The Voice viewers slam new judges for ‘ruining’ show as they demand Blake Shelton’s return

The Voice fans are not pleased with the way the new season is unravelling, with two new judges sidled into one chair as viewers beg for Blake Shelton’s return.

Not all fans are pleased with the new line up of judges (Image: NBC)

The Voice has kicked off season 25 with five judges instead of four, coupling musical duo Dan + Shay into one chair for a series first.

Reba McEntire is also returning for her second season, replacing longtime judge Blake Shelton who left last year, while Chance the Rapper returns for the first time since season 23.

However, fans are not pleased as they took to social media to share their relentlessly honest opinions as the second week of blind auditions started.

One declared: “This season is just not. good.

“Impromptu performances that are staged, one/two chair turns that make team placement seem pre-ordained. What the h**l happened? Worst blinds ever.”

Some fans were quick to blame the show’s newest coaches, musical duo Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney (Image: GETTY)

Another jokingly wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The only The Voice winner I know is Blake Shelton.”

Some were quick to blame newcomers Dan and Shay for “ruining” the new season, while others hit out at the entire production.

Referring to Blake Shelton and Adam Levine’s playful rivalry on the show for the first 16 seasons, one fan shared: “Once was funny with Blake and Adam… no longer is. Less bantering and sad stories and let talent compete.”

“Dan and Shay have ruined The Voice for me! I can not stand listening to them, never mind watching them,” said one former fan.

Blake Shelton left the NBC show after season 23 (Image: GETTY)

There were a few eager supporters of the new collection of judges, as one praised: “Replacing Blake Shelton with Reba was the best decision the voice could ever make.”

A second fan seemingly tried to mediate in the heated online discourse: “I will always miss Blake Shelton, his voice, wit and sunny personality. I like Dan and Shay, everyone seems more comfortable this season, last season was rough.”

Dan and Shay and their fellow coach Reba have seemingly sparked a similar dynamic that fans adored between Blake and Adam in previous seasons as the two country music stars have been blocking each other to get the specific country acts they want.

John explained that there’s a friendly feud brewing between the two country coaches (Image: GETTY)

The Voice veteran John Legend, who is marking his ninth season this year, has seemingly taken on the role of mediator between the two competitive country acts.

When Dan and Shay blocked Reba from turning her chair for Karen Waldrup, which they declared was “sweet vengeance”, John explained to the singer: “There’s been a bit of a feud started here between Reba and Dan and Shay as the first time we’ve ever had two country chairs on the show.

“They’ve been blocking each other…so take it as a sign of respect and a sign of your talent.”