Reba McEntire Brings Snoop Dogg to Tears With Historic “Coach Replay” Move on The Voice
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
The season 26 premiere of NBC’s The Voice on September 23, 2024, delivered the kind of emotional TV moment that keeps fans hooked — and it came courtesy of a groundbreaking decision by Reba McEntire that left Snoop Dogg in tears.
A New Season With Fresh Faces
This season’s coaching lineup mixed seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers. Country legend Reba McEntire and pop icon Gwen Stefani returned, while Michael Bublé and hip-hop superstar Snoop Dogg joined the panel for their coaching debuts. As always, Carson Daly resumed his hosting duties.
In the lead-up to the premiere, NBC teased audiences with a coaches’ cover of the Four Tops’ classic “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” building anticipation for the blind auditions. The show also introduced a new twist — the “Coach Replay” button — though few could have predicted how dramatically it would debut.
The Performance That Almost Got Away
During the premiere’s blind auditions, 37-year-old Kendall Eugene took the stage with a heartfelt rendition of Morgan Wallen’s “Don’t Thank Jesus.” Gwen Stefani praised the believability of his delivery but pointed out early tuning issues, advising him to try again next season.
Reba McEntire, however, was already feeling pangs of regret. “I liked everything about it,” she admitted after the performance. When Eugene replied that she “should’ve turned,” Reba agreed, confessing she didn’t understand why she hadn’t.
Making The Voice History
In an unprecedented move, McEntire announced she would use the brand-new “Coach Replay” button — becoming the first coach in The Voice history to reverse her decision after a performance had ended. The button gave Eugene a spot on her team despite no chairs turning during his song.
The moment was charged with emotion. Eugene burst into tears, McEntire walked over to embrace him, and Gwen Stefani’s eyes glistened. But it was Snoop Dogg who wore his heart most openly, burying his head in his hands before urging, “Go give that man a hug! He needs a hug, Reba.”
Snoop Dogg’s Emotional Reaction
Snoop, known for his cool demeanor, didn’t hold back. “I’m over here shedding tears of joy, man,” he said. “You made me feel like I was sitting at a real Broadway play. I’m crying and I don’t care because my seat next to me, she’s crying. So I guess it’s OK to cry.”
Later, he reflected on the impact of the moment: “Something about the way you make me feel… You’re a blessing in disguise. I’m so thankful to have you on my team and I’m thankful to be able to hear you sing. Thank you, brother.”
Why It Resonated
The scene underscored The Voice’s enduring appeal: it’s as much about second chances and human connection as it is about competition. For Reba, the move demonstrated her instinct to champion overlooked talent. For Snoop, it revealed how powerfully music — and compassion — can cut through the noise of showbiz.
In just one episode, season 26 reminded viewers that sometimes the most unforgettable moments come not from perfect performances, but from the courage to rewrite the ending.
If you’d like, I can also create a sidebar piece exploring the Coach Replay feature’s rules and potential impact on the competition format. That would help readers understand why Reba’s move was so historic.
