First Look: The Voice Season 28 Promises Chaos, Charm, and a ‘Penalty Box’ Twist
The Voice is officially back — and season 28 is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining yet. NBC has unveiled an exclusive first-look clip, shared with PEOPLE, revealing the playful chaos, new twists, and unforgettable antics fans can expect when the hit singing competition returns on Monday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. ET.
This season sees the return of superstar coaches Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg — each bringing their own unique flair to the iconic red chairs.
Snoop Dogg, 53, now in his second season, wastes no time showcasing his signature style. “It took me all this time to get real — only you can seal the deal based off of the way that you feel,” he tells one contestant, blending wisdom with rhyme in the way only Snoop can.
Country music queen Reba McEntire, stepping into her fourth season, adds a personal touch with a new gimmick: customized folding fans printed with her face. She hands them out to the audience, turning them into her backup squad. “Fans, who should they go with?” she asks during a pitch, as the crowd whips the fans into the air in support.
Meanwhile, Niall Horan, who previously won seasons 23 and 24, continues to win hearts with his charm. The 31-year-old Heaven singer praises a contestant’s song choice, only to be stunned when she blurts out: “I love you! I know where you have birthmarks.” The unexpected confession leaves Horan wide-eyed and the audience roaring with laughter.
But it’s Michael Bublé, fresh off back-to-back wins in seasons 26 and 27, who steals the spotlight with his latest invention: the “penalty box.” In a lighthearted moment, Bublé announces, “When somebody’s a bad boy, we put them in the penalty box. Now you get two minutes for looking too good,” before literally boxing in Horan’s chair to the crowd’s delight.
Beyond the coaches’ antics, season 28 introduces a brand-new feature called the “Carson Callback.” For the first time, host Carson Daly has the power to bring back standout singers who may have slipped through the cracks. “Sometimes I see great singers fall through the cracks and I’ve never been able to do anything about it — until right now,” Daly explains.
With its mix of fresh twists, familiar camaraderie, and the high-stakes competition that has made The Voice a global hit, season 28 promises to deliver the same heart, humor, and star-making performances that keep fans tuning in year after year.
The show will air Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes streaming on Peacock.