Reba McEntire from The Voice season 26 will not return for a new season. She is one of the three coaches whose contract expires after season 26. Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani are the other two coaches.
There were rumors as early as February 2024, when The Voice season 26 had not even aired. It was about how Reba was to quit the show. However, via Instagram, the artist debunked the claims labeling them false.
Now when the season is officially over, NBC officially confirmed Reba's exit as a Coach. Reba has been on the show for three seasons now. With season 27, we will see Adam Levine, John Legend, and Kelsea Ballerini replacing the three coaches from the 2024 season.
However, we know how NBC likes to shuffle the coaching lineup to bring a fresh style of mentorship. This means that we might be able to see Reba later in some seasons although nothing is official yet.
Why is Coach Reba McEntire leaving The Voice?
Reba McEntire has not confirmed a reason for her exit from The Voice. Although, it can be estimated why she left. Despite no acknowledgment from her officially, it was reported that Reba will star in a new sitcom called Happy's Place.
The new series was created by NBC and was released on October 18, 2024. This means that by the time filming for The Voice season 26 ended, Reba already had her schedule tied up with this new venture. Here is what the show's bio reads;
Giving family their best shot. The iconic Reba McEntire returns to TV comedy in this heartfelt new series as Bobbie, a tough but lovable woman who inherits her late father’s Tennessee tavern - only to discover that her new co-owner is also the half-sister she never knew she had! They couldn’t be more different, but they’ll navigate this new life together... because at Happy’s Place, everyone is family.
On the other hand, Reba McEntire recently released her new song, 'Can't Wait,' in May 2024 on the NBC show. Later that month, the artist confirmed that she is working on more songs and that there is a potential album coming out soon.
With two major projects on her cards, Reba must have decided to take time off from The Voice. In the future, with her album and Happy's Place filming over, there could be room for her to be back as a coach.
The Voice Season 27 Details
The Voice Season 27 will be released on February 3, 2025, on NBC. The episodes will air on Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. A day later, the episodes can also be streamed online on Peacock.
Returning to the coach panel after a long time are coaches John Legend, and Adam Levine. The two will be joined by rookie coach, Kelsea Ballerini. Michael Bublé is returning to the big red chairs as well.
NBC has also shared a bio for season 27, stating,
"The Emmy-winning singing competition is set to return with a revamped coaching lineup, thrilling blind auditions, and a fresh slate of talent ready to make a splash."
Michael Bublé had coached Sofronio Vasquez who won season 26. Shye Roberts was a runner-up who was also coached by him. This gave Coach Michael a winner and a runner-up in his rookie season making him the first judge in the show's history to ever do so.