In the high-stakes world of prime-time talent competitions, where dreams collide with star power and every chair turn can spark a feud, Season 28 of The Voice kicked off with a bang on September 22, 2025. The episode, a two-hour premiere packed with emotional auditions and strategic maneuvers, featured returning coach Reba McEntire facing off against newcomer Snoop Dogg in a moment that’s already gone viral. When contestant Mindy Miller delivered a powerhouse performance of Lainey Wilson’s “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” Snoop pulled off a sly block on Reba, securing the Nashville-based singer for his team. Reba’s response? A side-splitting threat to confiscate Snoop’s beloved Skittles, turning what could have been a tense rivalry into pure entertainment gold.
The incident unfolded during the Blind Auditions, the show’s signature opening round where coaches—Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Michael Bublé—listen with their backs turned to the stage, relying solely on vocal talent to make their decisions. The block feature, a game-changer introduced in recent seasons, allows one coach to prevent another from selecting a contestant, adding layers of drama and strategy. Snoop, making his debut as a coach after guest appearances in prior seasons, wasted no time flexing this power. As Miller’s voice filled the studio with its raw, country-infused emotion, Snoop hit his button first, simultaneously activating the block on Reba. By the time Reba spun around, her chance was gone, and the audience erupted in a mix of gasps and laughter.
Reba, the Queen of Country with decades of hits like “Fancy” and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” under her belt, didn’t hold back her playful outrage. Leaping from her iconic red chair, she chased Snoop across the stage, yelling, “I’m going to take all your Skittles! No more Skittles for you!” Snoop, ever the cool cat in his signature shades, bolted to the stage and hid behind Miller, grinning as he quipped, “I blocked Reba so I could only have you!” The exchange had the live audience roaring, and social media lit up immediately, with fans dubbing it the “Skittles Showdown.” This wasn’t just a fleeting joke; it highlighted the genuine camaraderie between the coaches, blending Reba’s fiery Southern spirit with Snoop’s laid-back West Coast vibe.
Mindy Miller, the unsuspecting catalyst for this coach clash, brought a fresh energy to the stage. Hailing from Damascus, Maryland, but now calling Nashville home, the engaged mother of one channeled her inner Lainey Wilson—complete with bell-bottom pants and acoustic guitar in hand—for her audition. Her rendition of “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” showcased a voice brimming with grit and vulnerability, capturing the song’s themes of freedom and resilience. Miller’s performance wasn’t just technically solid; it was heartfelt, drawing from her own life experiences as a working mom pursuing her musical dreams in Music City. “I felt something special from the first note,” Snoop later explained in a post-audition clip, emphasizing why he pulled the block without hesitation.
Despite the block, Reba was quick to praise Miller, telling her, “I think you’re fantastic. Don’t let this bother you at all. Just pretend it’s gone. Congratulations for being here.” This graciousness is classic Reba— a mentor who prioritizes encouragement over competition. Michael Bublé chimed in with his own witty take, calling Reba a “Reba Magnet-ire” because of her irresistible pull on country talents, and noting that Snoop’s block was a testament to her threat level: “If that doesn’t tell you what we think of Reba McEntire and how much of a threat she is, nothing will.” Niall Horan, who admitted he regretted not turning his chair, called the situation “kind of unfair,” adding to the electric post-audition banter.
This hilarious warning isn’t an isolated incident in Reba and Snoop’s dynamic. The two have built a surprising yet endearing friendship since crossing paths on The Voice. In previous seasons, Snoop has openly admired Reba’s coaching prowess, even dubbing her the “mighty queen” and getting emotional during her heartfelt decisions, like when she used a Coach Replay button to save a contestant, bringing the rapper to tears. Their bond extends beyond the show; Snoop crashed the set of Reba’s sitcom Happy’s Place in a crossover clip that had fans in stitches, where he and Bublé bantered with Reba’s co-star Melissa Peterman. Rumors even swirled of playful jealousy from Reba’s boyfriend Rex Linn over her time spent with Snoop, though sources describe their rapport as “warm and friendly.” Snoop’s nickname for Reba—”Reba Magnet-ire”—perfectly encapsulates why he’s willing to play dirty: she’s a force in country music, and blocking her is a strategic masterstroke to diversify his team.
For Snoop Dogg, stepping into the coaching role marks a new chapter in his multifaceted career. The hip-hop legend, known for classics like “Gin and Juice” and his entrepreneurial ventures from cannabis brands to cooking shows, brings a unique perspective to The Voice. “This is a great opportunity for me to show that I really understand music,” he said in pre-season interviews, emphasizing his desire to mentor emerging talents across genres. Snagging Miller, a country artist, is a bold move for Snoop, who envisions blending her style with his innovative coaching approach. In a YouTube video, he shared his vision for Team Snoop: pushing boundaries and creating “today’s next big thing.” His unapologetic glee after the block—”I knew blocking Reba would be my best chance at getting to you”—shows he’s here to win, using every tool in the arsenal, including his only block of the Blind Auditions.
Reba McEntire, on the other hand, enters Season 28 riding high from her Season 25 victory with Asher HaVon, her first as a coach. The Oklahoma native, with over 75 million records sold worldwide, has long been a staple on The Voice, returning for her third consecutive season. Her philosophy? “We want to inspire. We want to encourage. We want to help, not tear down,” as she told iHeartCountry. Even in defeat, Reba lifted Miller up, proving why she’s beloved. Fans on social media praised her humor, with one X post calling the Skittles threat “the highlight of the premiere.” Reba’s quick wit and maternal coaching style make her a fan favorite, and this season, she’s aiming for back-to-back wins amid a lineup of fresh faces.
The broader context of Season 28 adds to the excitement. Hosted by Carson Daly, the show introduced new twists like the Coach Replay button and Daly’s “Callback” power, which saved a contestant who initially failed to turn any chairs. The coaches’ group performance of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” set a harmonious tone, with Snoop’s singing voice surprising even his peers. Other highlights included four-chair turns for Aiden Ross, Ralph Edwards, and Jazz McKenzie, where Reba even blocked Snoop in payback fashion during Jazz’s Tina Turner cover. Niall Horan and Michael Bublé rounded out the panel, bringing pop and crooner flair, respectively, creating a diverse coaching dynamic that’s already sparking rivalries and alliances.
Miller’s addition to Team Snoop could be a game-changer. As an experienced performer living in Nashville, she represents the next wave of country artists blending traditional roots with modern edge. Her family’s backstage cheers—her young son yelling “Good job, Mom!”—added an emotional layer, reminding viewers why The Voice resonates: it’s about real people chasing dreams. Snoop’s strategy to block Reba underscores the competitive edge; country acts are Reba’s domain, and poaching one early signals his intent to build a versatile team capable of any genre.
As the season progresses with more Blind Auditions, battles, and knockouts, this Skittles-fueled feud promises ongoing hilarity. Reba and Snoop’s playful antagonism mirrors the show’s evolution from a vocal showcase to a personality-driven spectacle. Will Snoop’s gamble pay off with Miller advancing far? Can Reba retaliate with her own blocks and steals? Fans are hooked, tuning in Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC and Peacock, eager for more moments that blend music, mentorship, and mischief. In a landscape dominated by scripted dramas, The Voice reminds us that unscripted rivalries—like a country queen threatening a rap icon’s candy stash—can steal the show.
