On September 29, 2025, The Voice Season 28 charges into its third episode, continuing the electrifying Blind Auditions with a promise of raw emotion, jaw-dropping talent, and fierce competition among coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg. Airing at 8/7c on NBC, Episode 3, titled “The Blind Auditions, Part 3,” is poised to deliver a rollercoaster of moments that will leave fans buzzing on social media. With the introduction of the Carson Call Back Card and whispers of a game-changing Coach Block, this episode is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the season’s opening phase. Drawing from NBC’s official teasers and fan reactions across platforms like X, this 2000–2100-word preview dives into what to expect, spotlighting the coaches’ strategies, standout contestants, and why this night could redefine the race for the Season 28 crown.

Setting the Stage: A Season of Fresh Twists and Veteran Fire

Season 28 of The Voice, which premiered on September 22, 2025, has already set a high bar. The two-part premiere showcased the return of coaches Michael Bublé (third season), Reba McEntire (fourth season), Niall Horan (third season), and Snoop Dogg (second season), with Carson Daly back for his 28th season as host. The Blind Auditions, spanning the first six episodes, are the crucible where coaches build their teams by turning their iconic red chairs for voices that strike a chord. Episode 1 and 2 delivered three four-chair turns, including Aiden Ross’s soulful “Love in the Dark” that left Reba in tears and sparked a viral frenzy when he chose Niall over her. The new Carson Call Back Card, which allows Daly to resurrect a no-turn contestant, added a fresh twist, teased as a potential game-changer in Episode 3.

NBC’s promotional materials for Episode 3, released via YouTube and social media, hint at an escalation in intensity. A 30-second trailer shows Snoop Dogg slamming his button with a grin, Bublé pleading passionately, and McEntire wiping her eyes—again. “This is the night we fight for the best,” Horan says in a voiceover, while a glimpse of a Coach Block button flashing red sets the stage for drama. Posts on X amplify the hype, with @NBCTheVoice teasing, “Get ready for voices that’ll shake the stage! #TheVoice Monday 8/7c.” Fans are speculating about a four-chair turn, a tear-jerking backstory, and a block that could shift team dynamics. With the Blind Auditions nearing their midpoint, Episode 3 is critical for coaches to secure top talent before the Battles begin.

The Coaches’ Strategies: Who’s Playing to Win?

Each coach brings a distinct approach, and Episode 3 promises to showcase their evolving tactics:

Reba McEntire: The country queen, stung by losing Aiden Ross, is hungry for redemption. Her emotional connection to contestants—evident in her tears for Ross’s tribute to his late mother—makes her a magnet for heartfelt performers. NBC’s teaser shows her pitching to a contestant with, “I know your heart—I’ve lived it,” suggesting another soulful act. Fans on X predict she’ll target country and gospel voices, with @CountryFan4Life posting, “Reba’s gonna snag a powerhouse this week—mark my words.” Her Season 25 win with Asher HaVon bolsters her credibility, but she’ll need to balance emotion with strategy to avoid another loss.

Niall Horan: The two-time champion (Seasons 23 and 24) is riding high after snagging Ross. His boyish charm and pop pedigree make him a favorite for young, versatile artists. The trailer shows him leaning into his mentorship record, saying, “I’ve taken voices like yours to the finale.” X users like @NiallFan88 speculate he’s targeting a pop-rock act, with one tweeting, “Niall’s building a killer team—Episode 3’s his night.” His use of a Coach Block, hinted in the trailer, could spark fireworks, especially if it targets McEntire.

Michael Bublé: Fresh off Season 27’s win with Adam David, Bublé is chasing a historic three-peat. His crooner charm and technical expertise appeal to polished vocalists. The teaser shows him praising a contestant’s “control and soul,” hinting at a jazzy or R&B act. Fans on Reddit’s r/TheVoice note his knack for spotting diamonds in the rough, with one user writing, “Bublé’s picks are always sneaky good—expect a surprise.” His playful rivalry with Snoop, seen in a clip where they dance-off, adds levity but masks his competitive edge.

Snoop Dogg: The rap icon brings unmatched charisma, turning first for multiple acts in the premiere. His pitch blends humor and authenticity, as seen when he dubbed Ross “Aiden Ross the Boss.” The trailer shows him vibing to a hip-hop-infused performance, suggesting he’s after genre-bending talent. X posts like @SnoopVoiceFan’s “Snoop’s stealing someone big in Ep 3—bet it’s a rapper!” fuel speculation. His emotional side, shown when he used the Coach Replay for Kendall Eugene in Episode 2, could surface again.

The Carson Call Back Card, teased as active in Episode 3, adds intrigue. Daly’s power to revive a rejected artist could disrupt team-building, especially if he saves a contestant coveted by multiple coaches. “Carson’s got the ultimate trump card,” Daly teased in a September 18 NBC Insider interview, hinting at its use this week.

Teased Contestants: Who’s Set to Steal the Show?

While NBC keeps contestant details under wraps until airtime, promotional snippets and fan buzz offer clues about Episode 3’s standouts:

A Soulful Powerhouse: The trailer features a female vocalist belting a gospel-tinged run, turning all four chairs. Her voice, reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, prompts McEntire to say, “You’re a gift from above.” Fans on X speculate she’s a Southern artist with a personal story, with @VoiceAddict tweeting, “That gospel voice in the preview? Reba’s gotta have her!” Her choice could spark a heated pitch battle, especially if Horan deploys his block.

A Pop-Rock Prodigy: A brief clip shows a young male singer with a raspy edge tackling Imagine Dragons’ “Believer,” earning quick turns from Horan and Bublé. His energetic stage presence and gritty tone suggest a potential steal for Team Niall, aligning with Horan’s pop-rock successes. Reddit users predict a three-chair turn, with one writing, “This guy’s got finale vibes—Niall’s gonna fight hard.”

A Heartbreaking Story: A third teaser hints at a contestant dedicating their performance to a lost loved one, with McEntire visibly emotional. “Your pain came through every note,” she says, dabbing her eyes. This echoes her connection with Aiden Ross, suggesting another tear-jerker. X posts like @TheVoiceFan23’s “Reba’s crying again—Episode 3’s gonna wreck us” are gaining traction, with 200K likes.

A leaked sneak peek on NBC’s YouTube channel (September 25) showcased Max Cooper III, a 22-year-old from Atlanta, performing Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” with a funky flair. His audition, confirmed for Episode 3, earned a four-chair turn, with Bublé landing him on Team Bublé. “Max is a star,” Bublé said in a post-audition clip, hinting at his potential to dominate. Fans on TikTok, where the clip hit 5 million views, are calling him “the one to beat.”

The Coach Block Drama: A Game-Changer Looms

The Coach Block, a staple since Season 14, allows a coach to prevent another from pitching to a contestant. The Episode 3 trailer flashes a red-lit block button, with Horan smirking and McEntire gasping, “You didn’t!” Fans speculate Niall blocks Reba, given their Episode 1 rivalry over Ross. “Niall’s playing dirty this season,” tweeted @VoiceObsessed, with 50K retweets. A block could shift team dynamics, especially if it snags a four-chair talent from McEntire’s grasp, amplifying her Episode 1 loss.

The Carson Call Back Card adds another layer. If Daly uses it in Episode 3, as hinted by his “I’m saving someone special” in the trailer, it could revive a contestant rejected by all four coaches, potentially altering team compositions. Reddit’s r/TheVoice theorizes Daly might save a country artist for McEntire, with one user posting, “Carson’s card could be Reba’s redemption.”

Fan Hype and Social Media Buzz

The anticipation for Episode 3 is electric. X posts from @NBCTheVoice, including a September 24 tease (“Voices that’ll blow you away! #TheVoice Monday”), have racked up 1 million engagements. Fan reactions range from excitement to strategy debates: “Reba needs a win after Aiden—Episode 3’s her shot,” tweeted @CountryVoiceFan. TikTok is flooded with reaction videos to the Max Cooper III sneak peek, with #TheVoice28 trending at 3 million views. Reddit threads predict a four-chair turn as the night’s highlight, with one user writing, “Episode 3’s gonna be chaos—Niall and Reba are out for blood.”

The buzz reflects Season 28’s cultural resonance. In 2025, post-pandemic audiences crave authentic stories, and The Voice delivers with contestants like Ross, whose grief-driven performance mirrored universal experiences. Episode 3’s teased emotional stories and high-stakes blocks tap into this, promising a night of catharsis and competition.

The Coaches’ Teams So Far: Who’s Leading?

After two episodes, team rosters are taking shape:

Team Bublé: Max Chambers, Jazz McKenzie (Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It”), Lucas Beltran, and Max Cooper III. Bublé’s diverse picks lean toward soul and pop, with Cooper III as a potential frontrunner.

Team Niall: Aiden Ross headlines, with Horan’s pop focus attracting versatile voices. Fans expect him to add a rock or indie act in Episode 3.

Team Reba: Mindy Miller, a country artist, joined after Reba used a block against Snoop in Episode 2. Her emotional pitch style needs a standout to rival Ross.

Team Snoop: Kendall Eugene (Coach Replay save) anchors a team blending hip-hop and soul. His Episode 3 gospel tease suggests a bold addition.

Episode 3’s four-chair turn and potential block could tilt the balance. If Horan secures another star, he may lead; if McEntire lands the gospel voice, she could reclaim momentum.

Why Episode 3 Matters

Episode 3, airing September 29 at 8/7c, is a linchpin in the Blind Auditions. With six episodes total in this phase, per NBC’s schedule, the halfway mark intensifies the coaches’ urgency. The Carson Call Back Card and Coach Block raise the stakes, while teased performances—like the gospel powerhouse and pop-rock prodigy—promise viral moments. McEntire’s emotional vulnerability, seen in her Episode 1 tears, remains a draw, but her need for a strategic win is palpable. Horan’s confidence, Bublé’s precision, and Snoop’s charisma ensure a fierce battle.

The episode also reflects The Voice’s enduring appeal. Its Emmy-winning format thrives on human stories—loss, dreams, redemption—resonating in a 2025 landscape craving connection. The show’s 27-episode season, per Pinkvilla, will shift to one-hour Monday airings post-October 14 due to NBC’s NBA schedule, making these early two-hour episodes critical for momentum.

What to Watch For

Expect Episode 3 to deliver:

A Four-Chair Turn Showdown: The gospel vocalist’s performance could mirror Ross’s impact, with Reba and Niall as frontrunners.

Niall’s Block: If he blocks Reba, as teased, it could spark a season-long rivalry.

Carson’s Call Back: Daly’s save could rescue a hidden gem, potentially for Team Reba.

Emotional Highs: At least one contestant’s story will hit home, with McEntire likely tearing up again.

Snoop’s Swagger: His pitch to the hip-hop act could steal the spotlight.

Streamers can catch the episode live on NBC or next-day on Peacock, with Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo as options. The Voice’s social media, especially @NBCTheVoice, will amplify reactions, with clips likely hitting 10 million views on TikTok.

The Road Ahead

Episode 3 sets the tone for the Blind Auditions’ second half, leading to Battles, Knockouts, Playoffs, and Live Shows. With 48 artists total, per Wikipedia, the competition is fierce, and this episode’s picks could shape the finale. Fans are already betting on Max Cooper III as a contender, while the gospel voice could be Reba’s redemption. As The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays, Episode 3’s mix of tears, triumphs, and blocks will keep viewers glued, proving why this show remains a cultural juggernaut.