The new season hasn’t even debuted yet and already, there is a rumor that Reba McEntire is leaving ‘The Voice.’
The newly appointed judge who replaced Blake Shelton after his exit has already become a fan favorite.
So, if she leaves before things even get started, that spells pretty bad news for viewers.
So what’s the story here – why are folks saying Reba is leaving The Voice?
Is Reba McEntire Leaving ‘The Voice’ Judge Panel?
Relax, Reba nation. Everything is fine on the western (music) front!
Reba quickly addressed the speculation that she’s leaving The Voice in a social media message on February 25.
“Please do not click on any articles that say I am leaving The Voice. This is not true,” the country star, 68, wrote on her Twitter page.
“These are fake websites to lure people in with clickbait where they claim I have a company to sell weight loss gummy products. This is false. I do not sell or promote any type of gummy product,” she added.
Phew! Happy to hear it on all accounts, tbh!
But if the rumors had been true, it would’ve been a real kick in the teeth. The news circulated just one day before the season 25 premiere on Feb. 26.
Reba is returning as a coach for her second season in a row.
This year, the judging panel also includes John Legend, Chance the Rapper, and Dan+Shay.
Reba, The Original Choice
While no one is sure how the rumor started, it could be that some bloggers are picking up an old story from the start of The Voice.
Turns out, Reba was the original choice to be the “country” focused judge on the panel back when the show debuted in 2011.
Reba opened up about the missed career opportunity during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in November 2020.
“I’m pretty sure, and I watched the tape, and I said, ‘No, I’m going to pass on that,’” she explained to Andy.
“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,’” Reba recalled, explaining, “I couldn’t do that day in and day out. I just couldn’t do it. So I did pass on it.”
Well, clearly someone changed their mind!
‘Voice’ Judges Don’t Last Long
In 2011, The Voice judge panel consisted of Blake, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine, and Christina Aguilera.
Over the last decade, many stars have come and gone – and come back, only to leave once more.
Most recently, fan favorites Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson both exited the show, both for very different reasons.
But if you had a favorite judge, don’t count them out quick. You never know with reality TV!