'The Voice' Season 25 finale: Thomas Rhett says 'I love you' to winning coach Reba McEntire in special performance
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: On May 21, at the Live Finale of 'The Voice', country music icon Thomas Rhett sang his most recent single, 'Beautiful As You'. Before he entered the audience to shake hands, he made an elaborate appearance as a stage prop in the bed of a vintage pickup truck.
Both the coaches and the live crowd were up dancing to the song, and at the conclusion of it, Reba McEntire gave him a standing ovation for a shout-out. He whispered softly, "I love you, Reba," to her applause.
Dan + Shay displayed their pop-country origins by joining in on Thomas's song. It turns out that the reason for Thomas's shout-out to Reba is an almost three-decade connection.
Thomas paid tribute to Reba, who toured with her 29 years ago when his father was her opening act.
Who is Thomas Rhett's father?
Following the reactivation of Decca Records, Thomas's father, Rhett Akins, was able to pursue a career in music after hearing one of his demos. In 1995, he released his debut album, 'A Thousand Memories'.
Four chart singles, including his first No 1 hit, 'That Ain't My Truck', which he co-wrote, were released from the highly praised album. Although Rhett's career story was only beginning, the song has now become his hallmark hit.
He released Somebody New the next year, which resulted in 'Don't Get Me Started', another No 1 hit.
Why does Thomas Rhett not use his father's last name?
Thomas' father is Rhett Akins, a well-known musician and composer.
In a 2013 interview, he clarified why he does not use his father's surname, saying, "I didn't leave Akins out to convince people my dad wasn't my dad. I've always been called Thomas Rhett. I didn't want to get rid of it."
When will 'The Voice' Season 26 air?
Season 26 of 'The Voice' debuts in the fall of 2024, with Gwen Stefani and Reba returning as coaches (for the third consecutive season!). They'll be joined by two Coach newbies, Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg.
