Following the episode's airing on Monday night, McEntire took to social media, sharing a photo of a fast-food cart with the name "Reba’s Tots" emblazoned on the front. Her caption humorously declared, "I’ve never met a tot I didn’t like."
During Monday night's premiere of The Voice Season 24, aspiring contestants poured their hearts into their auditions, vying for coveted spots on one of the four teams led by Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan, and John Legend. While all the coaches put forth clever pitches to win over their desired contestants, Reba McEntire added an extra special (and delicious) incentive in the form of tater tots.
Ahead of the new season's debut on the singing competition show, all four coaches, both new and returning, sat down with TODAY contributor Kaylee Hartung to discuss what fans could anticipate throughout the season. At the segment's conclusion, host Carson Daly revealed, "Reba loves tater tots. LOVES tater tots." He went on to explain that any hopeful artist who secured a spot on her team would be rewarded with tater tots "right then and there, right on the set."
While this delectable treat delights the fortunate contestants, it also carries a sentimental significance for the "Fancy" singer. McEntire previously revealed that she and her boyfriend, actor Rex Linn, have adorable nicknames for each other, affectionately coined at the inception of their relationship.
The lovebirds first crossed paths in 1991 while working on the film "The Gambler Returns" alongside Kenny Rogers. Their friendship blossomed during this time, although their romantic connection didn't surface until January 2020 when they reunited on the set of the popular TV show "Young Sheldon."
Their time on set eventually led to a dinner date, which marked the beginning of their loving relationship and the inspiration for their endearing nicknames.
The current season of The Voice marks McEntire's debut as a coach on the singing competition show. She joined the esteemed panel of coaches after Blake Shelton's decision to step down following 23 seasons. Shelton holds the distinction of being the longest-serving and most successful coach in the show's history, boasting nine wins.
Although Reba McEntire is a new addition as a coach, she is certainly no stranger to The Voice. She was originally slated to be part of the inaugural season but turned down the opportunity before the show's debut in 2011.
The Oklahoma native later participated in the show briefly as Shelton's battle round advisor and more recently as a Mega Mentor in the latest season.
Reflecting on her role as a Mega Mentor, McEntire shared, "When I was doing the Mega Mentor, it was so much fun. I was totally interested in the kids when they would come in and sing. So talented. That is just a refreshing thing to be around talented people. I love it. And if I can help anybody with anything I’ve learned over the last 48 years, then I think that’s my duty to do that, and I’m going to enjoy doing it."
Season 24 of The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and is available the next day on Peacock.
