With the Blind Auditions coming to a close on season 26 of The Voice, things are getting cutthroat. And Gwen Stefani clearly came to play, blocking fellow coach Reba McEntire from snagging country singer Jake Tankersley barely 10 minutes into the premiere. During Monday’s (Oct. 14) episode, the former No Doubt frontwoman resorted to more unorthodox tactics to nab a three-chair contestant. And while it worked, some viewers are taking to social media to express their discomfort.

“Don’t Be Stupid”: Gwen Stefani to ‘The Voice’ Contestant

Kay Sibal, 24, isn’t used to singing solo. The Los Angeles-born artist is normally part of an ensemble. However, she didn’t seem to struggle with a jazzy cover of Laufey’s “From the Start.” All coaches turned except for Reba McEntire.


It quickly became clear that the real battle was between Michael Bublé and Gwen Stefani. Reba sided with Bublé, while Snoop Dogg pushed for Stefani. As Sibal weighed her options, the “Hollaback Girl” singer urged, “Don’t be stupid.”

Some fans did not appreciate this comment, taking to social media to express their disapproval. “no one should tell anyone don’t be stupid. Shame on you,” one viewer wrote on X/Twitter. “Totally offended.”

Another viewer called the “Purple Irises” singer’s comments “disturbing.” However, Sibal clearly wasn’t too offended. The first-generation Filipina-American ultimately chose Team Gwen.

The Voice wraps up the season 26 Blind Auditions during Tuesday’s (Oct. 15) episode. The Battle Rounds kick off next Monday (Oct. 21.)

How Blake Shelton Makes Gwen Stefani Fall in Love With Him Every Day

Gwen Stefani famously met husband Blake Shelton on the set of The Voice in 2014, when both were coaches. After going public with their relationship in 2016, Shelton popped the question in 2020. They married the next year.

The Voice viewers have certainly enjoyed getting a front-row seat to their romance, and it appears their marriage is still going strong.

“The thing about Blake is that you’ll never get through a day without laughing,” Stefani said during an Oct. 2 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. “You know what I mean? Which is just— it doesn’t even matter like what’s going on. The guy has so much patience, and so much kindness in his heart.”