’
Photo Credit: Courtesy of NBC / Tyler Golden
