When The Voice premiered its 25th season on February 26, 2024, it introduced a groundbreaking change: the first-ever coaching duo, Dan + Shay, occupying a specially designed double chair. The Grammy-winning country-pop duo, consisting of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, joined returning coaches Reba McEntire, John Legend, and Chance the Rapper. However, the addition of Dan + Shay sparked a wave of backlash from the show’s notoriously change-resistant fanbase, with many viewers claiming the duo was “ruining” the show. This article explores the reasons behind the fans’ resistance, the specific criticisms leveled at Dan + Shay, their journey on the show, and how they ultimately won over some skeptics, despite not returning for Season 26.
A Fanbase Resistant to Change
The Voice has long been a staple of reality television, captivating audiences with its unique format and star-studded coaching panels. However, its fans are known for their reluctance to embrace change. The departure of beloved coach Blake Shelton after Season 23 in May 2023 left a void that many felt was impossible to fill. Gwen Stefani’s exit, followed by Niall Horan’s decision not to return for Season 25 to focus on touring, further fueled fans’ discontent. As American Songwriter noted, “Like any fandom worth its salt, The Voice viewers are notoriously resistant to change.” The introduction of Dan + Shay as the first coaching duo was a bold move by the show’s producers, but it was met with immediate skepticism.
Social media platforms, particularly X, became a sounding board for fans’ frustrations. Many expressed disappointment over the loss of Horan, a two-time champion coach whose charm and mentorship had won over audiences. One user on X lamented, “I don’t like the duo (2 seats) and I miss Niall so much. Love Chance and John. Reba can represent country alone!! Dan & Shay, stick to singing!! I’m not watching this season!!” Others criticized the show for what they perceived as an overabundance of country music influence, with Reba McEntire and Dan + Shay making up half the coaching panel. A Reddit user posted, “This year that double team stunt makes the whole thing unwatchable for me,” highlighting the sentiment that the duo’s presence disrupted the show’s balance.
Specific Criticisms of Dan + Shay
The backlash against Dan + Shay stemmed from several specific grievances. First, fans found the double chair concept confusing and unfair. The duo shared a single button, requiring them to agree before turning for a contestant, which some viewers felt put them at a disadvantage compared to solo coaches. Dan Smyers acknowledged this challenge on TODAY, noting, “It might take longer for us to decide whether we should press it,” and joking that John Legend might capitalize on their hesitation. Fans echoed this concern, with one X user stating, “My goal before blinds are over is to remember which one is Dan and which one is Shay,” reflecting confusion over the duo’s dynamic.
Second, some viewers accused Dan + Shay of being overly talkative and disruptive. A post on X complained, “They are too over the top right out of the gate. They talk too much and cut everyone off.” Others felt their competitive banter, particularly toward John Legend, came across as rude or arrogant. A Reddit thread captured this sentiment: “I’m finding them pretty rude. They’re trying to be competitive and passionate about getting chosen but they end up coming off arrogant and disrespectful of the other judges.” One user specifically called out a moment when Dan made a jab at Legend for having only one team member early in the Blind Auditions, describing it as a “low blow.”
Third, the presence of two country-oriented coaches—Dan + Shay and Reba McEntire—sparked concerns about genre imbalance. Fans worried that the show was becoming too focused on country music, potentially sidelining contestants from other genres like pop, R&B, or rock. One X user wrote, “How much country do we really need on this show? Damn it’s becoming overwhelming,” while another questioned, “WHO tf thought it was a good idea to have 3 country judges?” This sentiment was amplified by the fact that Dan + Shay often selected country-leaning contestants, which some felt limited the diversity of their team.
Dan + Shay’s Journey on The Voice
Despite the initial backlash, Dan + Shay brought significant credentials to The Voice. The duo, formed in 2012, has achieved over 10 billion global streams, nine #1 country radio singles, and three consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Their hits, including “Tequila,” “Speechless,” and “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber, have made them household names in country-pop. They were not entirely new to The Voice, having served as Battle Advisors for Blake Shelton in Season 20 and performed with winner Chevel Shepherd in Season 15. Their prior experience mentoring a winning contestant gave them confidence, with Smyers telling Variety in September 2023, “We’ve made a lot of mistakes in our life, and have a lot of wisdom to share with those artists.”
The duo’s coaching debut was marked by memorable moments. During the Blind Auditions, contestant Ryan Argast took a bold risk by performing their hit “Speechless,” earning a chair turn from Dan + Shay and a performance alongside them on stage. Entertainment Weekly described it as “a big love fest,” with Shay ad-libbing, “I’m speechless that we got you and nobody else did.” In the Battle Rounds, Dan + Shay made a daring choice by pitting Karen Waldrup and Ryan Argast against each other on their song “Save Me the Trouble.” Both delivered a performance so powerful that Smyers admitted, “That’s better than the original version, though, y’all,” and jokingly suggested they were “coming for our job.” Ultimately, they chose Waldrup, who advanced to the finale, finishing in the top five.
As the season progressed, Dan + Shay began to win over some detractors. Their genuine camaraderie and mentorship style resonated with viewers, particularly during emotional moments. In one instance, they serenaded contestants Zoe and Ryan with their wedding song, prompting Chance the Rapper to say, “Now I’m gonna cry. That’s a great moment.” A fan on X credited the duo for reigniting their love for the show, writing, “Back to being a sucker for @TheVoice. And it’s 100% due to @DanAndShay!! They have the partnership everyone wants in life.” By the Live Rounds, one viewer declared, “I only watched the show for you guys this year and you guys have been great!”
Why Dan + Shay Left After One Season
Despite their growing popularity, Dan + Shay announced they would not return for Season 26, citing their extended Heartbreak on the Map tour, which ran through the fall of 2024. Shay Mooney told Entertainment Tonight, “We’re touring a lot this year, which we’re really excited about, but obviously doesn’t allow us to come back.” The duo expressed enthusiasm for their time on the show, with Smyers calling it “one of the most fun things we’ve ever done” in their decade-long career. They left open the possibility of returning, with Mooney joking, “They built the chair and invested a lot of money in that, so hopefully we get invited back.”
Their departure coincided with a broader shake-up, as John Legend and Chance the Rapper also exited, replaced by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé. Some speculated that the diverse Season 26 panel—spanning country, pop, jazz, and rap—was a response to the backlash against the country-heavy Season 25 lineup. Dan + Shay returned to the The Voice stage for the Season 26 finale on December 10, 2024, performing festive singles from their album It’s Officially Christmas, proving their connection to the show remained strong.
The Bigger Picture: Change and Adaptation
The backlash against Dan + Shay reflects a broader pattern among The Voice fans, who often resist changes to the show’s formula. Previous coaches like Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Ariana Grande faced similar scrutiny during their debuts, only to win over fans with time. The double chair, while innovative, was a risky experiment, as it disrupted the show’s traditional dynamic. However, Dan + Shay’s ability to mentor contestants like Karen Waldrup to the finale and their heartfelt interactions demonstrated their value as coaches.
The duo’s experience also highlights the challenges of coaching as a pair. Their dynamic—Shay’s outgoing personality and Dan’s analytical approach—added a unique flavor but required them to navigate disagreements on camera. Mooney told NBC Insider, “There are cameras on you at all times, there are microphones on you at all times,” underscoring the pressure of performing as a unit. Despite early criticism, their authenticity and dedication to their contestants helped shift public perception.
Conclusion
The Voice fans’ resistance to Dan + Shay’s addition as the first coaching duo in Season 25 underscores their deep attachment to the show’s traditions. Initial complaints about the double chair, the duo’s demeanor, and the country-heavy panel fueled claims that they were “ruining” the show. Yet, as the season unfolded, Dan + Shay’s talent, mentorship, and genuine connection with contestants won over many skeptics, proving that change, while uncomfortable, can bring fresh energy to a long-running series. Although their touring commitments prevented a return for Season 26, their impact on The Voice—and their potential for a future comeback—remains undeniable. For a fanbase wary of change, Dan + Shay’s journey is a reminder that new voices can harmonize with the old, creating something unexpectedly beautiful.
