As the red chairs swivel and the stage lights blaze, The Voice Season 28 hurtles toward its climactic Playoffs, with only a handful of episodes left to separate the dreamers from the destined. The Knockout Rounds, airing November 17 and 24 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, have turned the heat to inferno levels, with coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg wielding their new “Mic Drop” buttons like musical Excaliburs, spotlighting one standout artist per team for a shot to perform at the 2026 Rose Parade via America’s vote. With the Playoffs looming on December 1 and 8, and the two-night Live Finale set for December 15 and 16, the competition is a pressure cooker of raw talent, gut-wrenching decisions, and career-defining moments.

This season, The Voice has unearthed a kaleidoscope of vocal virtuosos, from soulful crooners to genre-defying mavericks, each vying for the $100,000 prize and a Universal Music Group record deal. The introduction of the “Carson Callback,” allowing host Carson Daly to resurrect one overlooked artist, has added a layer of redemption to the narrative, while mega mentors Joe Walsh and Zac Brown have sharpened the Knockouts into a crucible of artistry. As of November 17, 2025, the Knockouts are whittling down the field, leaving a roster of up-and-coming singers who could seize the crown. Here’s an electrifying rundown of the frontrunners still standing—each a potential superstar whose voice could echo far beyond the The Voice stage.

Team Bublé: Powerhouses Poised to Reign

Michael Bublé, the crooning king with two consecutive wins under his belt (Seasons 26 and 27), is a master at spotting diamonds in the rough. His team is a melting pot of vocal firepower, and the November 17 Knockouts showcased their mettle.

Teo Ramdel (Age: 28, Hometown: Atlanta, GA) Teo’s rendition of Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life was a seismic declaration of intent, blending gritty rock swagger with a soulful undercurrent that left Bublé grappling with an “impossible choice.” His journey from busking on Atlanta’s Peachtree Street to the The Voice stage is a testament to his hustle—self-taught on guitar, he’s penned originals that have racked up thousands of SoundCloud streams. Zac Brown’s mentorship honed Teo’s breath control, amplifying his stadium-ready presence. Fans on X are buzzing, with @VoiceVibes23 tweeting, “Teo’s got that ‘next big thing’ energy—rock, soul, and pure heart. #TeamBublé.” If he nails the Playoffs, Teo’s versatility could make him untouchable.
Jazz McKenzie (Age: 31, Hometown: New Orleans, LA) Jazz’s sultry take on Smokey Robinson’s Cruisin’ was a masterclass in emotional restraint, her velvety tones weaving a spell that earned a standing ovation. A former French Quarter jazz club staple, she’s no stranger to commanding a room, having opened for Trombone Shorty at local festivals. Her Blind Audition cover of Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got to Do with It was a four-chair turn, with Bublé calling her “a once-in-a-generation voice.” Joe Walsh urged her to “lean into the silences,” and she delivered, making every note a story. Jazz’s ability to fuse jazz, R&B, and pop positions her as a frontrunner, especially if she taps into her storytelling for the Live Shows.
Max Chambers (Age: 14, Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA) At just 14, Max is the season’s youngest phenom, but his Knockout performance of Stevie Wonder’s Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing was a vocal juggernaut, earning Bublé’s Mic Drop and a ticket to the Rose Parade vote. A viral TikTok star with covers amassing 2 million views, Max’s jazz-inflected pop style belies his age. Bublé praised his “fearless range,” while Zac Brown called him “a kid with a grown man’s soul.” His underdog charm and raw talent make him a fan favorite, but he’ll need to outshine veterans in the Playoffs to stay alive.
Rob Cole (Age: 37, Hometown: Nashville, TN) Rob’s Wondering Why by The Red Clay Strays was a soul-stirring blend of country and blues, his piano-to-mic transition earning Snoop’s nod as “superstar material.” A former American Idol Season 21 contestant, Rob’s weathered voice carries the weight of a decade gigging in honky-tonks. Zac Brown’s advice to pace his delivery paid off, giving him a storyteller’s edge. If Rob can channel his grit into a show-stopping Playoff performance, he could steal the crown.
Trinity (Age: 24, Hometown: Los Angeles, CA) Trinity’s four-chair Blind Audition of a one-woman, four-part harmony on a Bee Gees classic was “dumbfounding,” per Horan, and her Knockout performance cemented her as a vocal chameleon. A former choir director, she’s mastered pop, gospel, and funk, with a stage presence that screams headliner. Bublé’s choice to keep her speaks to her potential to dominate the Live Shows, especially if she unleashes her full range.

Team Niall: Heartstrings and Harmonies

Niall Horan, the One Direction alum with back-to-back wins in Seasons 23 and 24, is chasing a three-peat with a team of emotive storytellers. His Mic Drop choice, DEK of Hearts, has already shaken the competition.

DEK of Hearts (Ages: 20-23, Hometown: Chicago, IL) This vocal trio’s Knockout harmony on an original arrangement was a “wall of sound” that Horan called “unlike anything I’ve heard.” Earning Team Niall’s Mic Drop, they’re now in the Rose Parade fan vote, with X users like @MelodyHaven hyping, “DEK’s harmonies are pure magic—Niall’s got a winner! #VoiceKnockouts.” Formed at DePaul University, their blend of pop, R&B, and a cappella has drawn Pentatonix comparisons. Their ability to craft cohesive performances under pressure makes them a Playoff threat.
Kayleigh Clark (Age: 27, Hometown: Memphis, TN) A Season 21 American Idol alum, Kayleigh’s Knockout cover of a Janis Joplin classic was raw and electrifying, with Horan praising her “gravelly authenticity.” Her Memphis roots shine through in her bluesy delivery, honed in Beale Street dive bars. Joe Walsh’s mentorship helped her balance power with nuance, and if she can connect emotionally in the Playoffs, she’s a dark horse.
Aubrey Nicole (Age: 19, Hometown: Tulsa, OK) Aubrey’s tear-jerking Blind Audition of Martina McBride’s I’m Gonna Love You Through It left Reba and Snoop in tears, and her Knockout performance showed similar depth. A cancer survivor, her story resonates, but it’s her crystalline country-pop voice that keeps her in contention. Horan’s coaching could guide her to the Live Shows if she leans into her vulnerability.

Team Reba: Country Soul and Raw Grit

Reba McEntire, the Queen of Country, is hunting her first Voice win with a team that blends heartland roots with universal appeal.

Vinya Chhabra (Age: 14, Hometown: Dallas, TX) At 14, Vinya’s four-chair Blind Audition was a vocal thunderbolt, with Reba calling her “a prodigy with pipes.” Her Knockout performance of a Shania Twain hit showcased maturity beyond her years, refined by Joe Walsh’s advice to “own the stage.” A classical pianist with a pop-country flair, Vinya’s youth and versatility make her a fan favorite, but she’ll need to outshine heavyweights in the Playoffs.
Conrad (Age: 29, Hometown: St. Louis, MO) Conrad’s Closer by Ne-Yo was a silky R&B triumph, with Bublé hailing his “beautifully controlled” tone. A former wedding singer, his smooth charisma and vocal runs evoke classic soul. Joe Walsh urged him to dial back embellishments, and the result was a standout Knockout. If Conrad brings that polish to the Playoffs, he could be Reba’s ace.
Toni Lorene (Age: 33, Hometown: Mobile, AL) Toni’s gospel-infused Knockout performance was a spiritual awakening, with Reba noting her “commanding presence.” A single mother who’s sung in church choirs since childhood, her voice carries resilience. If she channels that authenticity in the Live Shows, she could sway voters.

Team Snoop: Swagger and Soul

Snoop Dogg, the only coach yet to claim a Voice title, is betting on a roster dripping with charisma and raw energy.

Ralph Edwards (Age: 25, Hometown: Oakland, CA) Ralph’s Battle round was “impeccable,” per NBC, and his Knockout performance of a Bruno Mars hit was pure dynamite, with Snoop calling him “a born performer.” A former street busker, his hip-hop-soul fusion and infectious stage energy make him a standout. Zac Brown’s mentorship sharpened his pacing, and if Ralph brings his A-game to the Playoffs, he could be Snoop’s first champion.
Marty O’Reilly (Age: 30, Hometown: Austin, TX) Marty’s The Letter by Joe Cocker was a soulful growl that Snoop dubbed “pure dog energy.” A Texas bar circuit veteran, his raspy delivery and emotional depth earned Niall’s praise as “captivating.” Though he didn’t advance past Knockouts, his Mic Drop potential keeps him in the conversation for a fan-voted wildcard.
Kanard Thomas (Age: 34, Hometown: Detroit, MI) A Season 16 Voice alum who won Bebe Rexha’s Comeback Stage, Kanard’s Knockout was a redemption arc, blending gospel and R&B with surgical precision. Snoop’s coaching has unleashed his confidence, and his fan base from prior stints could propel him in the Live Shows.

The X-Factor: Why These Artists Could Win

What sets Season 28 apart is its blend of innovation and heart. The Mic Drop twist—awarding one artist per team a shot at the Rose Parade—has raised the stakes, with DEK of Hearts, Max Chambers, and others already in the fan-vote fray. The Carson Callback, used on Ryan Mitchell, proved Daly’s knack for spotting overlooked gems, though Mitchell’s fate hinges on his Knockout. Social media is a wildfire of support: @VoiceFanaticX posted, “Jazz McKenzie or Trinity for the win—those voices are UNREAL. #TheVoiceS28,” while @SnoopStan420 hyped Ralph Edwards as “Snoop’s secret weapon.”

Statistically, Bublé and Horan have the edge, with four combined wins and rosters stacked with four-chair turns. Reba’s country clout and Snoop’s genre-spanning mentorship, however, could upset the odds. The Playoffs will test versatility—artists like Teo Ramdel and Conrad, who cross genres effortlessly, may thrive, while storytellers like Aubrey Nicole and Toni Lorene could sway voters with emotional resonance. The Live Shows, with public voting via the Voice app and X, will be a popularity contest as much as a vocal one.

The Road to the Finale: What’s at Stake

With Knockouts wrapping November 24, the Playoffs (December 1 and 8) will see coaches cut their teams to a Top 12, with only eight advancing to the Live Shows. The Finale, a two-night spectacle, will crown the winner based on public votes, with each finalist performing an up-tempo track, a ballad, and a coach duet. The $100,000 prize and record deal are life-changing, but the real reward is exposure—past winners like Cassadee Pope and Jordan Smith leveraged The Voice into chart-topping careers.

For frontrunners like Jazz McKenzie, whose jazz-soul fusion could redefine pop, or DEK of Hearts, whose harmonies scream Grammy potential, the Playoffs are make-or-break. Young guns like Max Chambers and Vinya Chhabra must prove they can hang with veterans like Rob Cole and Kanard Thomas. Snoop’s underdog status adds intrigue—Ralph Edwards could be his breakout star, but he’ll face stiff competition from Bublé’s polished pros and Horan’s emotive ensemble.

A Stage for Dreamers, A Spotlight for Legends

The Voice Season 28 isn’t just a competition; it’s a crucible where raw talent meets relentless ambition. From Teo Ramdel’s rock-soul grit to Trinity’s genre-bending brilliance, these artists are rewriting their futures under the glare of America’s gaze. As Reba told Newsweek, “It’s about encouraging them to try again, pick a song that shows their heart.” The Playoffs will test that heart, and the Live Shows will crown a voice that resonates beyond the stage.

Tune in Monday, November 24, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, or stream next-day on Peacock, to witness the Knockouts’ final battles. Will Jazz McKenzie’s velvet tones steal the show? Can DEK of Hearts harmonize their way to history? Or will an underdog like Vinya Chhabra shock the world? One thing’s certain: These frontrunners are ready to sing for their lives, and America’s ready to listen. Who’s your pick to win The Voice Season 28? Hit up X and let the world hear your voice.