This season of The Voice has been dubbed the "Battle of Champions." And judging from the show's season premiere, that means anything goes.
Videos by Wide Open Country
John Legend, who is coaching this season of the reality competition show with Maroon 5's Adam Levine and singer Kelly Clarkson, was trying to convince contestant Julia Golden to join his team. That meant that the "All of Me" artist needed to convince Golden that he was the one who could take her to the finale.
"We don't have a pure country artist on this dais here," Legend told Golden. "Kelly believes that she's entitled to every country artist."
Kelly replied with a laugh, "I don't feel that, I know that."
What Legend did next was pretty devious. We have the details below.
Can John Legend Coach a Country Artist on "The Voice"? One Star Says He Can
Clarkson mentioned her work with Reba McEntire. As viewers know, the Queen of Country has been a judge on The Voice before. She was also the stepmother of Clarkson's late ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
Legend replied, "Speaking of Reba McEntire, who's a fantastic coach on this show... I feel like she would have something to say about me."
A pre-recorded message with McEntire began to play.
"Hey, I'm Reba McEntire," she said. "People have asked me, 'Can John Legend coach a country artist?' Heck yeah. Wish he'd coach me."
The "Fancy" singer continued, "He's absolutely fantastic. He's a genius. He can do anything. He plays, he sings, he mentors—I know. I'm the Queen of Country Music, and I endorse John Legend. I approve this message."
But all of Legend's work was in vain. Golden still went with Team Kelly.
Legend Was With Kelly Clarkson When She Was Asked About Leaving Her Show
Last week, Legend and Clarkson were on TODAY to promote this season of The Voice. In an interview with host Carson Daly, the "Since U Been Gone" singer was asked why now was the right time to step away from hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show.
"I think everybody probably gets the timing," she said. "Our family life, the dynamic changed a bit, and it has changed for a minute now. You got kids, we've all got kids, and it's one of those things when you kind of start seeing life as how precious it is, too. It's like, 'You know what, I'm really busy.'"
She then added, "That was a really hard thing for me, but an easy decision as a momma."
