'Disgraceful' & 'Irritating': 'The Voice' Premiere Sparks Heated Debate over Two Coaches

Netizens have shared their concerns regarding two coaches on The Voice, one of whom has mentored on the show before. These reactions surfaced after the judges opened the new season with a group performance.

After much anticipation, NBC’s The Voice has returned for its 26th season, introducing two new coaches alongside returning fan favorites. Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani have reprised their roles as coaches, while former season 25 coaches Dan + Shay, Chance the Rapper, and John Legend have stepped down.

To fill their spots, legendary musicians Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé joined as the two new faces of this season. Their debut occurred during the season premiere on Monday, September 23. As is tradition, the first few episodes will focus on the Blind Auditions, with the coaches selecting their teams based solely on the contestants’ voices.

Despite the season just beginning, reactions have already flooded the internet. Many viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with the inclusion of Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani as coaches.

One Instagram user harshly criticized Snoop Dogg, claiming, “Banning this season due to Snoop Dogg! Disgraceful.” Another viewer echoed this sentiment, calling the premiere episode “awful” and describing Snoop as a “cringy judge” for focusing on branding and marketing advice for contestants. This viewer also questioned Stefani’s return, remarking that her appeal seemed tied to her dynamic with former coach and husband, Blake Shelton, and added that no contestants stood out to them yet.

Others joined in the criticism of both coaches. A viewer commented that Snoop repeated himself too often, calling it the “worst set of judges” in the show’s history, vowing not to watch further. Another criticized Stefani, stating she was already “irritating” only nine minutes into the show, and questioned whether she would continuously reference Shelton to appeal to contestants.

Despite the negative feedback, some fans offered praise for the new coaching lineup. One user wrote, “Snoop and [Gwen]” with heart emojis, while another commended Snoop’s performance, saying he exceeded expectations.

The judges kicked off the premiere with a group performance of the Eagles’ classic, “Heartache Tonight,” each showcasing their musical abilities. Snoop opened the performance with his signature smooth cadence, followed by Bublé’s renowned vocals. Reba McEntire added her country flair, while Gwen Stefani brought her pop energy, making for a lively and diverse performance.

Ahead of the season, McEntire and Snoop Dogg shared insights into their coaching strategies. McEntire, a seasoned judge, explained that she looks for contestants who can evoke strong emotions through their performances, saying, “I will turn in a heartbeat for somebody that makes me feel something.” Meanwhile, Snoop, new to the role, expressed that his approach would focus on observing, listening, and learning.