‘This Is Unbelievable’: Reba McEntire Makes ‘Softie’ Co-Judge Cry on ‘The Voice’ Premiere, Igniting Reactions

Yesterday, September 24, video footage of a contestant’s performance during the Blind Auditions phase of the competition show was shared on YouTube. For his audition, contestant Kendall Eugene sang a powerful rendition of Morgan Wallen’s “Don’t Think Jesus.”

Unfortunately, by the time he finished performing, none of the coaches had turned their chairs around to welcome him to their respective teams.

When all four coaches were chatting with the contestant, McEntire expressed how much she liked the song. “Should have turned,” Eugene cheekily responded.

After McEntire agreed, Snoop jumped in to explain, “Which leads me to why I didn’t turn. I’m like, ‘I can’t beat her when it comes to him.’ It was a beautiful song.” The rapper and Eugene exchanged more banter about his performance right before McEntire did something unexpected that changed Eugene’s fate.

Although he is new to the show, Snoop has also proven himself to be a talent magnet, as the artist has already been snagging up contestants for his team.

“I don’t understand why I did not turn around. We’ve got this new thing this year that is a Coach Replay button. I’m gonna use mine,” revealed the “Fancy” singer.

Upon hearing those words, everyone in the room cheered loudly, including co-judges Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, and Snoop, who were pleasantly surprised by McEntire’s decision. Eugene was also spotted shedding a few tears as well.

Like the contestant, Snoop, who urged McEntire to hug Eugene, was overcome with emotion as the camera zoomed in on him to show that he was crying.

Lifting his dark shades to place them on his forehead, Snoop was seen wiping tears away underneath his eyes as the joyous moment played out.

Explaining what she felt when Eugene was performing, McEntire shared, “I love that song that Kendall was singing, and after the song was over, I felt kind of numb and I knew in my heart, I wanted him on my team.”

Continuing, she said, “I’m so glad for the very first time, we have a Coach Replay button. It’s the second chance for the coaches when we realize we missed this moment.”

Online spectators who saw the episode flooded the video’s comment section with their reactions. One fan was just as surprised by McEntire using the Coach Replay button as the coaches and audience on the show were. They marveled, “This is unbelievable, I cried when she used [the button] 😭 This is an emotional moment.”

“Awww thank God for the replay back button!!! Yes to Reba for pressing the button!!! He sure does have a good voice! He will do great on Reba’s team!!! Let’s go!!! 😊😊,” swooned another fan.

Other netizens were taken aback by how emotional Snoop was. “Who knew Snoop was such a softie 💕,” noted an admirer while another penned, “I’m loving Snoop! ‘He needs a hug Reba.’ Snoop is so [tender-hearted].”

Praising both Snoop and McEntire, someone else gushed, “I can’t stop having the feels for Snoop!❤️❤️ Way to go Reba the Queen!”

Snoop getting emotional because of McEntire’s decision further underscores the deep reverence he holds for the country icon. In another video shared on YouTube, the “Sweat” musician was seen singing her praises.

“Reba is definitely the national treasure of the show. She’s a magnet for talent, she says all the right things, she is the one that we fear the most, and she loves bragging about how she won last year,” he praised.

“The Voice” newbie coach and his fellow judges even coined a nickname for Reba McEntire that emphasizes her knack for scouting talent. “Reba Magnet-Tire is what we call her on the set,” disclosed Snoop.

Although he is new to the show, Snoop has also proven himself to be a talent magnet, as the artist has already been snagging up contestants for his team.

After 16-year-old ChrisDeo won him and Bublé over with her beautiful performance of Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up,” the young performer chose Snoop as her coach.

During a different blind audition, Snoop scored another contestant for his team when Torre Blake impressed him with her amazing performance of Erykah Badu’s “On & On.” Blake picked Snoop over Gwen Stefani, who had also turned her chair around for her.

In addition to ChrisDeo and Blake, Snoop Dogg also managed to scoop up Jake Tankersley, who impressed all four coaches with his standout performance of “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan.

With his successful start on “The Voice,” Snoop is quickly becoming a fan favorite on the show. Viewers have been singing his praises as a judge ever since he and the other coaches kicked season 26 off with their electrifying rendition of the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight.”

Snoop, dressed to impress in a glitzy black suit, made a grand entrance from the audience, setting the stage with his laid-back swagger. Bublé then took the mic. His smooth, velvety vocals shined through in a sharp black tuxedo.

McEntire’s country voice added a lively twist to the chorus, while Stefani, ever the pop queen, brought her signature playful energy, turning the collaboration into an unforgettable moment. This performance was more than just a kick-off — it was a statement: The new era of “The Voice” is here, and it’s bringing the heat.

Snoop’s highly anticipated coaching debut on “The Voice” has sent fans into a frenzy. One fan enthusiastically shared, “Snoop is really holding his own. Wasn’t too sure about him being a judge, but I think he’s going to be great.”

Aside from his captivating performance, Snoop’s fashion choices were also a hit. “Love the jacket too,” complimented an admirer. Many fans were taken aback by Snoop’s versatility, especially his ability to sing. One surprised user wrote, “I didn’t know Snoop could sing?!!! I know him as a rapper.”

The compliments kept rolling in, with another fan chiming in with, “Snoop has a great voice. Very smooth—just like him.” Another person couldn’t hold back their excitement, commenting, “I am SHOOKETH! They really got some excellent vocals out of Snoop.”

Someone else echoed, “Snoop’s singing voice was surprisingly good! I expected him to rap!” Another fan expressed, “Well Snoop surprised me too! Who knew he could sing like that? Nice surprise.”

And, of course, there was no shortage of love for the rapper himself. “Love me some Snoop! Excited to see how he does! Absolutely love Reba, too!” gushed another fan who also expressed their affinity for McEntire.

For months, Snoop had been amping up excitement for his debut on “The Voice.” Just four months ago, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the rapper appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” where he spoke about looking forward to coaching on the show.

“If you know anything about me, you know I love all forms of music, so this is a great opportunity for me to show that I really understand music and, you know, be a real coach,” he told Fallon. The iconic rapper also expressed his eagerness to mentor artists and his excitement to collaborate with the other coaches.

Snoop isn’t only making waves for his coaching skills but for his legendary gifts to contestants, too. He’s handing out Death Row Records chains — an iconic nod to the hip-hop label he now owns — as an award for his standout artists.

Snoop’s debut on “The Voice” is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about moments of the season. With his cool demeanor, unexpected vocal prowess, and unique approach to coaching, it’s clear that he is ready to make his mark.