Photo: Robby Klein
Reba McEntire is set to join The Voice in season 23 as a Mega Mentor.
The legendary country star will mentor contestants of the smash-hit NBC singing competition show, offering her guidance to those who have made it through the Battle Rounds as the teams prep for Knockouts, per a press release announcing McEntire's role as Mega Mentor on Wednesday (February 22). McEntire served as a Battle Advisor during the first season of the show in 2011, for Team Blake. Her return to The Voice comes as Blake Shelton his heading into his final season, coaching alongside Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson and Niall Horan.
McEntire is set to mentor contestants before the Knockouts begin on April 17. Season 23 is set to premiere on March 6 on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Recently, McEntire was asked whether she would ever replace outgoing coach Shelton, if offered the opportunity. She was reportedly offered a spot on the show as a coach in the first season, though she turned it down at that time.
“Who could fill Blake's shoes?” McEntire recently said, per ET. “To fill Blake's chair? Wow. That's gonna be tough. He did a great job and kudos to him.”
Shelton is gearing up for his final season on The Voice, ending his run as the winningest coach. He could make history if he emerges victorious in his final season, which would mark 10 victories and launch him into double digits, becoming the first coach to do so.
Shelton announced in October that season 23 would be his final season on The Voice. He admitted that he’d “been wrestling” with the decision for a while, but ultimately opted to end his run on the show. He said at that time, in part: “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me. ...I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson (Daly) and every single ons of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani!”