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In a groundbreaking moment onThe Voice‘s latest season, Reba McEntire made history during the blind auditions with an emotional move that left the audience in awe.
Thecountry musicicon made a powerful decision that not only secured a contestant for her team but also marked the first time a coach had used the new “Replay Button.”
Here’s how it all unfolded in one of the most emotional moments of the night.
A Powerful Performance with No Chair Turns
Kendall Eugene, a 37-year-old hopeful with dreams of country music stardom, took the stage with his rendition of Morgan Wallen’s soulful ballad,“Don’t Think Jesus.”
Eugene’s performance was raw and deeply emotional, but it didn’t land him any immediate chair turns from the coaches.
While his performance clearly struck a chord, coaches Gwen Stefani andMichael Bubléshared that technical issues with intonation and vocal range were the reasons they didn’t press their buttons.
Stefani was particularly complimentary, saying his voice had “a beautiful texture” and that he delivered the song with passion, but the small inconsistencies made her hold back.
When it came time forReba McEntireto give her feedback, her tone suggested something deeper.
“Your style is totally different than anything we’ve heard today. I liked everything about it,”Reba said, clearly reflecting on why she didn’t initially turn around.
She seemed visibly conflicted, and when Eugene remarked,“You should’ve turned,”she couldn’t help but agree.
“I was gonna say those exact same words,” McEntire admitted, acknowledging her regret at not hitting her button.
The Replay Button: A Game-Changer
This season ofThe Voiceintroduced a new twist: theCoach Replay Button.
For the first time ever, each coach has the ability to go back and reverse their decision after a performance.
The Replay Button gives them one opportunity perseasonto change their mind and bring a contestant onto their team after initially passing on them.
Recognizing that she had missed a special opportunity, Reba didn’t waste any time.
She hit the Replay Button, an action that allowed her to rewind the moment and officially secure Kendall Eugene for her team.
It was the first time in the show’shistorythat the Replay Button had been used, making the moment not just emotional, but historic.
“I love that song Kendall was singing, and after the song was over, I felt kind of numb. In my heart, I knew I wanted him on my team,”Reba explained after the fact.
She called the Replay Button a “second chance for coaches when we realize we missed a moment,” and it’s clear this was one she didn’t want to lose.
Tears and Emotion Take Over the Stage
Eugene was overcome with emotion as Reba’s decision sank in.
The reality that he was getting a second chance, one that hadn’t been possible before, left him in tears on stage. The emotion spread to the rest of the coaches as well.
Gwen Stefani’s eyes glistened with tears, andSnoop Dogg, another coach on this season, buried his face in his hands, clearly moved by the moment.
“Go give that man a hug, Reba,” Snoop urged.
And McEntire, embodying her warm and nurturing persona, walked across the stage, wrapped Eugene in a hug, and reassured him, “I believe in you.”
The introduction of the Replay Button already proves to be a defining feature ofThe Voice‘s 26th season, adding a new layer of strategy and emotion to theshow.
For Reba, the decision was about more than just securing a contestant—it was about trusting her gut and giving Eugene the chance she felt he deserved.
Kendall Eugene’s heartfelt rendition of “Don’t Think Jesus” may not have hit every technical note, but it struck a deepemotionalchord with McEntire, who acted on her intuition and made history in the process.
The moment set a powerful tone for the rest of the season, showing that second chances are sometimes all that’s needed to recognize something special.
The Voice Season 26: New Coaches and Familiar Faces Return
The Voicepremiered its twenty-sixth season on September 23, 2024, on NBC, withCarson Dalyreturning as the host for the twenty-sixth consecutive time.
The coaching panel underwent notable changes, with country legend Reba McEntire returning for her third season, joined by pop iconGwen Stefani, back for her eighth season after sitting out the previous one.
The season also introduced two new coaches:Canadian singer Michael Bublé and rapper Snoop Dogg, both of whom had previously appeared on the show in advisory roles.
Bublé, now the first Canadian coach on the AmericanVoice, served as a battle advisor in season 3, while Snoop Dogg acted as a mega mentor during season 20.
With this lineup, the season marks the first time since season 23 that two new coaches have joined the panel.
What to Expect from The Voice Season 26
This latest season promises to be full of surprises and emotional moments, with coaches willing to take risks and go the extra mile for their favorite contestants.
Reba McEntire’s bold andheartfeltdecision shows that she’s not afraid to rewrite the rules and use every tool at her disposal to build the best team possible.
As for Kendall Eugene, being the first contestant inThe Voicehistory to benefit from the Replay Button could mark the beginning of a transformative journey.
Now on Team Reba, he has the chance to prove that sometimes, all you need is a second chance.
The Voiceairs Mondays onNBC, and with moments like these, Season 26 seems to be one of the most emotional and exciting seasons yet.
Tune in to see how the rest of the competition unfolds!
‘The Voice’ Season 26 PREMIERE intro
Key Details Of The Voice Season 25
Category
Details
Hosted by
Carson Daly
Coaches
John Legend, Dan + Shay, Chance the Rapper, Reba McEntire
No. of Contestants
40 artists
Winner
Asher HaVon
Winning Coach
Reba McEntire
Runner-up
Josh Sanders
No. of Episodes
21
Original Network
NBC
Original Release
February 26 – May 21, 2024
This table highlights the key elements ofThe VoiceSeason 25, from the host and coaches to the winner and airing details.
Conclusion
Reba McEntire’s use of the Replay Button inThe VoiceSeason 26 premiere marked a powerful and emotional moment.
Her decision to reverse course and give Eugene a second chance proved that even seasoned coaches can have a change of heart when something truly special resonates with them.
This moment set the tone for what promises to be an exciting, unpredictable season filled with passion, risk-taking, and new opportunities.
Reba’s bold move shows that music is about more than hitting the right notes—it’s about emotion, connection, and sometimes, trusting your instincts to make history.
With features like the Replay Button, this season offers coaches and contestants the chance to turn a missed opportunity into a life-changing moment.
Fans can look forward to even more surprises, heartfelt performances, and special moments as the competition heats up.
Last Updated: September 26, 2024
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