Picture this: Your favorite country star's real-life romance sneaking into the spotlight of a hit TV show in a split-second cameo that most fans might blink and miss. That's the juicy tidbit fans are buzzing about with Reba McEntire's fiancé, Rex Linn, popping up on The Voice. But here's where it gets fascinating – how did this unassuming actor end up in such a star-studded world? Let's dive in and unpack the full story, with a few extra insights to make it all clearer, even for newcomers to the entertainment scene.
Reba McEntire, the iconic singer and actress best known for her powerhouse vocals and roles in shows like her own sitcom Happy's Place, is currently coaching on NBC's The Voice – that wildly popular talent competition where aspiring singers battle it out for a shot at fame. Her new show films conveniently close to The Voice's studio lot, which explains why her fiancé and co-star, Rex Linn, might tag along. In fact, sharp-eyed viewers tuning into the very first episode of Season 28's Battle Rounds spotted Linn casually strolling behind McEntire as she chatted to the camera between duet performances. If you're wondering what The Voice's Battle Rounds entail, think of it as a high-stakes showdown where coaches pair up their team members to sing together, deciding who advances – it's all about that raw talent and chemistry under pressure.
And this is the part most people miss: Linn wasn't just lurking in the background; he was strutting by with a show lanyard, looking completely at home. As McEntire put it after the Artists Revel Day segment where contestants Dustin Dale Gaspard and another artist nailed a cover of Hozier's 'Too Sweet,' 'Having a blast today, first day of the Battles.' It's a reminder that even behind-the-scenes folks like Linn, who's no stranger to Hollywood sets, can end up in the frame unexpectedly.
But here's where it gets controversial – what do you think about celebrity relationships unfolding in such public ways? Does it add to the charm, or is it just another layer of manufactured drama? Now, if you're eager to catch this cameo yourself, you can watch The Voice live every Monday and Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC, or stream the next day's episodes on Peacock. No matter how you tune in, it's a great way to see McEntire in action as a mentor, blending her musical expertise with that signature warmth.
Speaking of Linn's familiarity with studios, it's worth noting he's had quite the career before Happy's Place. From roles in movies like the Die Hard series (where he played a cop) to TV gigs on shows like CSI: Miami, Linn has built a solid resume as a reliable character actor. And that's not all – if you haven't seen it yet, check out this hilarious clip from the Happy's Place set where Linn chops a cucumber with his bare hands; it's chaotic fun and shows his laid-back, adventurous side.
Now, shifting gears to their love story – and this is where things really heat up with some unexpected twists. Reba McEntire and Rex Linn first met way back in 1991 on the set of a Western drama, but sparks didn't fly then. Fast-forward nearly three decades, and they reunited on the Young Sheldon set in January 2020. McEntire shared with E! News that it was all about timing: 'I don't know what it was; timing is everything. I've been married twice, and for some reason Rex Linn – it was just like a magnet. I had to get in there to see him at the restaurant.' But timing isn't always kind – the pandemic threw a wrench in things, keeping them apart from January to June 16, 2020. Yet, as McEntire explained, it forged a deeper bond: 'But we created an intimacy by texting and talking on the telephone that we wouldn't have gotten if we'd been together all that time. So it was special, and it was a great way of finding out about each other without ever touching. We've been pretty much inseparable ever since June 16, 2020. It was a wonderful way to get to know each other better.'
This brings us to a potentially divisive topic: their take on marriage. McEntire, who's been down the aisle twice before, told E! that she's not big on the idea now: 'I've been married twice. After the second one dissolved, I don't have much faith in being bound by a piece of paper or a ring. I'm truly committed to Rex, so if that's something he feels totally strong about, that's fine with me. He's never been married before. So if he wants to experience that, I'm OK with that.' It's a refreshing counterpoint to the traditional 'happily ever after' narrative – does this reflect a modern shift away from formal commitments, or is it just personal preference? What are your thoughts on love without the legal paperwork? Share in the comments – do you agree with Reba's view, or do you see marriage as the ultimate seal of devotion?
To wrap things up, don't miss McEntire coaching on The Voice every Monday and Tuesday night on NBC, and catch her alongside Linn when Happy's Place Season 2 drops on November 7. It's a testament to how real-life relationships can intertwine with on-screen magic, keeping fans hooked. What do you think – is this cameo a sweet easter egg, or just another Hollywood quirk? Let's discuss!
