Returning Voice coach Gwen Stefani is reportedly feuding with new co-star Reba McEntire, who recently joined the show for its 24th season.
According to a source that sat down with the National Enquirer, as per Radar Online, “They taped the blind auditions and battle rounds in July, and you could tell Gwen was less than thrilled playing second fiddle to Reba.” The insider added: “Reba has a very outgoing personality and can suck the air out of a room. Gwen doesn’t feel like she has a chance to shine the way she wants.”
It has also been purported that Stefani’s husband Blake Shelton, is currently embroiled in the middle of the alleged conflict between his wife and friend, McEntire. However, reports suggest that the “God’s Country” singer, 47, wants no part of it.
Are Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton Feuding? Insiders Say So
The source suggested that Stefani, 53, may not be completely satisfied with the current dynamic of her co-starring situation with McEntire, 68, on the popular singing competition series. Shelton (whom Stefani has been married to since July 2021) however, has long been friends with McEntire, and has even cited her as a musical inspiration.
The two country superstars have worked together on numerous occasions, with Shelton taking on the role of McEntire's little brother on her TV sitcom Malibu Country in 2013. The duo also memorably co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards together one year earlier.
"In most cases, Blake goes out of his way to not ruffle Gwen's feathers," the insider added. They went on: "But he's told her he isn't going to stand for her to be anything less than polite and kind to Reba or she's gong to be living in a house of discontent."
As seen in promotional videos for the upcoming season of The Voice, McEntire seems to have a playful and fun dynamic with the other coaches Niall Horan and John Legend. Many clips have been shared in the past few weeks that show the four coaches (including Stefani) joking, laughing, teasing each other and preparing to find the competition's next winner.
Stefani is returning to The Voice for her seventh season as a coach. She previously came back for two seasons to serve as an advisor for contestants. Shelton shocked fans and left the series after 22 seasons earlier this March.
This marks the first time that McEntire will serve as a coach after coming on in the past as an advisor. It is Horan's second season and Legend's eighth.
Season 24 of The Voice will premiere Monday, September 25, 2023 on NBC at 8/7c, and it will also be available for streaming the following day.
