'The Voice' Introduces New Rules as Season 28 Launches with Its First Blind Auditions

A jaw-dropping rule shake-up, a second-chance shocker, and a beautiful performance that had a judge weeping — Season 28 of "The Voice" isn't just back, it's more riveting than ever.

NBC's hit singing competition, "The Voice," made its thunderous return with its first Blind Auditions of the season. In a surprising new twist, the show has introduced new rules, one of which is a major game-changer concerning the fate of contestants.

This specific rule has already made its way onto the premiere episode, which saw the return of beloved, superstar judges Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan.

The Carson Callback Card: A Power Move No One Saw Coming

One of the most talked-about additions this season is the Carson Callback Card — a bold new twist that places host Carson Daly at the center of the competition in an entirely new way. For the first time in the show's history, Daly has been given the authority to single-handedly change a contestant's fate during the Blind Auditions.

If a performer receives no chair turns but still manages to impress the longtime host, Daly can surprise everyone by awarding them a second chance.

This unexpected move allows the chosen artist to return for another blind audition later in the season, offering renewed hope and a fresh opportunity to join a team. It's a rule that not only increases the stakes for contestants but also deepens Daly's role in the show's evolving format.

The shake-up continues beyond the Blinds. During the Battles, the format has shifted from coach-determined matchups to artist-driven choices.

Instead of the coaches selecting who faces whom, contestants now have the opportunity to form their own battle pairs, adding a strategic new layer to an already intense round. Adding another element to what's new this season is the fact that in the Knockouts, the show introduces another powerful tool: the Mic Drop button.

Each coach can use this once to spotlight a team member whose performance leaves them blown away. The standout contestant then earns a shot at national recognition, as viewers will vote to crown one Mic Drop winner across all four teams.

That lucky artist will be awarded a coveted performance spot at the 2026 Rose Parade Presented by Honda — a high-profile stage outside the competition itself. The drama? It's only just getting started.

Rounding out the rule changes is a key update to the Playoffs. Coaches will now select just one contestant from their team to advance to the Live Shows, a notable reduction from last season's format, where two contestants moved forward.

Meanwhile, viewers will vote to decide the fate of the remaining contestants, ultimately determining the fifth and sixth finalists.

'The Coaches Don't Always Get It Right': Carson Daly Drops a Bombshell

With four major new rules shaking up the foundation of the competition, Season 28 came out swinging. Hype for the new season had been building for weeks leading up to the explosive premiere on Monday, September 22, 2025, thanks in part to a teaser trailer that hinted at a massive power shift behind the scenes.

Daly, known for his unwavering support of contestants and their families over the years, was seen stepping into a more authoritative role — one that viewers learned had been a long time coming. "Sometimes I see great singers fall through the cracks," he admitted in the trailer. "And I've never been able to do anything about it — until now."

His words served as a prelude to the dramatic introduction of the Carson Callback Card, the fiery red symbol of second chances that sent the coaches into an unexpected spiral.

As the trailer cut to the now-famous card, coach Bublé could be seen reacting in disbelief, exclaiming, "What is happening, Carson Daly?" — a question fans would soon see answered in the premiere. But the teaser didn't just hint at new rules; it also showed the playful, electric energy simmering behind the scenes.

In a chaotic montage, Bublé showed off his McEntire-themed socks, Horan busted out Irish dance moves, and McEntire was left laughing at the sheer unpredictability of it all.

And then came the mysterious new menace: the Penalty Box, a cryptic new feature that seems designed to stir the pot.

"When somebody's a bad boy, we put them in the Penalty Box," Bublé joked in the clip, before cheekily telling Horan, "Now you get two minutes for looking too good." If the trailer was a promise of exciting mayhem, the premiere delivered — in spades.

The First Callback in History, and a Redemption Arc Begins

It didn't take long for the Carson Callback Card to make its grand debut. During the very first night of Blind Auditions, viewers witnessed the new rule come to life when 25-year-old Ryan Mitchell took the stage.

A Los Angeles-based artist with a cool, alt-rock edge, Mitchell chose to perform "Cigarette Daydreams" by Cage the Elephant — a track he resonated with deeply. Before stepping out under the lights, he opened up about his past struggles with alcohol, sharing that he once consumed a handle of vodka daily.

Now four years sober, his connection to the song was raw and personal, offering a window into his journey of growth and survival. Despite his raw honesty, not a single coach turned.

The silence was deafening. But backstage, Daly had other plans. "Sometimes the coaches just don't get it right," Daly said. "We rarely get a cool alt-rock artist on the show anymore."

Then came the moment no one will forget: Daly pulled out the blazing red Carson Callback Card and gave Mitchell 24 hours to choose a new song and come back for redemption.

"You're just too good to let go," Daly told him, visibly moved. It was an unprecedented twist — in past seasons, rejected contestants had to wait a year for another shot. Mitchell? He'll be back this season.

And since Blind Auditions are, well, blind — the coaches won't know it's him the second time around. Unless someone hits their button, his fate still hangs in the balance. But this time, Mitchell walks away with hope in his pocket.

'Why Am I Getting So Emotional?': Reba McEntire Brought to Tears on Night One

While Mitchell's audition highlighted the value of second chances, another contestant that night delivered a performance so moving that it moved McEntire to tears. Manny Costello, a father of two from Athens, Georgia, took the stage with a guitar and a soulful rendition of "Almost Home" by Craig Morgan.

His smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery immediately caught the attention of the coaches. Bublé praised his "nice tone," and McEntire, visibly touched, called his voice "pretty" before quickly hitting her button. Moments later, Snoop Dogg followed, and the performance ended with roaring applause and a standing ovation from McEntire herself.

Then came the moment that stole the show. "Well, Manny, you made me homesick," McEntire told him, her voice brimming with emotion.

"It took me back to all the greats that I have been so fortunate to get to listen to in my life [...] Gosh dang, why am I getting so emotional?" she said, laughing as Snoop Dogg handed her a tissue, which she used to wipe her tears away. "You just triggered something that needed to come out and say, 'Happy to be here, and I'm very glad that you're here and I'd love you on my team.'"

Though both coaches campaigned for him, Costello ultimately chose to join McEntire's team — a decision that capped off one of the most heartfelt moments of the night.

The Competition Heats Up, and the Stakes Have Never Been Higher

With tears still fresh and rules rewritten, fans are buckling in for what promises to be a wild, emotional rollercoaster of a season.

Season 28 of "The Voice" will feature six episodes of Blind Auditions, followed by four episodes of Battles, five Knockouts, two Playoffs, and the much-anticipated Live Shows.

Both Horan (winner of Seasons 23 and 24) and Bublé (victor of Seasons 26 and 27) are hunting a third straight win, while McEntire, who triumphed in Season 25, and Snoop Dogg, still chasing his first title, are just as hungry.

New episodes air Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC, with next-day streaming available on Peacock. Monday episodes will air on Tuesday, and Tuesday episodes will drop on Wednesday. One thing is clear: if this premiere is any indication, Season 28 of "The Voice" is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet.