Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, and Michael Bublé | Source: Getty Images
The famous artist chosen to be a Playoff Advisor on “The Voice” is no stranger to prompting strong online reactions, as not too long ago, his win at an awards show sparked a flurry of mixed comments.
On November 18, the popular singing competition “The Voice” announced Gwen Stefani’s Playoff Advisor on Instagram. While their post sparked an online buzz, not all reactions were positive, with some people expressing that they plan to skip the upcoming episode.
User comment about the famous Playoff Advisor on “The Voice,” posted on November 18, 2024 | Source: Instagram/nbcthevoice
“make some noise for Team Gwen’s Playoff Advisor… mgk! 👏🔥 don’t miss the Playoffs TOMORROW 9/8c on @nbc and streaming on @peacock! #TheVoice [sic],” reads the show’s caption.
Many netizens who have heard the news were quick to voice their disdain for the show’s choice. “My noise is Boo! [sic] Why didn’t you pick a real musician??” questioned an Instagrammer, while another echoed, “Why?? Couldn’t find someone with actual musical talent?”
A netizen who couldn’t believe that Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) had been chosen expressed, “This has to be a joke right?” “So glad I am not watching this season,” remarked a Facebooker.
Another penned, “Wth?????? Why???? He’s not worthy of being in the show let alone being am advisor. I just can’t. I will skip these episodes with him. Ugh. Despicable choice. ‘Voice’ do better [sic].”
Critical comments continued, with yet another disappointed viewer noting, “Skipping that episode.” Someone else brought Stefani into the mix, commenting, “Seriously? I just lost a little respect for Gwen.”
However, some viewers are looking forward to seeing MGK on their screens. “The only reason I’m watching ‘the voice’ is because mgk is on it [sic],” divulged a fan. Another swooned, “Ughhhhh loveeeee him 😭[…] ✨[sic],” while a fellow admirer gushed, “Best decision 👏🏻👏🏻🔥.”
Reactions come after the rapper’s victory at the People’s Choice Country Awards on September 26, where he took home the Best Crossover Song award for “Lonely Road,” his collaboration with country singer Jelly Roll. His win prompted a flurry of mixed comments from social media users.
User comment about Machine Gun Kelly, posted on September 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/peopleschoice
As MGK stepped on stage to accept the award, he delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with many. “Country music, thank you for welcoming us into your house,” he began. “I don’t view music in genres. To me, there’s [sic] two genres of music: good music and bad music. I think we’re in the good part,” the 34-year-old singer expressed, as he lifted the award high above his head.
Machine Gun Kelly accepts his award onstage during the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. | Source: YouTube/NBC
In his speech, the “Wild Boy” singer also touched on his relationship with Jelly Roll, the artist with whom he used to have a feud.
“We went from 10 years ago hating each other to elevating each other,” MGK said. He added, “Comparison is the thief of joy. There is enough room on this couch for everybody. We found camaraderie in the chaos.”
Machine Gun Kelly onstage with other attendees. | Source: YouTube/NBC
The speech concluded on a personal note when MGK shared his reflections from the previous year. He noted, “Last year, I was right there, sitting in that seat, watching my boy rocking that stage. And I was like, ‘Man, one day I hope we’re up there.’ And we’re here!”
Machine Gun Kelly and other attendees. | Source: YouTube/NBC
While the moment was significant for the rapper, it didn’t go unnoticed that not everyone shared his excitement. Some country music fans were quick to voice their disappointment online, expressing strong opinions about MGK’s crossover into a traditionally rooted genre like country music.
One user commented, “That was a disgrace to all of country and to our past ledgens Legends Legends [sic].” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Terrible!!! Not country [sic]!”
There were more reactions like, “Awful!! Stay away from country music 😢,” as others continued to express their frustration with the change MGK represented. A spectator voiced, “What a slap in the face to real country singers. It’s so wrong. So sad.”
The criticism didn’t end there. A disappointed netizen wrote, “I’m so embarrassed for country music,” while yet another disgruntled commenter added, “John Denver just turned over in his grave, so sad.”
One person, who was confused by MGK’s genre shift, commented, “Since when did he change to country? I’m so confused.” Another chimed in with, “I wanna ask what happened to country music – but then they said ‘people’s choice’ so I guess that answers that [sic].”
However, amid the wave of negative reactions, some showed support for MGK. One user shared their evolving opinion of the artist, “I have never seen someone so happy to win an award! I was an MGK hater during his rap era. But as a person, he really does seem so nice [sic].” Others praised his musical talents, with one user complimenting, “mgk’s [sic] voice is beautiful.”
Sometime after his win, MGK retweeted a clip shared on X, which captured his ecstatic reaction, along with the caption, “i still cant believe it 🤯🤯🤯 [sic].”
Beyond his unexpected win, MGK’s presence at the event also provided a deeper glimpse into his personal journey. Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony, MGK opened up about a significant change in his life — his sobriety.
Machine Gun Kelly posing for a photo with his daughter Casie Baker, posted on July 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/machinegunkelly
The musician revealed how a shift in his mindset became the key to turning his life around. “I had to zoom out and take a look at myself from a holistic perspective,” he shared.
MGK further explained the significance of the number 22, reflecting on its meaning in his life. “I was born on the 22nd. Twenty-two is a master number. What am I here to master? I had to ask myself that question.”
This introspection led MGK to explore the generational challenges passed down to him. He acknowledged the impact of his father’s struggles, saying, “What were my generational curses and problems that were passed down on to me and to my father? Rest in peace.”
For MGK, overcoming these inherited issues has led him to a place of clarity. He now sees his role as “a good man” as part of his purpose. “I find solace in knowing that I can, you know, punish myself today so that I can forgive myself tomorrow,” explained the star, alluding to the difficult but necessary process of self-reflection.
Central to his sobriety journey is his deep love for his daughter, Casie Baker. “I have a daughter who I love with all of my heart and would die for. And I have a beautiful family and a beautiful group of friends and a beautiful life to live for. And I’m not in a haze anymore to not realize that,” expressed MGK.
This combination of personal and professional triumphs made MGK’s appearance at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards all the more significant.
Machine Gun Kelly at the People’s Choice Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on September 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While the award solidified his position as a versatile artist, his candid reflections on his sobriety journey revealed a more intimate side of the star.
