Reba McEntire Didn’t Want to Coach on The Voice Here’s What Changed Her Mind

Turns out, Reba McEntire nearly said “no thanks” to that iconic red chair on The Voice.

The country legend stopped by Late Night with Seth Meyers and got real about why she was hesitant to become a coach on the popular NBC singing show. And honestly? It’s the most Reba reason ever.

“I was really dreading it at first,” the 70-year-old star admitted. “I don’t want to tell anybody they suck.”

Before becoming a full-time coach in season 24, Reba had popped in as a part-time advisor a few times. But when the show first launched years ago, she actually passed on the opportunity altogether.

“I said, ‘I can’t tell somebody, you know, don’t give up your day job.’ I’m not gonna do that!” she explained.

But things felt different when she finally did join. The vibe on set was supportive, not harsh. “We’re nice people,” she said of her fellow coaches. “We encourage. We lift up.”

And she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Reba is set to return for The Voice’s 28th season later this year, alongside Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan. Not a bad crew, huh?

When she’s not spinning chairs, Reba’s juggling a lot—like acting in her sitcom Happy’s Place, hosting the 2025 ACM Awards, and celebrating an incredible 50 years in country music.

“That’s mind-boggling,” she said. “Very grateful, very thankful.” Reba gave a heartfelt shoutout to the women who came before her, like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, saying they paved the way for singers like her—and the next generation too.

“You always want to work real hard and make them proud,” she added.

She also gave credit where she says it really belongs: “God gave me a gift, and I try to use it and give him all the praise and glory,” she said. “Without him, I wouldn’t have had it.”

As if she wasn’t busy enough, Reba just dropped a new single, “Trailblazer,” with country queens Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson. It’s her first new release since last year’s “I Can’t,” and fans are already loving it.

Looks like Reba’s not only still got it—she’s just getting started.