“This is the raddest mega mentor we’ve ever had,” Clarkson shared.Reba McEntire is returning to The Voice to serve as the Mega Mentor for Season 23, and the coaches welcomed her with open arms.The country music icon, who previously served as a mentor to Team Blake during the first season of the singing competition show, is offering wise words of advice to all the contestants on this season.
Fans got a sneak peek of the upcoming knockout rounds where Reba has the chance to sit down with Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan, and Blake Shelton to offer the remaining contestants tips on performing and connecting with a live audience.
In the preview clip, the coaches expressed their excitement over the opportunity to work with the Country Music Hall of Famer.
Kelly Clarkson
Longtime The Voice coach, Kelly Clarkson, who has a long history with Reba, was the first to gush over the “Fancy” singer.“So the mega mentor this season is Reba McEntire. This is the raddest mega mentor we’ve ever had,” Kelly Clarkson shared. “So I love working with Reba. I love doing it in this capacity because she’s helped me tons musically as an artist. So it’s cool to watch her be able to do that for other people as well.”
Prior to their respective divorces, Reba was Kelly Clarkson’s mother-in-law. The pair previously collaborated on the re-recording of Clarkson’s 2004 hit “Because Of You,” on Reba’s 2007 duets album. They performed the song together at the 2007 ACM Awards and teamed up for an episode of CMT Crossroads that same year.
“I am so proud of Kelly. She has grown as an artist, as a teacher from when we first met in 2002 way back,” McEntire said of Clarkson. “So that’s how long we’ve known each other. She was a baby. She just matured into this wonderful woman that I am just so proud of and I love you with all my heart. That’s my truth.”
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton also has a lengthy history with Reba. The pair previously co-hosted the ACM Awards and spent quite a bit of time together when Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock, Shelton’s longtime manager.
“Blake and I have been friends for a long time and every time we get back together it’s just like we haven’t been apart,” Reba explained of her connection to Shelton. Having Reba on the show is a full-cirlce moment for Shelton, who bid farewell to the show after this season.
“Having Reba here… It’s just familiar territory for me because we’ve worked together a lot over the years…. Malibu Country, at least two ACM awards, maybe three,” Shelton said. “That was fun. Oh my God. And not to mention, you were my first mentor ever here on this show. Right? And you’re going to be my last mentor.”
“What does that say about our relationship?” Reba said, to which Shelton replied, “You brought me into this and now you’re taking me out. That’s what it means.”