The Real Reason Reba McEntire Decided 'to Pass On' The Voice 12 Years Ago
The legendary singer was afraid she couldn't be as harsh as a coach has to be.
Twelve years have passed since The Voice first aired in the US. The show has had a whopping 23 seasons since then, with the last one coming to an end in a week.
The current season will be the last one of Blake Shelton, who has been the coach on the show in each and every installment. But despite being so closely linked with the project, Shelton might have never been a part of it in the first place.
Blake revealed this surprising information himself, and then Reba McEntire backed the revelation on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. She said that NBC had initially offered her Shelton's coaching position on The Voice, but the country singer turned down the offer, explaining that she thought she wasn't fit for the role.
'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,' the singer told the hosts.
Reba McEntire still took part in the first season of The Voice — ironically, she was a Battle Advisor to Team Blake. In the current 23rd season, she was also a 'mega mentor,' helping the young artists prepare for the Knockouts — the round after the Battles. That marked her return after a long 12-year absence from the project.
Furthermore, as Blake Shelton was known to be quitting, people were discussing who might be his potential replacement, and Reba was on top of the list, of course. Just yesterday, she was officially announced to take Blake's place for The Voice Season 24.
The episode that aired on May 15 saw Reba sit in Blake Shelton's chair, looking quite comfortable and apparently preparing for her future role — but then Blake came back and ousted her from his place.
Had Reba taken the offer 12 years ago, it would be a completely different show, and we're glad things worked out the way they did.
The next episode of The Voice Season 23 will air on May 22.
Source: YouTube.