Reba McEntire Reveals She Could Have Filled Blake Shelton's Seat on 'The Voice'

In a recent interview, country superstar Reba McEntire revealed that she was offered the role as a coach on season 1 of "The Voice," but she did not accept it. The part ultimately went to Blake Shelton.

In the recent episode of "Watch What Happens Live," a fan asked Reba McEntire if it was just a rumor that she was the first choice of "The Voice" to be a coach during the first season of the show.

To which the 65-year-old replied that the rumor was very accurate. "I said, 'No, I'm going to pass on that,' because I don't think I could ever be able to tell somebody that they're terrible," McEntire explained.

HE IS THE PERFECT CHOICE

The singer also said that she could not tell someone to just look for another job or "hope you like your nighttime job." As for Shelton, McEntire said the "God Gave Me You" singer is the show's perfect choice.

Shelton, who is currently engaged to pop star Gwen Stefani, remains the only coach that has been in every season after singer Adam Levine left "The Voice" a year ago, as reported by Fox News.

A CELEBRITY MENTOR

McEntire still made an appearance in the first season of the show. She was a mentor to Team Blake. She also has subsequently appeared as a celebrity mentor.

McEntire, who is often referred to as "The Queen of Country," revealed that after seeing the successful show, she told herself that she should just accept the offer to become a coach.

For the star-studded occasion, McEntire wore a glittery dress and accessorized herself with a plastic face shield.

"I SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT"

"I mean, after you see a very successful show that's been running, what, 15 years? Uh, yeah!" McEntire said to the host. "I'm like shoot, I should have done that."

Season 19 of "The Voice" premiered on October 19 on NBC. The latest season was originally set to air in early September but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by Country Living.

Meanwhile, the singer is now happy with her new love life. She is currently dating Rex Linn, who is known for his roles in "CSI: Miami," "Better Call Saul, "JAG," and "Young Sheldon."

The loved-up couple was recently spotted at the Music City Center in Nashville. Linn accompanied McEntire before she started her co-hosting duties with Darius Rucker, according to PEOPLE.

For the star-studded occasion, McEntire wore a glittery dress and accessorized herself with a plastic face shield. Meanwhile, Linn sported a blue tux jacket. The 63-year-old actor also wore a mask and face shield.

McEntire and Linn's date night at the show marks their red carpet debut as a couple. In October, the singer first revealed their relationship during an episode of her podcast, "Living & Learning."