Viewers of The Voice are divided after two new coaches took their seats on the season 26 premiere of the singing competition show.
While some fans call the new panelists “disgraceful” and “cringy” others applaud the “phenomenal” new additions, saying it’s going to be a “great season.”
Keep reading to learn more about the two coaches who are creating a stir!
Season 26 of The Voice kicked off on September 23 with two new faces preparing to spin their iconic coach chairs.
John Legend, who first appeared in 2018, and Chance the Rapper, a coach since season 23, left their seats behind for Michael Bublé and Snoop Dog, who joined mentors Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani.
Speaking with People, Snoop explained that joining the cast is “like a lost family reunion.”
“It feels like we’ve been together our whole lives, and we just reunited, and the camaraderie and the chemistry on set, it’s magic,” the 52-year-old rapper and songwriter said.
“I think that people, when they see this show, they’re going to be re-energized with the feeling of The Voice of how it used to be, how it used to feel. How it was exciting not only for the artists but for the coaches as well because we care, and we care enough to show you on screen.”
‘Brothers from another mother’
Discussing the tight bond he’s formed with Bublé, Snoop – a close friend of Martha Stewart – adds, “Who would’ve thought? But I’ve been known to have pairings with people who you wouldn’t expect me to pair with, and it just feels like me and Bublé are lost brothers,” he says of the 49-year-old Canadian crooner. The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” singer says that him and Bublé are “like brothers from another mother.”
“We love the same things, we agree to disagree, and it’s just beautiful finding somebody like this so far in my career that has the same views in life and that I can mesh with and bond with on screen and off screen,” he said.
The feelings are mutual and Bublé gushed over his newfound bromance with Snoop, who with Dr. Dre founded a cocktail brand named after their 1994 hit song “Gin and Juice.”
“I love you so much I’m not joking…I was so terrified that you wouldn’t be who you are. I was so excited to do this with you,” the Grammy Award winning singer told the rapper at a roundtable event. “It was huge for me because the truth is I was really excited. I was so excited to meet you and you’re better than I ever thought you could be.”
‘Judges are phenomenal’
The chemistry shared between the judges is palpable on screen and many fans were raving over the season premiere.
“This season is going to be great. Awesome judges who interact great with each other. No awkwardness. They all seem genuine,” writes one netizen on the show’s Instagram page.
A second shares, “This season’s coaches are hilarious! I love this team together!”
“Best show opening ever on history of this show! Judges are phenomenal and work well together and are genuinely kind to contestants!!! Love addition of Snoop and Michael,” pens a third.
Other fans expressed their excitement over having Snoop on the show: “Snoop you did amazing, your spirit and how you are showing your emotions. I loved you before and love you even more now,” writes one, while another adds, “Snoop Dogg is hilariously funny, and everyone seemed to get along and have a good time.”
A third cyber fan shares that he initially had “doubts about Snoop” but now suggests the show “makes him a permanent judge.”
‘Disgraceful’
Meanwhile, other fans of the hit TV series weren’t as happy to see Snoop on The Voice.
“Banning this season due to Snoop Dogg! Disgraceful,” writes one while a second snipes, “Get rid of snoop!”
Another fan was irked with the entrepreneur for handing out chains with the logo of Death Row Records, the iconic hip-hop record label he now owns.
“Snoop is a cringy judge! Him trying to seek a contestant on branding and marketing was way out there!!!” starts the user.
In the past, Legend gave Team Legend jackets to his contestants, Chance the Rapper passed out hats, and country duo Dan + Shay handed out customized baseball jerseys.
Continuing her judgement of the judges, the same netizen writes, “Not sure why they brought back Gwen. She was cute when Blake [Shelton] was on as a judge. I love Michael. But honestly, I’m starting to find I’m bored with the show.”
‘Tired of Gwen’
Stefani, who replaced Christina Aguilera in season seven, also sparked negative reactions from fans.
“So we’re only nine minutes into the show and Gwen Stefani is already irritating,” writes one while another says, “10 minutes in and I’m already tired of Gwen.”
A third remarks, “Wish someone else was in Gwen’s spot switch her [shake my head].”
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