Blake Shelton’s shadow looms large over ‘The Voice’ Season 24 premiere, as he’s mentioned 16 (!) times

Marcus James Dixon
·5 min read
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“The Voice” just can’t quit Blake Shelton.

Four months after leaving NBC’s reality TV show, the country coach’s shadow still looms large as it aired its Season 24 premiere on Monday, September 25. Blake was mentioned a whopping 16 times during the two-hour opener, with current coaches John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan and Reba McEntire seemingly feeling “Lonely Tonight” because the “God’s Country” singer isn’t still buzzing around the set like a “Honey Bee.”

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Blake’s first shout-out came at the two-minute mark, when host Carson Daly presented the newest coach with a big pair of scissors so she could cut through the red ribbon on her chair. “Reba, here are your giant scissors for your chair. It’s been cleaned since Blake sat in it, don’t worry,” Carson said. As Reba sliced through the ribbon, Gwen (aka Blake’s wife) exclaimed, “Oh my God, I’m gonna cry!”

SEE Gina Miles on winning Season 23 of ‘The Voice’ with coach Niall Horan: ‘Me? Are you for real?’ [Exclusive Video Interview]

The first artist shown this season was 33-year-old Jordan Rainer, who received a four-chair turn for her rendition of Reba’s country hit “Fancy.” There were three Blake mentions alone as the judges were trying to acquire Jordan for their teams. Gwen readily admitted she might have a tough time scooping up Jordan because she’s “new to country music,” but added, “Eight years ago I met Blake and that got me into the genre more.” Gwen later noted how her husband could help with country song choices, teasing, “I could just be like [holding up a fake phone], ‘Blaaake?'” The funniest allusion to Blake during Jordan’s segment was when Niall pushed his button repeatedly and the former coach’s voice echoed through the studio with sayings like “Niall is like a son to me,” “Niall is a global superstar,” “Niall is an attractive guy,” “There’s something super charming about Niall” and “Niall has an awesome accent.”

After Jordan chose to be on Team Reba, Blake was cited three more times as the judges joked around with each other. Niall lamented in a confessional that “not even the King of ‘The Voice’ could help me with Jordan, and now I have to deal with the Queen of Country.” Gwen then played a soundbite from her phone from Blake shouting, “Niall is a liar!” And as they all nibbled on tater tots, Reba’s gift for her artist this year, Gwen proclaimed, “I know Blake is so pissed right now. He would really want to be here.”

Following the first commercial break, Blake was name-dropped three additional times, bringing the total to 10. The four coaches were standing around backstage when Gwen stated, “Welcome to my show, you guys. Well, Blake told me that I’m the star now.” Reba quickly stepped forward to steal her spotlight and declared, “I’m here. I’ll be bashful like Blake never was.” Moments later, Reba got serious when she revealed, “I am thrilled to be sitting in Blake’s chair. I hope I do it justice.”

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Crooner Sam Dearie hoped to stand out with his cover of “Walkin’ After Midnight,” but none of the coaches ended up pushing their buttons for him. “Blake would love this!” John yelled midway through the performance, giving the absent judge his 11th notice. Unfortunately, with Blake no longer there to turn his chair around, Sam walked off the stage and back home.

The next participant was Jackson Snelling, a country artist with autism who sang “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” Both Gwen and Reba pushed their buttons, creating the first head-to-head battle between the female coaches. Blake was referenced twice during the judges’ wooing of Jackson, with Niall confessing he didn’t turn his chair because Gwen is “married to Blake Shelton.” Gwen later echoed that sentiment, stating, “I’ve heard enough country music in the last eight years. I’m married to Blake Shelton — I’m gonna name drop right now.” Her pitch didn’t work, as Jackson picked Team Reba.

Country girl Kristen Brown from California was responsible for Blake’s 14th mention. She belted out “Blown Away” and scored another double chair-turn from Reba and Gwen. Gwen informed the singer how she “had two number-one country hits on country radio, riding the coattails of Blake Shelton, so I’m very proud.” The pitch worked, as Kirsten picked Gwen and shocked everyone (including the girl’s parents backstage) in the process.

SEEAll 18 ‘The Voice’ coaches ranked worst to best

The final contestant of the night was 21-year-old Mara Justine from Season 9 of “America’s Got Talent,” which brought about Blake’s last two references. Her rendition of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” resulted in a four-chair turn and an elongated squabble at the judges’ panel. Niall declared that his friend, who’s now “on a tractor in Oklahoma,” taught him the pointing-finger trick, and then a large red finger descended from the ceiling with Blake’s name crossed out and replaced with Niall’s name. That prompted Gwen to declare, “He’s a liar. My husband is Blake Shelton. He did not do that, I promise.” The episode ended before we found out which team Mara chose.

What do you think of “The Voice” Season 24 so far? Do you love that Blake Shelton still has a presence on NBC’s reality TV show, even though he’s no longer there in person? Sound off down in the comments section.

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