After Blake Shelton retires from ‘The Voice’, country music legends step in
When O.G. coach Blake Shelton retired from ‘The Voice’ after coaching six country singers to victory over 12 years, much ado was made about his replacement: country music legend Reba McEntire. This week, as season 24 Knockout Rounds commenced, ‘The Voice’ upped the country star power by welcoming Mega-Mentor Wynonna Judd. Two other Nashville veterans also arrived to make up for Blake’s absence.
Country duo Dan + Shay are set to make ‘The Voice’ history next season, spring 2024, when they become the first twosome to join the coaching panel full-time, and they made an early appearance this week by filling in for coach Niall Horan.
Niall’s absence was unexpected considering his previous enthusiasm for the show, but he is sitting out next season which he told Dan + Shay over FaceTime would be “good practice” for the duo if they decided to coach in the future.
During Tuesday’s Knockouts, Team Legend’s Mara Justine, who lost her highly competitive three-way Knockout on Monday, caused a stir when she surprisingly chose Niall over Gwen.
Mara is now an official member of Team Niall, and will be working with Dan + Shay. Tuesday’s Knockouts for Team Niall included strong performances by Nini Iris and an off-brand risk taken by Olivia Minogue.
Team Gwen’s Tanner Massey also delivered a strong performance, but it was Rudi’s standout performance that caught the attention of Niall and Reba. Overall, Gwen’s “plan” worked out according to plan.
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