Reba McEntire has replaced Blake Shelton on the Voice US for season 24, after the series veteran announced he would be bowing out for good.
The country icon confirmed the news at today’s NBC Universal Upfront presentation, held in New York.
The 68-year-old is no stranger to the hit competition, having served as a mentor to current contestants, but this will be her first time sitting in one of those iconic spinning red seats.
She will be making her coaching debut in the singing competition later this year, with the new episodes set to premiere in the fall.
Reba will be joined by some very familiar faces on her debut, as John Legend, Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani are returning as coaches.
Blake, who has been a part of the program since in launched in 2011, announced that he would be leaving our screens last October, leaving loyal viewers devastated.
‘I’ve been wrestling with this for a while and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from The Voice after next season,’ he shared on Instagram at the time. ‘This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me.
‘It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people, you are the best. It takes a lot of work, passion and adult beverages (ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week.
‘I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani!
‘I have to give a huge shoutout to the singers – the Voices, who come on this stage season after season and amaze us with their talent and a special thanks to those who chose me to be their coach.’
He concluded: ‘Lastly, it’s about y’all, the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches and everyone at The Voice who are chasing their dreams. It would not happen without you!’
Blake is serving as coach for the final time in the current season of the competition, beside fellow stars Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan and Chance, The Rapper.
Reba had previously turned down a stint on the program, and recently remained coy when asked if she would reconsider her position following Blake’s exit.
‘Who could fill Blake’s shoes?’ she told Entertainment Tonight in February. ‘To fill Blake’s chair? Wow. That’s going to be tough.
‘He did a great job and kudos to him.’
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