Reality television thrives on viewer excitement and the element of surprise, and the latest season of “The Voice” isn’t skimping on either one. It’s a given that the show’s wither-or-thou can dueling coaches format is drama enough—especially with Keith Urban elbowing his way back into the plot. But with rapturous fanfare not heard since 2012, the show has welcomed to its stage a new coach: Snoop Dogg. On Facebook, there were even memes declaring Snoop Dogg the “best coach ever,” a bold statement given the considerable coaching talent that has graced the show. Is Snoop the spiritual guru that’s going to lead contestants to find their star-making voice? Unpredictability in Snoop’s coaching style may turn out to be one of the season’s best surprises.
Gwen Stefani is no rookie to the show, having been around long enough to know the ins and outs—and ups and downs—of the coaching gig. In her eighth season, Stefani has seen and done it all: She has sent home talented people without quite knowing why she has been put in the position to do so. “Every time I send somebody home, it just is the worst,” she said. “And why do I have to have that emotion anyway? … Why is that part of my job?”
Next, consider the sweet nature of Snoop Dogboy. This isn’t just any old celebrity coaching a competition; this is an icon who’s known for the kind of good-heartedness that is usually preposterous to presume of a figure of such stature. That’s to say, Snoop Dogg is kind of a dad. His struggle to critique contestants without dampening their spirits is a showcase for, I mean, his good-heartedness. He talks to the contestants like a very sincere and real father would. Insiders allege Dogg’s averse to saying anything negative, although the reason remains clouded in mystery.
Then we have Gwen, the sparkling ruler of “The Voice.” She is so clever and quick-witted that one can’t help but think of her as the new ideal co-host opposite Snoop. Playful banter between the two has resulted in some fans shipping them as the next great host duo. Gwen has been on the show for quite a while, and her presence is somewhat of a constant. Yet she, too, seems to recognize that Snoop’s presence brings about some kind of change. Could their co-hosting chemistry potentially signal something more? Rumors abound about the possibility of Gwen and Snoop becoming a permanent hosting pair, but for now, Gwen isn’t spilling any answers about her or the show’s future.
New this season is the wonderful Reba, who has charmed her way into the hearts of the coaching panel and fans. We know Gwen and Reba are BFFs, as Gwen has gushed, “This is our second season together, and I’m starting to know her not just as a person but as a coach.” Their friendship adds a fun and warm layer to The Voice’s often tense environment. And who could overlook the magnetic Michael, whose bromance with Blake Shelton is pure entertainment? Gwen has even noted, “Every time Michael’s name comes up, Blake just lights up!” It’s hardly a surprise that she has found herself smitten by this congenial crew.
With the upcoming battle rounds, everyone understands that there will be both heartbreak and elation to share. Snoop Dogpal is getting ready for the coming challenge. Gwen is leaning on her fellow coaches as they prepare to work together. Whether or not the panel of coaches is shared among the contestants, these next few episodes of “The Voice” will showcase a wide variety of emotions and plenty for the viewers to digest.
“The Voice” has cemented its position as a premier platform for launching newfound talent. Even Snoop Dogg—a new member of the panel who brings his own unique flavor to the show’s already potent mix—has recognized this. With Gwen Stefani now sporting two seasons in a row (plus her win on “The Voice Australia”), alongside an unflagging Adam Levine, what kind of experience ought to be expected from a show that judges singers (mostly) on their raw vocal talents? One key to this question lies in the nearly undivided attention that the audience is asked to muster for the (mostly) emotional singing that the show demands from its contestants. Audiences love to laugh, to cry, and to hold in suspense along with the show’s obvious high-stakes drama. “The Voice” serves up these potent moments with a side of friendship and a topping of rivalry among the four (mostly) star-studded members of the judging panel.
