It is wild to think that The Voice has been on our screens for nearly fifteen years. Most shows fade into the background or get relegated to late-night cable by this point, but NBC’s behemoth keeps chugging along. Honestly, the secret sauce isn’t just the singers. It is the red chairs. People tune in for the banter, the bickering, and the genuine mentorship that happens between the superstars and the hopefuls. If you are looking for the lowdown on The Voice coaches season 28, you’ve come to the right place because the chemistry this time around is... different.
The spinning chairs are back.
The returning legends and the fresh faces
Let’s get into the meat of it. For season 28, the network decided to play it a bit safer while still injecting some much-needed energy into the format. Adam Levine is back. Yeah, you read that right. After a long hiatus that left many fans wondering if he’d ever return to his old stomping grounds, the Maroon 5 frontman has reclaimed his seat. It feels like 2012 all over again, but with more tattoos and maybe a slightly more mature perspective on the game.
Then there is the country seat. It is basically a law at this point that someone from Nashville has to be there to snag the artists wearing cowboy boots. Kelsea Ballerini has stepped up as a full-time coach after her stint as a guest advisor and fill-in. She brings a specific kind of "big sister" energy that resonates with the younger pop-country demographic. She isn't just there to fill a quota; she is genuinely competitive.
- John Legend remains the anchor. He’s the EGOT winner. He’s the one who talks about pitch, tone, and soul in a way that makes you feel like you’re in a masterclass.
- The fourth seat? That’s where things get interesting with the inclusion of Michael Bublé. He brings a swing and jazz sensibility that we haven't seen since... well, maybe never.
Why Adam Levine’s return changes the dynamic
People have feelings about Adam. You either love his competitive streak or you find it exhausting. But you can't deny that the show missed his "frenemy" dynamic. For years, the heart of the show was the back-and-forth between him and Blake Shelton. With Blake gone, Adam has had to find a new sparring partner.
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Interestingly, he seems to be clashing—in a fun way—with Bublé. It’s a battle of the wits. Adam is all about the radio-ready hit, while Michael is looking for the "crooner" quality, that timeless vocal that doesn't need autotune to survive. This push and pull creates a much more technical discussion about what a "voice" actually is. It isn't just about who can hit the highest note anymore. It’s about who has a brand.
The strategy of the "Double Chair" and format tweaks
We saw the double chair with Dan + Shay in previous seasons, and while it was a cool experiment, season 28 has focused more on the individual power of the coaches. However, the "Block" button is more lethal than ever. Coaches now have more freedom to use it during the blind auditions, which means if you're a singer and three chairs turn, you might still only have two options if the blocks start flying.
I’ve noticed that the The Voice coaches season 28 are being much more selective. In earlier seasons, you’d see coaches fill up their teams halfway through the blinds. Now? They are waiting. They are looking for that one specific "unicorn" voice. John Legend, specifically, has been holding out for artists who can do more than just vocal gymnastics. He’s looking for storytellers.
What this means for the contestants
If you’re an aspiring singer watching this, the bar has moved. It’s not enough to cover a Whitney Houston song and nail the high note. The coaches—especially Bublé and Ballerini—are looking for "vocal identity."
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Kelsea often talks about the "radio test." If she heard your voice on the radio, would she know it was you within three seconds? That is the standard. If the answer is no, you’re probably going to get a "you’re a great singer, but..." talk. It’s harsh. But it’s the reality of the music industry in 2026.
Behind the scenes: The coaching styles
Each of these four has a distinct way of handling their team once the cameras stop rolling for the night.
- Adam Levine: He is a drill sergeant. He focuses on the arrangement. He will change the key of a song five times until it sits perfectly in the singer's "sweet spot."
- Kelsea Ballerini: She’s the stylist. She cares about the look, the stage presence, and the "vibe." She knows how to market a person, not just a voice.
- Michael Bublé: He is the technician. He talks about breathing, phrasing, and the "vowels." He’s very old-school in his approach.
- John Legend: He is the emotional soul. He wants to know why you are singing that song at this moment. If there’s no connection, he’s not interested.
The impact of the Season 28 lineup on ratings
Let's talk business. The reason the network brought Adam back is simple: ratings. There was a noticeable dip after the "original" era ended. By mixing the nostalgia of Adam with the fresh, international appeal of Bublé, NBC is trying to capture two different audiences. You have the Gen X and Millennials who grew up with the show, and you have the younger audience following Kelsea on TikTok.
It seems to be working. The social media engagement for this season is significantly higher than the last two. People love a comeback story, and Adam’s return is exactly that. Plus, the banter doesn't feel scripted. When Michael Bublé makes a joke about Adam’s hair, or when Kelsea blocks John for a soulful country artist, the reactions feel genuine. That’s what keeps people from changing the channel.
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Actionable insights for fans and aspiring artists
If you are following this season or thinking about auditioning for the next one, there are a few things you should take away from the current coaching climate. The "Power Ballad" is dying. The "Unique Indie Voice" is winning.
- Audit your own sound. If you sound like a carbon copy of someone on the radio, change your arrangement. The coaches are bored of covers that sound like the original.
- Watch the rehearsals. The most valuable part of the show isn't the live performance; it's the 30 seconds of coaching footage we see before it. Watch how Michael Bublé corrects phrasing. It’s a free vocal lesson.
- Follow the coaches on socials. They often post "behind the chair" content that doesn't make the final edit. You get a much better sense of what they are actually looking for in an artist.
- Ignore the "Save." Artists who get saved by their coach often struggle in the public vote later on. If you’re a performer, your goal is to be the "One-Chair Turn" that everyone regrets not hitting for.
The reality is that The Voice coaches season 28 have redefined what the show is about. It’s less of a singing competition and more of a "Star Power" boot camp. Whether you're rooting for Team Adam or Team Legend, the level of expertise in those chairs right now is arguably the highest it has been in years. Pay attention to the critiques—they are often more important than the scores.
To get the most out of this season, pay close attention to the "Battle Rounds" coming up. This is where the coaches' true colors show. You will see who is actually a good teacher and who is just a good performer. Watch how Kelsea handles the pressure of cutting people she’s bonded with; it’s a masterclass in professional empathy. Keep an eye on the steals, as they usually signal who the producers think will make it to the finale.