The Voice returns for season 28 on Monday, September 22, 2025, debuting on NBC at 8/7c with a fresh format twist and a bold new lifeline for contestants. From the introduction of the “Carson Callback” to unexpected second chances and altered competition mechanics, this season already feels different. Here’s what to know about the changes, the coaches, and the early highlights — including Carson Daly’s pivotal role and Ryan Mitchell’s comeback.
Fresh Rules Shake Up the Format
Season 28 ushers in sweeping adjustments meant to raise the stakes and reshape how talent advances. One of the most talked-about innovations is the Carson Callback — a mechanism that gives host Carson Daly the power to reclaim one auditionee who failed to land a turn and allow them to re‑audition within 24 hours. That means Daly becomes more than a moderator: he can actively influence the roster.
Other changes ripple across the competition structure. The battle pairings now fall under contestants’ control (rather than coaches’ choice), and the Knockout round introduces a “Mic Drop” button that spotlights standout performances for public voting. In the Playoffs, only one artist per team advances to the live shows (a departure from past seasons), and the “Steal” option has been removed entirely, further narrowing the paths forward.
Coaches, Credentials & Stakes
The coaching lineup for Season 28 features Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg.
- Michael Bublé enters with two wins in prior seasons and is aiming for a rare three‑peat.
- Niall Horan likewise has two past wins (from Seasons 23 and 24) and seeks to reclaim that winning momentum.
- Reba McEntire has one past win (Season 25) and brings a seasoned country star presence to the panel.
- Snoop Dogg remains the only coach in Season 28 without a prior win, adding pressure for a breakout run.
Between the shaken-up rules and coaches chasing career-defining victory, the stakes are real.
Ryan Mitchell’s Unprecedented Second Chance
One of Season 28’s earliest headline stories is the story of Ryan Mitchell and how he became the first artist ever to receive the Carson Callback. At 25, Mitchell originally auditioned with Cage the Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams,” showing emotional weight but not enough vocal range to prompt any chair turns.
Recognizing potential that the coaches might have missed, Daly awarded Mitchell the Callback card, instructing him to choose a new song and return within 24 hours.
Mitchell chose to reinterpret Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time.” On his second attempt, the coaches initially hesitated — but ultimately, Reba McEntire pressed her button, formally adding Mitchell to her team.
This moment underlines Daly’s new influence: he effectively revived a promising voice that might otherwise have been dismissed. Mitchell’s journey becomes a test case for whether the Callback twist becomes a fixture or a one-time wildcard.
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Episode 2 Recap & Callback Impact
In the Season 28 Episode 2 Blind Auditions (airing September 23), Ryan Mitchell’s return was one of the key story beats. The Callback feature reappeared in Part 2, emphasizing that Daly’s choice carries forward momentum.
That said, it’s not yet confirmed whether the Callback privilege is extended beyond just one use per season or if Daly retains discretionary power in future rounds. (Sources give no clarity beyond his one-time intervention for Mitchell.)
Why This Season’s Changes Matter
The shifts in The Voice Season 28 underscore the show’s appetite for evolution — not just in talent, but in gameplay. Giving Carson Daly a direct hand in contestant fate stands out as a dramatic structural move. It blurs boundaries between host and adjudicator, introducing unpredictability into a format long shaped by coach decisions.
For contestants, the new rules pressure them to be more strategic: preparation, song choice, and consistency now matter more than ever. And for the audience, the changes amplify tension, uncertainty, and the sense that even overlooked performers might get a second shot.
What to Watch (and What’s Next)
Viewers should keep an eye on:
- Whether Carson uses additional callbacks in future episodes.
- How coaches manage with reduced steals and one-per-team live advancement.
- Which artists emerge from the Mic Drop selections, and how does that shift fan influence?
- Ryan Mitchell’s trajectory — whether his callback-fueled team run becomes a signature story of the season.
As The Voice Season 28 advances, the callback mechanic and compressed advancement will test both talent and adaptability. With Carson Daly now wielding influence, along with new rules and ambitious coaches, the journey ahead promises surprises. The Voice returns for season 28 with new rules and coaches shaping fresh narratives.
Next up: Battle rounds, Knockouts, and viewer votes — stay tuned each Monday and Tuesday at 8/7c.
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