Canadian country music icon Reba McEntire made her debut on NBC’s hit singing competition, “The Voice,” with a bang. During the Season 24 premiere on Monday night, McEntire vied for Oklahoma-born singer Jordan Rainer alongside returning coaches Gwen Stefani and John Legend as well as last season’s champion, Niall Horan.
McEntire’s connection with Rainer was instant, as Rainer delivered a fiery rendition of McEntire’s hit song “Fancy.” However, their conversation was unexpectedly interrupted by Horan, who played hilarious messages about himself in the voice of former coach Blake Shelton. Not one to back down, McEntire pulled out a sparkly scepter and walked over to Horan’s chair to block his view of Rainer, declaring, “I am the queen. You cannot speak.”
In the end, Horan’s efforts were no match for McEntire’s iconic status, and Rainer ultimately chose McEntire as her coach. Horan playfully remarked, “Sadly, not even the king of ‘The Voice’ could help me with Jordan, and now I have to deal with the queen of country. I’m really up against it.”
Reba McEntire Loses ‘Impressive’ Teen Singer to Niall Horan after Crowning Herself
Even though McEntire came out victorious with Jordan Rainer, she also had to share the spotlight during Monday’s episode. Teen vocalist Sophia Hoffman, who had previously auditioned on Season 23, won over McEntire and Horan with her soulful performance of Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me.” Horan praised the 18-year-old for her maturity as a singer, saying, “There was so much more grit and maturity to it than I was expecting. You showed us all sides of your voice, which was so impressive.”
McEntire, ever the showbiz veteran, grabbed her scepter and put on a matching crown as she expressed her excitement about Hoffman’s return. However, Hoffman ultimately chose to join Team Niall, much to McEntire’s disappointment. Horan playfully claimed victory, saying, “Queen Reba wore the crown and she wore it well, but also Prince Niall is here and he’s coming for all of you.”
Gwen Stefani ‘Super Bummed’ Over Losing Country Singer to Reba McEntire
While McEntire celebrated her successful recruitment of Jordan Rainer, fellow coach Gwen Stefani faced disappointment on Monday’s episode. Country singer Jackson Snelling captured the attention of both McEntire and Stefani with his warm cover of Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.”
McEntire, who has a deep-rooted love for country music, expressed her pride in Snelling’s performance and his representation of the genre. Stefani, on the other hand, tried to make a case for herself by mentioning her marriage to country superstar Blake Shelton and their two No. 1 hits on country radio. McEntire playfully responded, “I’ve had more than two.”
Ultimately, Snelling chose McEntire as his coach, leaving Stefani “super bummed” about losing a country artist. Stefani seemed determined to have a country talent on her team, but McEntire’s track record and expertise won Snelling over.
Did John Legend Win Over ‘Magical’ 4-Chair Singer with Impromptu Duet?
One of the standout performances of the night came from New Jersey singer Mara Justine, who blew the coaches away with her powerhouse rendition of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The 21-year-old received a rare four-chair turn, capturing the attention of McEntire, Stefani, Legend, and Horan.
Legend endeared himself to Justine by pointing out that he was the first coach to turn his chair around, showcasing his prescience in recognizing her vocal talent. Not one to be outdone, Horan employed a tactic used by his “Voice” coach mentor, Blake Shelton, in a past season. He lowered an enlarged, red foam finger from the ceiling with the words “pick Niall” written across it.
Amidst the playful banter between the coaches, Legend invited Justine to join him in performing an impromptu duet of his hit song “All of Me” on stage, leaving Horan lying on the floor in frustration. McEntire remarked, “This has been quite entertaining for all of us. Who do you pick as your coach?”
The audience will have to wait until Tuesday’s episode to find out which coach Justine ultimately chooses.
Reba McEntire’s addition to the coaching panel of “The Voice” has undeniably injected new energy into the show. As an accomplished country music superstar with decades of experience, McEntire brings a unique perspective and wisdom to the competition. Her debut on Monday’s episode showcased her charm, wit, and stellar talent evaluation skills.
One of the most compelling moments of the premiere was McEntire’s interaction with Niall Horan, who playfully tried to undermine her connection with Jordan Rainer. McEntire’s response, pulling out a sparkly scepter and asserting herself as the queen, demonstrated her ability to command the stage and handle any situation with grace. It was a glimpse into the magnetic personality that has made her a beloved figure in the music industry.
Furthermore, McEntire’s deep appreciation for country music and her desire to nurture young talent in the genre was evident throughout the episode. Her engagements with Jackson Snelling and her lament over losing Sophia Hoffman showcased her genuine passion for shaping the future of country music.
McEntire’s presence on “The Voice” not only brings a fresh dynamic to the show but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and fans of country music. Her success story is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to one’s roots in an ever-evolving industry.
For contestants hoping to impress Reba McEntire and secure her as their coach on “The Voice,” it is crucial to showcase authenticity, talent, and a deep understanding of the music they are performing. McEntire values artists who stay true to themselves and embrace the essence of their chosen genre.
Additionally, contestants should not shy away from connecting with McEntire on a personal level. As demonstrated with Jordan Rainer, McEntire cherishes the opportunity to share common ground with performers and establish a genuine rapport. Creating a personal connection with the coach can make a lasting impact and influence their decision.
Finally, contestants should be prepared for playful banter and out-of-the-box tactics from fellow coaches like Niall Horan, Gwen Stefani, and John Legend. McEntire’s ability to rise above the banter and maintain her focus on the artist’s talent speaks to her professionalism and determination. Contestants should stay focused on their performance and remain unwavering in their decision-making process.
In conclusion, Reba McEntire’s debut on “The Voice” has brought a new level of excitement to the competition. Her unique perspective, talent evaluation skills, and undeniable charisma make her a formidable coach. Contestants who have the opportunity to work with her should embrace her expertise and allow her to guide them on their journey to success in the music industry.
<< photo by Donald Tong >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
