In the high-stakes world of reality singing competitions, few moments capture the essence of raw talent and emotional connection quite like a standout duet in the battle rounds. On a recent episode of NBC’s The Voice Season 28, country singers Manny Costello and Leyton Robinson delivered just that—a mesmerizing cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Think I’m in Love with You” that left the coaches speechless and the audience buzzing. As members of Team Reba, under the guidance of country legend Reba McEntire, the duo showcased their vocal prowess, stage chemistry, and heartfelt delivery, turning what could have been a competitive showdown into a collaborative triumph. This performance not only highlighted their individual strengths but also underscored the magic that happens when two artists with complementary styles come together.
The Voice, now in its 28th season, continues to be a powerhouse platform for aspiring musicians, blending mentorship from industry icons with intense competitions that test vocal range, stage presence, and adaptability. This season features a dynamic lineup of coaches: country queen Reba McEntire, hip-hop pioneer Snoop Dogg, smooth crooner Michael Bublé, and pop sensation Niall Horan. Each coach builds a team during the blind auditions, where they turn their chairs based solely on voice, then pits teammates against each other in battles to refine their skills and decide who advances. For Team Reba, known for its focus on country and heartfelt storytelling, the battles have been particularly riveting, with artists drawing from deep emotional wells to impress their mentor.
Manny Costello, a 28-year-old from Athens, Georgia, entered the competition as a devoted “girl dad” and self-proclaimed “wannabe redneck.” A father of two young daughters, Costello balances his music career with family life, often drawing inspiration from his personal experiences. His journey on The Voice began with a poignant blind audition performance of Craig Morgan’s “Almost Home,” a song that resonates with themes of longing and reflection. Costello’s gritty, gravelly tone—reminiscent of seasoned country veterans—immediately caught the attention of the coaches. Reba McEntire was visibly moved, admitting that his performance brought her to tears. “There’s something so authentic about your voice,” she told him during the audition. Costello, who writes his own music and performs locally, chose Team Reba, citing his admiration for her as a country icon and her ability to nurture raw talent. Often compared to comedian Jimmy Fallon for his boyish looks and charming demeanor, Costello brings a textured, soulful edge to his singing that sets him apart in a sea of polished performers.
On the other side of the battle was Leyton Robinson, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter hailing from Rogers, Arkansas, now based in Nashville, Tennessee—the heart of country music. Robinson’s dynamic voice draws influences from powerhouse vocalists like Natalie Maines of The Chicks and the legendary Stevie Nicks, blending a rock-infused edge with classic country twang. Her blind audition featured a stunning rendition of Ella Langley’s “Weren’t for the Wind,” a track that showcased her range and emotional depth. The performance earned turns from multiple coaches, but Robinson opted for Team Reba, excited about the opportunity to learn from a woman who has paved the way for female artists in the genre. Robinson’s background includes honing her craft in Nashville’s competitive scene, where she writes songs that often explore themes of resilience and love. Her professional poise and thoughtful approach to music have made her an early favorite, with coaches praising her versatility and stage readiness.
The battle round paired these two country talents for a duet on Chris Stapleton’s “Think I’m in Love with You,” a soulful track from his 2023 album Higher. Stapleton, a Grammy-winning artist known for his bluesy, heartfelt ballads, has become a staple in modern country, blending rock, soul, and traditional elements. The song itself is a romantic confession, with lyrics that build from tender verses to a powerful chorus, emphasizing vulnerability and passion. It’s a fitting choice for a battle, requiring strong harmonies, dynamic interplay, and emotional authenticity—qualities both Costello and Robinson possess in spades.
As the lights dimmed on The Voice stage, Robinson and Costello took their positions, exuding confidence and camaraderie. Robinson, dressed in a sleek black ensemble that highlighted her poised elegance, started with a sultry, controlled delivery, her voice gliding effortlessly through the opening lines. Costello, sporting a casual beige jacket and white cap that nodded to his laid-back style, responded with his signature gravelly grit, adding depth and contrast. What began as harmonious blending soon evolved into a back-and-forth exchange, with each artist taking turns to shine while supporting the other. Their stage presence was electric—they moved with purpose, locking eyes during key moments and building tension that culminated in a unified, soaring finale. The performance earned a standing ovation from all four coaches, a rare feat that underscored its impact.
The coaches’ feedback was effusive, reflecting the duet’s high caliber. Michael Bublé, known for his appreciation of vocal technique, exclaimed, “That was incredible. Leyton, I think that you can sing the phone book. Anything pop, anything country, and I think that’s amazing. And Manny, you have this great texture to your voice, and it’s got that gravelly, amazing thing, and I thought you killed it.” Snoop Dogg, bringing his unique perspective, kept it simple but sincere: “Y’all sound amazing together. I love the ins and outs and the camaraderie at the end when y’all separated to let that big moment come together as one.” Niall Horan echoed the sentiment, noting that both artists had “stepped up” significantly from rehearsals. Reba McEntire, as their coach, was beaming with pride. She acknowledged the growth both had shown, saying, “Manny, I’ve always loved that little gravelly grit, and it was so good. I’m very proud of you both.” Turning to Robinson, she added, “Leyton, I love your voice. I love your look. Everything. You’ve really put a lot of thought into it, and it is so professional.”
The decision fell to Reba, who described it as one of the toughest she’d faced. After a moment of deliberation, she chose Leyton Robinson to advance, explaining, “I think I could help her. I’m just so impressed with her vocals and I wanna give her some songs that really challenges her, and I think she’ll rise to the occasion.” Reba emphasized that both were among her favorites and expressed hope that another coach would steal Costello. Michael Bublé considered it, praising Costello’s unique sound, but ultimately passed, leaving Costello to exit the competition. The moment was bittersweet, with hugs and words of encouragement exchanged onstage.
Fan reactions poured in across social media, reflecting the performance’s resonance. On platforms like TikTok and Facebook, viewers praised the duo’s chemistry, with many calling it “pure magic” and “one of the best battles in recent seasons.” Some fans felt Costello was robbed, commenting, “Manny won that battle—do a wild card and bring him back!” Others appreciated Reba’s choice, noting Robinson’s professionalism and potential for growth. One TikTok user summed it up: “This battle had the coaches on their feet, and me too! Both are stars.” The clip of their performance quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, with comments highlighting the emotional depth and vocal harmony.
This battle exemplifies why The Voice remains a cultural phenomenon—it not only discovers talent but also fosters moments of genuine artistry. For Manny Costello, though his journey ended here, the exposure could open doors to new opportunities in the country music scene, where his authentic style and songwriting skills are sure to shine. Leyton Robinson, advancing to the next round, has the chance to further develop under Reba’s mentorship, potentially challenging her with more demanding material. Chris Stapleton’s song, already a hit, gains new life through their interpretation, reminding audiences of the timeless appeal of heartfelt country music.
In a genre often defined by storytelling and emotion, Costello and Robinson’s duet stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. As The Voice Season 28 progresses, fans eagerly await more such electrifying moments, but this battle will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight—a blend of talent, passion, and the indefinable spark that makes music unforgettable.
