In an unprecedented display of support and compassion, country music legend Reba McEntire made waves on the premiere of The Voice Season 26 on September 23. After contestant Kendall Eugene’s blind audition, which concluded without any chair turns, McEntire’s heartfelt decision brought fellow coach Snoop Dogg to tears.
Eugene, who performed Morgan Wallen‘s “Don’t Thank Jesus,” received encouragement from the coaches, who suggested he return for a future season. However, McEntire, 69, expressed immediate regret for not turning her chair during his performance.
“I liked everything about it,” she said, to which Eugene remarked that she “should’ve turned.” McEntire replied, “I don’t understand why I did not turn around.”
In a groundbreaking moment for the show, McEntire announced her intention to use the new “Coach Replay” button—an option that allows coaches to reconsider their initial decision. “We’ve got this new thing this year, that is a Coach Replay button. I’m going to use mine,” she declared as she pressed the button.
Eugene was visibly moved by the gesture, breaking into tears, while Snoop Dogg, 52, was equally affected. “Wow! Go give that man a hug,” he urged, wiping away tears from his eyes.
“I love that song that Kendall was singing. After the song was over, I felt kind of numb. I knew in my heart I wanted him on my team. I’m so glad, for the very first time, we have a Coach Replay button. It’s a second chance for the coaches when we realize we missed this moment,” McEntire reflected.
This season marks McEntire’s third consecutive appearance as a coach on The Voice, following her victory with Asher HaVon in Season 25. She joins a new lineup this year that includes first-time coaches Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg, alongside returning coach Gwen Stefani. In a collaborative spirit, the coaches recently performed a vibrant rendition of the Four Tops’ 1966 hit “Reach Out I’ll Be There.”
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