Honestly, it feels like we just blinked and the red chairs were back. But here we are. The Voice recap: the blinds premiere of Season 28 kicked off with a level of energy that honestly made the previous couple of seasons feel like a rehearsal. You’ve got the regular heavy hitters back—Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Michael Bublé—and they aren't playing around this time.
The night didn't start with a contestant, though. It started with the coaches. They leaned into the 70s rock vibes with a cover of "The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band. Seeing Reba sing about being a "midnight toker" while Snoop harmonized next to her is the kind of TV fever dream we’ve come to expect, but it really set the tone. This season isn't just about finding a singer; it's about the chemistry between these four, which is already surprisingly spicy.
Why the Season 28 Opener Felt Different
Most premieres follow a predictable beat: a few four-chair turns, a sob story or two, and a lot of coaches begging. This one had all of that, sure. But then Carson Daly dropped a bomb.
Enter the Carson Callback Card. Basically, the host now has the power to override the coaches. If everyone stays silent but Carson feels a "vibe," he can hand out a lifeline. He didn't wait long to use it either. When Ryan Mitchell, a 25-year-old from LA, failed to get a single turn with his rendition of "Cigarette Daydreams," it felt like the end of the road. But Carson stepped in, giving him 24 hours to prep a new song and try again. It's a massive shift in the show's DNA. It turns the host from a bystander into a genuine player in the game.
The Standout Who Set the Bar
Aiden Ross. Remember that name. This 20-year-old college student from Texas A&M walked out and sang "Love in the Dark" by Adele. Now, singing Adele at an audition is usually a death wish. It’s too big, too iconic. But Aiden? He made it sound like a folk song he’d written in his bedroom.
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Snoop was the first to hit his button—literally 1.3 seconds in. By the time the song ended, all four chairs were facing him. Niall looked like he’d seen a ghost, telling Aiden, "I believe you can be in the final... straight out of the gate." Snoop tried to flex his industry connections, promising to put out Aiden’s record, but Niall’s "undefeated coach" energy won out. Aiden chose Team Niall, and frankly, the rest of the coaches looked a little terrified.
Strategy, Blocks, and Emotional Breakdowns
If you thought the "Block" was a tired gimmick, Snoop Dogg just breathed new life into it. Mindy Miller, a country mom from Nashville, took the stage with "Wildflowers and Wild Horses." She was exactly what Reba looks for. Snoop knew it. He hit his button and slapped the block on Reba so fast her head spun.
"I knew blocking Reba would be my best chance at getting you," Snoop told her with a grin.
It worked. Mindy ended up on Team Snoop, even though Reba was clearly the "natural" fit. It shows that Snoop is finally learning the cutthroat side of the show after his debut season. He even said the performance gave him "the country holy ghost," which might be the best quote in the history of the franchise.
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The Heartbreak and the "Girl Dad"
Then there was Manny Costello. He's a 28-year-old "girl dad" from Georgia who basically only sings in his house. He performed "Almost Home" by Craig Morgan and moved Reba to actual tears. Like, real, "had-to-wipe-her-eyes" tears. She told him he made her homesick and compared him to George Jones. When a legend like Reba says you have qualities of the greats, you don't pick Snoop Dogg, even if Snoop did brag about smoking with Willie Nelson. Manny went Team Reba, obviously.
The Youngest Star in the Room
Max Chambers is only 14. He’s already been on Broadway in MJ the Musical, so he wasn't exactly shaking in his boots. He did "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5, and it was... a lot. His energy was infectious, but you could tell his voice is still maturing. Michael Bublé didn't care. He turned first, followed by Reba. Bublé won him over by promising to help him "control" the talent he clearly already has.
Team Breakdown After Night One
It’s early, but the power balance is already shifting. Here is how the teams look after the first round of the The Voice recap: the blinds premiere.
- Team Niall: Aiden Ross (the frontrunner), DEK of Hearts (a country trio with insane harmonies), and Jack Austin.
- Team Reba: Manny Costello (the tear-jerker) and Peyton Kyle.
- Team Bublé: Max Chambers (the Broadway kid) and Jazz McKenzie (the soul powerhouse).
- Team Snoop: Mindy Miller and Ralph Edwards (a rock singer who auditioned 11 times before getting a turn).
The Jazz McKenzie Surprise
The night ended with a bang. Jazz McKenzie, a 31-year-old cell phone saleswoman, took on Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It." It was raspy, soulful, and powerful. Reba tried to pull another block on Snoop, but Jazz ended up shocking everyone by choosing Michael Bublé. Usually, the soul singers head toward Snoop or the pop coaches, but Bublé’s "sought after" pitch clearly hit home.
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What This Means for the Rest of the Season
If you're watching for the first time or a long-time fan, the takeaway from the Season 28 premiere is simple: the "untouchable" status of the coaches is gone. With the Carson Callback, the contestants have a safety net they’ve never had before.
Also, watch out for the country artists choosing Niall. It’s a trend that started a few seasons ago, but seeing the trio DEK of Hearts pick the Irish pop star over Reba McEntire—the actual Queen of Country—was a massive statement. It means the "genre-locking" of teams is basically dead.
To get the most out of this season, pay attention to the song choices in the next few episodes. The coaches are rewarding "originality" over "perfection" more than ever. If you're following along, keep an eye on how Ryan Mitchell uses his 24-hour second chance—it's going to determine if the Carson Callback is a genuine game-changer or just a one-off gimmick. Check the NBC schedule or Peacock for the next episode to see if he survives the second audition.