Inside Reba McEntire’s Cunning Trick to Outfox Gwen Stefani on ‘The Voice

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Reba McEntire proved she’s not just a country queen — she’s a master strategist, too!

During the Tuesday, October 22 episode of The Voice, the 69-year-old legend pulled a sneaky move that left Gwen Stefani both shocked and impressed.

It all went down during the Battle Round between contestants Frankie Torres and Gabrielle Zabosky — who are both on Team Gwen. Together, the two delivered a stunning performance of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart,” which earned them a standing ovation from all the coaches. But as always, only one contestant could move forward, leaving the door open for another coach to swoop in with a steal.

Before McEntire came in with her sneaky steal, Voice coach Michael Bublé had nothing but love for both performers, but ultimately said, “As a performance, I might lean toward Gab.” Snoop Dogg, who is also a coach this season, then chimed in, saying he was “thoroughly impressed,” before mentioning that Stefani’s decision would be a tough one.

McEntire’s review of the performance came next. “Frankie, I love your tone, I love where you are in your register. Gabrielle, I loved the high parts,” the award-winning artist gushed. “If I had to choose, I think I’d go with Gabrielle.”

After listening to feedback from the panel, the 55-year-old “Sweet Escape” singer struggled with her decision. “Please, somebody steal my girls!” she pleaded. In the end, she chose Zabosky, 25, calling her “super talented” and noting that her growing confidence would reveal even “more vocal ability.”

As Torres was getting ready to leave the stage, McEntire swooped in with a well-timed steal, saving the 24-year-old vocalist at the very last second. Stefani, visibly relieved, gave McEntire a hug, having had her wish granted. But that’s when McEntire let Stefani in on her little trick.

“I did a little play there cause I did say Gabrielle so you’d go with Gabrielle so I could have Frankie,” she confessed. “Either way, I was gonna steal cause I love your performance, your singing, everything about it.”

Meanwhile, the new Team Reba contestant said she’s “so excited” to work with her new coach.

Catch The Voice on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC.