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'The Voice' Season 24: Viewers slam Reba McEntire as the NBC coach criticizes choreography in Nini Iris' Playoff performance

Nini Iris performed the song 'River' by Bishop Brings on Niall Horan's suggestion as she kicked off the Playoffs

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Nini Iris from Team Niall kicked off the Playoffs in the November 21 episode of 'The Voice' Season 24. Even though the singer managed to seduce both the crowd and the coach with her lovely voice, a little criticism from coach Reba McEntire wasn't lost on viewers.

The budding singer performed Bishop Briggs' song 'River', chosen for her by Niall Horan. Niall advised her to focus on the little details and sing the first verse "straighter."

It was an appropriate tune for the dramatic and gloomy pop vocalist. She walked around the stage in thigh-high black boots, flaunting her powerful voice. She waited till the last stanza to unleash the adlibs. The construction was flawless and strong.

Gwen Stefani admired Nini's ability to be both elegant and forceful. John Legend described her as a "real star" with confidence and skill. Niall described the 27-year-old as a "ready-made pop star."

While Reba also praised her, describing her as a powerful vocalist, she added that she feared the singer went too far with the choreography.

Reacting to Reba's criticism, one fan on X wrote, "What a weird, out-of-touch comment about Nini's performance from Reba." Another user chimed in, "Dang reba I thought Nini was pretty good."

A third person asked, "Now I love me some Reba, but how is walking around on stage doing too much choreography?"  On the other hand, some agreed with the coach as one said, "I understood Reba." 

Who is Nini Iris on 'The Voice' Season 24?

Nini adores and misses her native Georgia, but she has always wished to go to the United States. She auditioned for the Georgian version of 'The Voice' in 2012 and made it all the way to the Live Shows. Nini chose to go to New York alone in 2016, but once there, she barely had enough money to get by.

This led to her contacting the show's previous social media manager, whom she knew at the time. He was also struggling to make ends meet in New York, so they shared a hostel and became great friends.

Nini eventually began singing in a cabaret performance, which allowed her to meet people in the wedding industry. She began as a wedding singer, working odd jobs until she was able to become a full-time wedding and event vocalist.

Is Reba McEntire returning for 'The Voice' Season 25?

Reba's initial reluctance to join 'The Voice' years ago was because of her belief that she would discourage brilliant musicians if they did not advance in the competition. However, she now sees things differently.

Although it's uncertain if the 'Fancy' singer will win her first season as a coach, Reba will return for Season 25 next spring, with John and Chance the Rapper, as well as newbies Dan + Shay.

'The Voice' Season 24 airs on NBC at 8 pm ET on Mondays and 9 pm ET on Tuesdays.