Netizens have expressed their qualms with two coaches on “The Voice,” one of whom has been a mentor on the show before. The comments come after the judges kicked off the show with a group performance.
After months of anticipation, NBC’s “The Voice” is back on TV screens with season 26 already having kicked off with a bang and two new faces. While beloved iconic artists Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani have reprised their coach roles, season 25 coaches and fellow famous entertainers Dan + Shay, Chance the Rapper, and John Legend have not.
User comment about Snoop Dogg, posted on September 24, 2024 | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice and nbc
Replacing the three aforementioned industry heavy hitters, legendary musicians Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé have come on board as the two new coaches for this season.
The two made their debut on Monday night, September 23, which was the premiere of the singing competition series. As is usually the case with the show, Snoop, Stefani, McEntire, and Bublé will gear up for the Blind Auditions in the first few episodes.
This phase of the competition focuses on the coaches building up their team of performers based on the competitors’ sounds alone.
Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg on season 26 of “The Voice,” posted on September 24, 2024 | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice and nbc
Even though the premiere just happened yesterday (September 23), the internet is already ablaze with reactions and commentary. Many netizens have taken issue with the selection of two coaches, namely Snoop and Stefani.
Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani at the MTV Video Music Awards in Miami, Florida in 2005. | Source: Getty Images
“Banning this season due to Snoop Dogg! Disgraceful,” criticized an Instagrammer. A particularly opinionated user wrote, “This [season’s] initial episode was awful!!! Snoop is a cringy judge! [His] trying to seek a contestant on branding and marketing was way out there!!!”
Snoop Dogg | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice and nbc
The same user went on to express, “Not sure why they brought back Gwen. She was cute when Blake was on as a judge. I love Michael. But honestly I’m starting to find I’m bored with the show… none of the contestants really stood out to me yet.”
Gwen Stefani | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice and nbc
Adding to the disdain for Snoop as a coach while including the other judges as well, another noted, “Snoop Dogg keeps saying the same things over and over. This is the worst set of judges they have ever had. I won’t be watching and see how the ratings go this year.”
Ahead of the season premiere, Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg shared some words about what their strategies as coaches will be like for this season.
“The Voice” season 26 coaches having a conversation, posted on September 24, 2024 | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice and nbc
“So we’re only nine minutes into the show and Gwen Stefani is already irritating. Is she always gonna use Blake to try to get to the contestants [?] 
,” remarked a viewer of Stefani and her famous husband Blake Shelton, who used to be a judge on previous seasons.
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton on a season 22 episode of “The Voice” in 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Jumping on the dislike for Stefani bandwagon, someone else said, “10 minutes in and I’m already tired of Gwen,” while an observer shared, “Wish someone else was in Gwen’s spot switch her smh.”
Gwen Stefani posing for a photo on the set of “The Voice,” posted on September 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice
Amid the vitriol, however, came a few praises for Stefani and Snoop. “Snoop and [Gwen],” penned a fan who highlighted their love for the duo with two heart emojis. Another admirer swooned, “Great judges! Snoop did even better than I expected!”
Snoop Dogg | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice
As the aforementioned comment suggests, Snoop showed that his musical talents extend beyond rapping — which he is widely known for — during the coaches’ group performance.
He, McEntire, Stefani, and Bublé dazzled the audience with an electrifying performance of the Eagles’ classic “Heartache Tonight” to showcase their unique skills as coaches.
The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” artist kicked the performance off with his smooth vocal cadence, which was then followed by Bublé’s velvety vocals.
After Michael Bublé, McEntire, who won the previous season with her artist Asher HaVon, added her powerful country flair to the ensemble while Gwen Stefani livened up the performance with her pop tone and playful energy.
Ahead of the season premiere, Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg shared some words about what their strategies as coaches will be like for this season.
As a seasoned judge, McEntire explained how one thing she looks for in contestants is if they can make listeners and spectators emotional when they perform.
“Are we inspired? Do we feel something? I will turn in a heartbeat for somebody that makes me feel something,” divulged the country star.
On the other hand, coming into the show as a newbie, Snoop noted how his strategy mostly involves looking, listening, and learning.