Country pop music duo Dan + Shay have a unique spin on the genre, and that's one of the reasons the group has been so successful! Comprised of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney (who are not brothers or related!), these two are the new judges on The Voice season 25, taking on the role for the first time. With their unique take on country music, it's no surprise they're the first to also be a duo-coach team in the history of the show. How did they find fame? Was it on The Voice?
Dan and Shay on The Voice
The answer is, no. Dan and Shay were never contestants and did not win The Voice. Though they never competed on the show, that doesn't mean the duo has never been on it. Let us explain! The vocalists and songwriters' songs have been used with multiple contestants in the last few year during the audition and Battle rounds. They've also personally made appearances in multiple ways:
- The Voice season 15 (2018): performed "Speechless" with winner Chevel Shepherd
- Season 19 (2020): performed "Take Me Home for Christmas"
- Season 20 (2021): served as Battle Advisors on Team Blake
- Season 25 (2024): Dan + Shay are officially coaches!
So the musical duo may not have competed on the popular series, but they have popped in and out since 2015. Dan and Shay met in 2012 at the former's house at a party in Nashville, Tennessee. They hit it off immediately, starting to write and perform the next day! And as they have a connection with The Voice, they also have a connection to former coach Blake Shelton. In 2014, before they even put out their first album, the two toured and opened for Shelton during his Ten Times Crazier tour.
Later that year, they released their first album, "Where It All Began," which found major success. Since then, they've become one of the most known country stars with hits like "Speechless" and "Tequila." Currently, Dan + Shay have released a total of five studio albums, with the most recent being "Bigger Houses" in 2023. Be sure to give them a follow on Instagram at @danandshay to stay up to date with their latest news!
Right now they've already got two contestants on their team: Justin & Jeremy Garcia and Ryan Argast. Dan + Shay are known for their powerful harmonies and though there's mega country star Reba McEntire, and returning coaches John Legend and Chance the Rapper, I think Dan + Shay really could win it all! What do you think?
Cheer Dan + Shay's team on The Voice season 25 which airs new episodes Monday and Tuesday nights on NBC. Episodes are available to stream on Peacock the next day.