Blake Shelton has announced he’ll be leaving “The Voice” ahead of the next season. Replacing the judge who’s been with the show since its premier in 2011 is no easy task. But producers have found a new judge with the experience and star power needed to step into the role: country legend Reba McEntire.
McEntire previously appeared on the show as a “mega mentor” for the Team Shelton in Season 23.
During an interview with ET Online, Reba shared that this wasn’t her first opportunity to sit in the red chair. Years ago, McEntire was offeered a chance to sit in on Holland’s version of the show, which she turned down. Now, she says things are different.
“I think timing is everything,” McEntire explained. “It all worked out for it to work now. I think I’ll be a better mentor to help the kids out more.”
As for Shelton, the decision to leave the show was all about commitment. In February, he told Access Hollywood that becoming a stepdad changed his priorities.
“I think being a stepdad has changed my perspective in that I’m not the first person that I think about anymore. Even to the small little things when you go, ‘I think I’ll do this,’ the very next thought is always, ‘Well, wait a minute. How’s that going work?’ or, ‘What will they think?’ or, ‘How will that affect a schedule?’”
“I think the only way for me to really do that right is to step away from being committed to something like “The Voice” that demands a lot of your time,” Shelton explained. “There’s no way around it. If you’re going to do it and do it right, you have to be 150 percent in. And I just feel like those days are behind me for now. I got a more important job.”
“The Voice” will return for season 24 this fall. McEntire will join the cast alongside John Legend, Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani.
