Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
McEntire is set to come back for season 28 of the NBC singing competition later this year, joining coaches Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan.
Becoming a coach on The Voice wasn’t originally part of Reba McEntire’s plans.
During a recent interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the 70-year-old country music icon revealed why she was hesitant to take on the role when first approached by the popular NBC singing competition.
“At first, I really dreaded it because I didn’t want to be the one to tell people they weren’t good enough,” McEntire explained. She had previously served as a part-time advisor on the show three times before officially joining as a coach in season 24.
The “Fancy” singer shared, “When the show first arrived from Holland years ago, I declined because I didn’t want to tell anyone, ‘Maybe you should stick to your day job.’ That just wasn’t something I wanted to do.”
She went on to say, “But during my first time on The Voice, the approach was more supportive and positive.” McEntire, who will be returning for season 28 alongside Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan, added, “We’re kind people. We motivate and uplift each other.”
With coaching duties on The Voice, acting on Happy’s Place, and hosting the 2025 ACM Awards, McEntire has been keeping a full schedule lately. She’s also marking 50 consecutive years in country music, an achievement she recently described to PEOPLE as “mind-boggling.”
“Very grateful, very thankful,” she expressed earlier this month when reflecting on this significant milestone.
“At my 20th anniversary, I never imagined I’d reach this milestone,” McEntire reflected. “I owe a great deal to those who came before me—Tammy [Wynette], Dolly [Parton], Loretta [Lynn]—who paved the way for female singers in my generation and those who follow.” She added, “It’s been an enjoyable journey.”
“You always want to put in your best effort and make them proud,” she said.
The Grammy-winning artist also expressed gratitude for her enduring career, saying, “God blessed me with a gift, and I strive to use it while giving Him all the praise and glory. Without Him, I wouldn’t have this talent, and it could have been given to someone else, so I want to make Him proud.”
Just last week, McEntire dropped her latest single, “Trailblazer,” featuring Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson. This release is her first since last year’s “I Can’t.”