Full Breakdown
Reba McEntire's Emotional Return to The Voice Season 28
9/23/2025, 11:29:35 AM
Season Premiere Highlights
The 28th season of NBC's *The Voice* premiered on September 22, 2025, featuring coaches Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé. The episode showcased a mix of emotional performances and surprising decisions, setting the stage for an engaging season.
Reba McEntire's Emotional Moment
One of the standout moments came from contestant Manny Costello, a 28-year-old from Athens, Georgia, who performed Craig Morgan's "Almost Home." His heartfelt rendition moved McEntire to tears, prompting her to reflect on her own experiences in country music. "Manny, you made me homesick," she said, noting that his voice carried qualities reminiscent of legendary artists like George Jones and Randy Travis. McEntire expressed her joy, stating, "It’s tears of joy because I feel very blessed to have been in the country music business all these years." Costello, who is a devoted father, chose to join Team Reba, highlighting his desire to inspire his daughters by pursuing his musical dreams.
Shocking Choices: Dek of Hearts
In a surprising twist, the country trio Dek of Hearts, consisting of Dylan Johns, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey, opted to join Team Niall instead of Team Reba, despite McEntire's emotional plea for their harmonies. Their performance of "Heads Carolina, Tails California" earned them a four-chair turn, but they ultimately chose Horan, which left McEntire visibly shocked. "Getting Dek of Hearts was one of the biggest shocks in Voice history," Horan remarked, while McEntire humorously sprawled on the floor in defeat.
New Features and Coach Dynamics
This season also introduced the "Carson Callback Card," allowing host Carson Daly to give one contestant a second chance during the blind auditions if no coaches turned their chairs. This new twist aims to prevent talented artists from being overlooked. The dynamic among the coaches was lively, with McEntire and Snoop Dogg frequently blocking each other during auditions, adding a competitive edge to the season.
Official Statements & Responses
Niall Horan praised Costello's performance, stating, "You moved the Queen of Country Music to tears. That’s amazing." Meanwhile, McEntire expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to mentor aspiring artists, emphasizing the emotional connection she feels to the music and the contestants.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement, some viewers expressed disappointment over Dek of Hearts' decision to choose Horan over McEntire, arguing that it undermined the show's country roots. Critics noted that such choices could shift the focus away from traditional country music, which has been a hallmark of *The Voice*.
What's Next
As the season progresses, fans can expect more emotional performances and unexpected decisions as contestants continue to vie for a spot on their preferred teams. The competition is set to intensify, with McEntire determined to reclaim her status as a formidable coach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Manny, you made me homesick.” — Reba McEntire, Coach
- “Getting Dek of Hearts was one of the biggest shocks in Voice history,” — Niall Horan, Coach
- “It’s tears of joy because I feel very blessed to have been in the country music business all these years.” — Reba McEntire, Coach
The season airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available for streaming on Peacock.
