Season 28 of The Voice has kicked off with big emotions, unforgettable auditions, and one bold new twist that’s got everyone talking. But while the music continues to shine, not all fans are singing the same tune — and the debate over the coaches’ behavior is heating up once again.
A Strong Start with New Surprises
The new season premiered on September 22, and right from the opening notes, viewers were treated to a lineup of powerhouse performances. One emotional moment even brought coach Reba McEntire to tears — a reminder of how deeply this show still connects with its audience.
The premiere also introduced a surprising new rule: the “Carson Callback.” For the first time in the show’s history, host Carson Daly can bring back a contestant who didn’t get a chair turn during the blind auditions — giving them a second chance to impress the coaches.
That’s exactly what happened with Ryan Mitchell, a 25-year-old contestant who failed to turn a chair in his first try. Daly brought him back the next day for another audition — and this time, Mitchell nailed it, earning a spot on Team Reba.
The Ratings: Solid Numbers and Steady Growth
According to TV Series Finale, the Season 28 premiere pulled in 5.206 million viewers on September 22 — making it the second most-watched TV program that night, behind only Monday Night Football.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The following night, the audience actually grew, with 5.425 million people tuning in to see more blind auditions. Clearly, The Voice is still striking a chord with audiences nationwide.
Fans React: Love for the Talent, Frustration with the Coaches
While the ratings were strong, fan reactions online painted a more divided picture. On The Voice’s official Facebook page, most comments praised the incredible talent and chemistry among the coaches:
“I love the coaches this year! They’re funny and compliment each other!” “Awesome two nights so far – loved the Carson recall.” “These 4 judges need to stay on from now on!”
But some longtime fans voiced frustration about what they see as too much talk and not enough singing:
“The judges were over the top, so I didn’t watch on Tuesday.” “I used to enjoy it, but now all the skits and bickering ruin it.” “Isn’t it called The Voice? I want to hear more from the singers.”
The mix of enthusiasm and criticism shows that while The Voice continues to entertain millions, not everyone is thrilled with its current format.
Reba, Snoop, Bublé & Niall: A Team with Instant Chemistry
Off-camera, though, the Season 28 coaching panel seems tighter than ever. In a behind-the-scenes NBC video, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan shared how their friendships began.
Reba recalled meeting Snoop years ago on a flight — “We met, took a picture together, and hit it off instantly.” She also met Bublé at Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, while her bond with Horan began during The Voice Season 24, when she joined as a mentor.
Horan, meanwhile, expressed how grateful he was for Reba’s return to the show after Blake Shelton’s departure, saying, “Thank God you came. It was so fun.”
And Snoop summed up the group’s vibe perfectly:
“As soon as I walked into the room, you could feel it. It’s in the air.”
What’s Next for Season 28
With the Blind Auditions still underway, it’s clear that The Voice has found a rhythm — balancing emotional performances, big personalities, and plenty of surprises.
But the question remains: will the focus shift back to the music, or will the playful chaos of the coaches continue to divide fans?
One thing’s for sure — The Voice Season 28 is far from predictable. And that’s exactly why we keep watching.
