Full Breakdown
Reba McEntire Steals Austin Gilbert in The Voice Season 28 Battle Rounds
10/14/2025, 12:09:47 PM
The Battle Round Premiere
On October 13, 2025, the Battle Rounds of Season 28 of *The Voice* commenced, introducing a new format where contestants selected their own partners for duets. This season features coaches Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg, each with one Steal and one Save available during the Battles. The episode highlighted a notable performance by Austin Gilbert and Rob Cole, both country artists on Team Bublé, who sang Blake Shelton's "Honey Bee."
Performance Highlights
During their performance, Gilbert and Cole received praise from all four coaches. Snoop Dogg remarked, “I felt the spirit of Blake Shelton when y’all were singing that,” while Niall Horan noted Gilbert's energy but ultimately favored Cole for his clear vocals. Bublé, who ultimately chose Cole as the winner, acknowledged both artists' talents, stating, “Rob is my country superstar.”
Following Bublé's decision, McEntire pressed her Steal button, bringing Gilbert onto her team. This moment was emotionally charged, as Gilbert fell to his knees in gratitude, prompting tears from McEntire. She expressed her admiration for Gilbert, saying, “Your enthusiasm, your big heart, your gorgeous voice… you’re a cowboy. I’m so thrilled that you’re now a part of Team Reba.”
Official Statements & Responses
Reba McEntire later shared her thoughts on Gilbert, stating, “I love everything about Austin. He had a childlike attitude about it. I just loved his voice. That’s why I wanted to steal him. I think it’s really going to do well for my team.” This sentiment reflects her commitment to nurturing Gilbert's talent as part of her team.
Criticism & Opposition
While the episode showcased emotional moments and strong performances, some viewers expressed concern over the new format, questioning whether the artists would be able to effectively choose partners that complemented their styles. Critics noted that this change could lead to mismatched duets, potentially affecting the overall quality of performances.
What's Next
As the Battle Rounds continue, each coach will further refine their teams, with the next episodes airing on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC. The competition is expected to intensify as artists strive to impress their coaches and secure their places in the Knockouts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Austin, your enthusiasm, your big heart, your gorgeous voice…you’re a cowboy. I'm so thrilled you’re now a part of Team Reba,” — Reba McEntire
- “I felt the spirit of Blake Shelton when y’all were singing that,” — Snoop Dogg
- “Rob is my country super star,” — Michael Bublé
The Battle Rounds of *The Voice* Season 28 promise to deliver more memorable performances and emotional moments as the competition progresses.
