Reba McEntire's Sweet Gesture for Kelsea Ballerini's First Day on 'The Voice'
Reba McEntire supported Kelsea Ballerini on her first day as coach on The Voice. See the letter and gift she left as she passed the torch.
Reba McEntire passed the torch to Kelsea Ballerini on her first day on “The Voice” with an amazing gesture. The legendary country star left a sweet letter and gift for the new coach, who is filling the vacancy left by McEntire.
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Ballerini discovered the letter from McEntire on her chair on “The Voice.” McEntire served as a coach for seasons 24, 25, and 26.
“Dear Kelsea, I heard you would be the new coach this season and I’m just so excited for you. It’s up to you to keep country alive on the show and I know you’ll do a terrific job,” McEntire wrote, according to a February 2025 report from People.
She added, “Now go out there and show those boys who’s the boss.”
McEntire also noted that she left Ballerini a “little good luck charm in case you need it.”
Her gift? McEntire’s crown from her time on the show, when she was called “Queen Reba.”
Ballerini placed the crown on her head and shared, “I feel so fancy.”
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Ballerini was motivated to work as a coach on “The Voice,” explaining in a January 2025 interview with “Today” how she made a bold move to get the job.
The country singer was no stranger to working on “The Voice,” as she filled in for Kelly Clarkson in 2021 when Clarkson was sick.
“I feel like you have to bet on yourself. And after I filled in for Kelly, I have this group text with all my girlfriends, and I was like, ‘I really want to do this one day,'” she explained.
Ballerini continued, “So when the producers came to Nashville after Blake [Shelton] left, I didn’t know who else they were talking to, but I had dinner with them. And I leaned across the table and I said, ‘Listen, I know I’m newer. I’m sure you’re interviewing legends, but I really want this job and I promise I can do it.'”
She added, “Divine timing, a couple years later, it worked out and here we are.”
Despite her boldness, Ballerini admitted she had some worries. In a February 2025 interview with “Chicago Today,” she shared, “I texted [Kelly Clarkson] and I was like, ‘Dude, I’m nervous. Like I know I want this, but I also don’t know if I’m ready for this,'” she recalled.
Clarkson helped ease her worries, explaining that, at the start, the show isn’t live. “So if you get nervous or you say something that you’re like ‘Oh, I stumbled, I shouldn’t have said that,’ you’re going to be covered.'”
Clarkson assured Ballerini that she would be “safe” and “totally ready” when they get to the live shows.
“And she was right,” Ballerini said.