First airing in 2011, The Voice has been going strong for 26 seasons. This year, first-time coaches Michael Buble and Snoop Dogg join former champions Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani for an exciting new vibe onstage. With a new Coach Replay button on the table, season 26’s Blind Auditions have already brought plenty of drama and knockout performances. One contestant’s Toby Keith cover had social media buzzing during Monday’s (Sept. 30) second round of Blind Auditions.

“Blake’s Friends” Battle Over ‘The Voice’ Contestant Rowdy Shea

Rowdy Shea showed up to The Voice with his cowboy bona fides. The Bowling Green, Kentucky-based artist is a full-time rancher named for Clint Eastwood’s character in Rawhide.

For his Blind Audition, Rowdy chose a Toby Keith cover. On social media, viewers expressed their approval: “The Voice doing Toby Keith love it,” one X/Twitter user wrote.

Rowdy equally impressed coaches Michael Buble and Gwen Stefani, as both turned their chairs for the cowboy. “Awesome!! Okay, this is going to be the battle of Blake’s friends,” one viewer pointed out on X/Twitter.

Buble has been friends with The Voice OG coach since Shelton covered the GRAMMY-winning crooner’s song “Home” in 2008. The pair even teamed up on the country superstar’s 2012 holiday album Cheers, It’s Christmas.

As for Stefani, her connection to Shelton is more obvious. The pair actually met on the set of The Voice back in 2014. Now, they have been married since 2021.

Ultimately, Rowdy went for Shelton’s wife over his friend. The Kentucky artist is joining Team Gwen this season, and fans can’t wait to see what’s in store. “Rowdy is ready to say “Howdy!” to his upcoming country star fame,” one X/Twitter user wrote.

“Rowdy Shea nothing but country he has a beautiful voice,” another viewer added.