In an exclusive sneak peek, major changes for Season 28 of ‘The Voice’ have been unveiled. The upcoming season promises to deliver a fresh and exciting twist for viewers to enjoy. The latest season of the popular singing competition show is set to premiere on Monday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and fans can expect to see a range of new elements introduced for the first time. PEOPLE had the opportunity to get an inside look at these changes, providing insights into what viewers can anticipate.
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One of the exciting new elements being introduced in Season 28 is the ‘Carson Callback Card’. Host Carson Daly will have the chance to surprise a deserving artist who received no chair turns during the Blind Auditions with a second opportunity to showcase their talent. This added twist is sure to keep contestants on their toes and add an element of surprise to the show. Additionally, during the Battles rounds, coaches including Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg will allow their artists to select their own battle partners, deviating from the traditional coach-led selection process.
The Knockouts stage will also see an interesting addition with the introduction of the ‘Mic Drop’ button for each coach. This unique feature allows coaches to acknowledge standout performances from their team members by pressing the button. Following the Knockouts, viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite ‘Mic Drop’ performance, with the winning contestant earning a coveted spot to perform at The Rose Parade Presented by Honda on Jan. 1, 2026. This interactive voting element adds an engaging twist to the competition.
In the Playoffs, coaches will have the task of selecting one contestant from their team to advance to the Live shows. The fifth and sixth finalists will be determined by viewer votes, intensifying the competition as contestants vie for a chance to showcase their talent on the live stage. With only one contestant from each team progressing to the next phase, the stakes are higher, and the competition fiercer than ever before.
Season 28 promises to be a highly competitive season with seasoned coaches returning to the panel. Michael Bublé, a two-time champion from previous seasons, will be back to defend his title, along with Niall Horan and Reba McEntire, who have also tasted victory in their coaching stints. Snoop Dogg, who previously coached in Season 26, adds a dynamic element to the coaching panel with his unique perspective and experience in the music industry.
Ahead of the season premiere, coaches Snoop Dogg and Niall Horan reflected on their careers, sharing that if ‘The Voice’ had been around at the start of their journeys, they might not have auditioned. Despite their success, both artists acknowledged the challenges of competing in a talent show of this nature. Their candid insights add a personal touch to the upcoming season, offering viewers a glimpse into the minds of the talented coaches.
Fans can catch all the excitement of Season 28 of ‘The Voice’ starting on Monday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. The show will continue airing on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, promising an entertaining and thrilling viewing experience for audiences. With these exciting changes and the return of beloved coaches, Season 28 is set to be a must-watch for fans of the hit singing competition show.