The Voice's Season 25 is underway, and some fans are speaking out about what they consider to be an unfairly dominant genre slant to the hit reality talent show's roster.
Country music is represented in the coaching chairs by two (actually three) country artists, with Reba McEntire helming one chair and hitmaking duo Dan + Shay commanding another. McEntire is in her second season of coaching, and Dan + Shay dually replaced pop star Niall Horan for this season.
Additionally, an increasing number of contestants focusing on the country genre are competing this season, causing fans to express their opinions on X (formerly Twitter).
"This show has turned into the voice country," one noted, while another replied to the show's official account on premiere night asking, "Is The Voice becoming a show for country music artists? That's all that seems to audition lately."
Although the show has historically been an all-genre competition, country has had an edge throughout. Nashville superstar Blake Shelton, who retired after Season 23, holds the all-time record for most wins, having secured nine victories including country artists Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, Craig Wayne Boyd and Brice Leatherwood.
Additionally, former coach Kelly Clarkson, who follows Shelton with four wins, expressed her love for country during her time on the show and was victorious with country contestants Chevel Shepherd and Jake Hoot.
The show is already fielding fire from fans debating whether it is fair that a Grammy-nominated singer, Bryan Olesen, is allowed to compete on the show, despite being a professional with a long musical resume.
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