Kaylah Walton
Legendary gymnast Simone Biles, known for her impressive record in gymnastics and numerous Olympic medals, is now a playoff advisor on Season 26 of The Voice, working with Snoop Dogg. Although she does not have a musical background, her expertise lies in teaching contestants about managing stress, building confidence, and developing resilience—all essential skills for both sports and performance arts. Her aim is to help contestants engage with their audience and handle the stress of competitive performances.
While Biles’ presence on The Voice may seem unconventional, Snoop Dogg specifically invited her to be part of his team.
The Rationale Behind a Gymnast as an Advisor
Biles’ appointment has generated discussion among The Voice fanbase. Some viewers questioned her musical qualifications, arguing that advisors should have industry-related experience. Contrarily, others pointed out that The Voice prioritizes more than just vocal skills, looking for artists who can generate audience engagement. As an internationally recognized athlete, Biles brings a fresh perspective on performing under public scrutiny.
The collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Simone Biles began during the media events of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Biles describes her responsibility on the show as offering both emotional and strategic counsel to the contestants. Snoop views her as a source of motivation, pushing his team toward personal and artistic growth.
“We were able to riff off each other and give the artists the best insight going into the next round,” Biles stated in an interview with the AP. “It was pretty easy, simple. We’re both mellow, but we can also ramp up the energy when needed. Our focus was on helping them feel confident leading into the following week.”
The Unique Contribution of Simone Biles
Success on The Voice requires more than just singing ability; it also necessitates having stage presence, effective stress management, and the capacity to emotionally engage with the audience. Biles excels in these areas from her extensive career as a top athlete. She believes sharing her experiences of overcoming setbacks and fostering confidence is invaluable to aspiring vocalists.
“She’s a performer. I’m a performer. We’ve both performed under intense situations. We always aim high, but there are challenges behind the scenes that may go unnoticed. We’re able to address those issues and provide real reassurance,” Snoop added in his conversation with the Associated Press. “It feels rewarding for [Simone]; she can choose her path. At this stage in our careers, it must be fulfilling. It should be enjoyable, or I won’t participate. That’s a definite.”
Simone Biles’ influence will become clearer as Team Snoop advances through the competition. Though some viewers initially doubted her role, many believe her presence will motivate contestants to achieve beyond their own expectations.
Biles’ episode of The Voice will air at 7 p.m. Central Time on Monday, November 25, on NBC and Peacock.
