The Voice season 28 has introduced Carson Callback Card and more rule changes to Blind Auditions, Battles, Knockouts and Playoffs.
The Voice is back, and season 28 is kicking off with some of the biggest rule changes the NBC singing competition has ever seen. Premiering September 22, the new season reunites fans with host Carson Daly and coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg—but it’s the changes to the format that have everyone buzzing.
The most talked-about addition is the Carson Callback Card, a new twist in the Blind Auditions. For the first time, Daly will have the power to step in if none of the coaches turns their chair for a contestant. When he uses the card, one singer will get a rare second chance at a blind audition.
But that’s not the only shake-up this season. The Battle Rounds will look different too, with artists now choosing their own pairings instead of having their coaches decide.
Meanwhile, in the Knockouts, the coaches will gain a new tool of their own: the Mic Drop button. Each coach can use the button once, spotlighting one artist from their team. Those selected will then be placed in the hands of viewers, who will vote for one winner to perform at the Rose Parade on January 1.
The Playoffs are also seeing a dramatic shift. In past seasons, coaches advanced two contestants to the Live Shows, but this time they’ll only be able to pick one. Viewers will vote for two more, reducing the number of advancing singers from eight to six.
Despite all the new twists, the familiar chemistry of the coaching panel remains a major draw. Niall Horan recently shared his excitement over joining forces with Snoop Dogg, admitting in a The Voice YouTube video posted September 9 that meeting him for the first time left him nervous. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous in my whole life,” he said, before adding, “I’m so happy to be able to work with him. He’s so funny, and he’s so good at this coaching thing.”
Fans can expect plenty of laughs, surprises, and standout performances when The Voice returned for season 28 on September 22 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
