Reba McEntire’s Unprecedented Move on The Voice Season 26 Premiere Brings Snoop Dogg to Tears

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The Voice season 26 premiere on September 23, 2024, delivered not only powerful performances but also a historic and deeply emotional moment that captivated fans and coaches alike. Country music legend Reba McEntire shocked audiences and her fellow coaches by becoming the first to use the brand-new “Coach Replay” button—a feature allowing coaches to reconsider and select a contestant after the blind auditions had ended without any chair turns.

A Fresh Twist on a Beloved Format

This season of The Voice introduced new faces to the coaching panel: Michael Bublé and hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg joined returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani, while mega mentors Jennifer Hudson and Sting brought additional star power during the knockout rounds. The show premiered on NBC and was available for streaming on Peacock, continuing its legacy as a premier platform for discovering vocal talent.

The Moment That Made History

The emotional milestone unfolded during the blind auditions when 37-year-old contestant Kendall Eugene performed Morgan Wallen’s “Don’t Thank Jesus.” Despite a heartfelt rendition praised by Gwen Stefani, none of the coaches initially turned their chairs. Stefani noted technical tuning issues early on and encouraged Eugene to return next season with a different song.

But Reba McEntire was visibly conflicted. “I liked everything about it,” she confessed, later saying she didn’t understand why she hadn’t turned around. Seizing the moment, McEntire invoked the newly introduced Coach Replay feature—never before used in The Voice history—to give Eugene a second chance.

Tears, Hugs, and a Powerful Response

The studio’s atmosphere shifted instantly. Kendall Eugene, overwhelmed, broke down in tears upon learning of McEntire’s reversal. Gwen Stefani fought back her own tears, and Snoop Dogg was visibly moved—covering his face, overcome with emotion. Later, Snoop shared on social media, “Go give that man a hug! He needs a hug, Reba.”

The heartfelt embrace that followed was captured by cameras and shared widely, embodying the show’s spirit of mentorship and compassion. Snoop Dogg described the moment as transformative, saying, “I’m over here shedding tears of joy, man… You made me feel like I was sitting at a real Broadway play.” His raw reaction underscored the emotional depth that talent competitions can evoke beyond just the performances.

What This Means for The Voice

Reba McEntire’s use of the Coach Replay button signals an exciting evolution for the series, emphasizing second chances and the human side of competition. Her decision reflects her enduring commitment to uplifting artists and her intuitive coaching style.

For Snoop Dogg, making his coaching debut this season, the moment revealed his genuine connection to the contestants and the emotional stakes involved in nurturing emerging talent. Meanwhile, Kendall Eugene’s journey is just beginning—with this unprecedented opportunity offering renewed hope and exposure.

Watching the Moment

Fans who missed the live broadcast can catch the episode on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock. The emotional scene quickly went viral, making headlines across entertainment outlets and sparking conversations about innovation and empathy in reality TV.

In a season full of surprises, Reba McEntire’s historic move on The Voice not only rewrote the rules but also reminded viewers why the show remains a compelling stage for dreams, emotions, and unforgettable human moments.