On July 8, 2025, the set of The Voice at Universal Studios in Hollywood buzzed with excitement as filming for Season 28’s Blind Auditions kicked off. Among the returning coaches—Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg—it was Bublé who stole the spotlight with a cheeky fashion statement: socks emblazoned with Reba McEntire’s face. In a behind-the-scenes clip shared by NBC, the Canadian crooner, perched in his iconic red chair, pulled up his pant leg to reveal the quirky accessory, declaring them “the finest socks ever.” Mimicking Reba’s Southern drawl, he teased, “Hey, Mike, I’m gonna beat you,” setting the tone for a season filled with camaraderie, competition, and charisma. This article delves into Bublé’s playful gesture, the dynamics among the Season 28 coaches, the anticipation for the upcoming season, and the enduring appeal of The Voice, offering a comprehensive look at a moment that captured fans’ hearts.

A Lighthearted Kickoff to Season 28

The Voice Season 28, set to premiere on September 22, 2025, on NBC, promises to be a vibrant chapter in the long-running singing competition’s history. The show, now in its 13th year since debuting in April 2011, continues to captivate audiences with its unique format—Blind Auditions, Battles, Knockouts, and Live Performances—designed to discover raw vocal talent. The first day of filming, as shared by coaches Bublé and McEntire on social media, was marked by an infectious energy. Bublé’s Instagram post boasted, “I’m back in the big red chair! And no joke, I smashed my button so hard yesterday that it broke. 😎 The talent on season 28 is 🔥 #TeamBublé,” while McEntire, referencing her NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, wrote, “Back in my other Happy Place. I’ve got my game face on and I’m ready to WIN 🏆 Just wait til y’all hear the incredible voices of Season 28!”

Bublé’s Reba-themed socks, featured in a 52-second preview clip, were the highlight of the day. The video, posted by The Voice’s official Instagram and covered by outlets like People, Billboard, and Entertainment Now, captured the coaches reuniting with hugs and cheers. Bublé, dressed in his signature suave style, lifted his pant leg to show off the socks, quipping, “Look at how beautiful [they are]. They’re smiling at me.” His playful jab at McEntire, delivered in a mock Southern accent, drew laughs from the crew and sparked a wave of fan reactions on X, with users like @peoplestyle and @1DRocksTweets calling it a “hilarious” and “iconic” moment.

The socks were more than a fashion choice; they symbolized the friendly rivalry that defines The Voice’s coaching panel. Bublé’s gesture, described by Billboard as part of the show’s “incessant friendly trash-talking and mind games,” set the stage for a season where humor and heart go hand in hand. McEntire, known for her quick wit, responded with a grin, later joking in the clip, “I get to tell them what to do, like a big sister,” hinting at her competitive edge. This lighthearted exchange, amplified by Niall Horan’s warning that Reba would “eat you alive,” underscored the dynamic that makes The Voice a fan favorite: a blend of mentorship, competition, and genuine camaraderie.

The Coaches: A Stellar Lineup

Season 28’s coaching panel is a powerhouse of musical talent and personality. Michael Bublé, 49, returns for his third consecutive season, riding a two-contestant winning streak with Sofronio Vasquez (Season 26) and Adam David (Season 27). His goal is a three-peat, a feat only achieved by Blake Shelton in Seasons 2–4. Bublé, a five-time Grammy winner known for hits like “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Home,” brings a jazz-pop sensibility and infectious enthusiasm to the show. His playful antics, from breaking his buzzer to sporting Reba socks, reflect his ability to balance mentorship with showmanship.

Reba McEntire, 70, is back for her fourth season as a coach, having won Season 25 with Asher HaVon. A country music legend with over 30 million albums sold, McEntire’s return follows a hiatus to film Happy’s Place. Her Instagram post exuded confidence, promising “incredible voices” and a fierce drive to win. McEntire’s warmth and authority, likened to a “big sister” by Horan, make her a formidable competitor, as seen in her Season 26 finale sketch where she goaded Bublé onto a mechanical bull, leaving him “green in the saddle.”

Niall Horan, 31, rejoins the panel for his third season, having won Seasons 23 (Gina Miles) and 24 (Huntley). The former One Direction star, whose solo hits include “Slow Hands,” brings a youthful energy and strategic acumen. His comment, “I can’t believe I get to do this again,” reflects his gratitude, while his teasing of Bublé in the preview clip shows his knack for banter. Snoop Dogg, 53, returns for his second season after serving as Season 20’s Mega Mentor. Though yet to win, Snoop’s charisma and industry clout—evident in his comment, “My ears are anxious to hear what they have to bring”—make him a wildcard.

Hosted by Carson Daly, the only original cast member across all 28 seasons, this lineup promises a dynamic mix of genres and personalities. The coaches’ reunion, marked by hugs and McEntire’s declaration, “Got the band back! Now the party can start,” set a celebratory tone, amplified by Bublé’s hockey stick antics, volleying a tennis ball on set as a nod to his Canadian roots.

Bublé and McEntire: A Budding Rivalry

Bublé and McEntire’s dynamic is a highlight of Season 28’s early buzz. Their playful rivalry began in Season 26, when McEntire transformed Bublé into a cowboy for a finale sketch, complete with a bolo tie, chaps, and a mechanical bull ride that ended in hilarious tumbles. Bublé’s Reba socks in Season 28 are a callback to that moment, signaling a continued friendly feud. His mock challenge, “Hey, Mike, I’m gonna beat you,” and Horan’s warning that Reba would “eat you alive,” suggest a season of spirited competition.

Yet, beneath the teasing lies mutual respect. Bublé, in a May 2025 Entertainment Tonight interview, praised his Season 27 colleagues—Adam Levine, John Legend, and Kelsea Ballerini—for their talent and humility, a sentiment likely extending to McEntire. McEntire, in turn, has called The Voice her “Happy Place,” reflecting her joy in coaching alongside peers like Bublé. Their Season 26 interactions, from Bublé’s “devious” block during Blind Auditions to McEntire’s mock scolding, “You ought to feel ashamed of yourself,” show a rapport that blends humor with strategy.

Fans on X have embraced this dynamic, with posts like @FM100KTEX and @billboard highlighting the socks as a “fun” and “iconic” moment. One user commented, “Reba, Snoop, Michael, and Niall are a great group of coaches!” reflecting the excitement for their chemistry. This camaraderie, amplified by Bublé’s sartorial tribute, sets Season 28 apart as a season where the coaches’ personalities shine as brightly as the contestants’ voices.

The Voice: A Cultural Staple

Since its 2011 premiere, The Voice has been a cornerstone of American television, launching careers for artists like Cassadee Pope, Jordan Smith, and Chris Stapleton, though only nine contestants have achieved significant post-show success. The show’s format, emphasizing blind auditions to focus on vocal talent over appearance, has resonated globally, spawning versions in over 50 countries. Its staying power lies in its evolving coaching panels, which have included Blake Shelton (nine wins), Kelly Clarkson (four wins), and Adam Levine (three wins), alongside stars like Ariana Grande, Pharrell Williams, and Shakira.

Season 28 arrives at a pivotal moment. Following Bublé’s Season 27 win with Adam David, the show is poised to maintain its momentum with a strong coaching lineup. The September 22 premiere, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock, is expected to draw millions, building on the show’s consistent ratings. Tickets for tapings on July 21–23, 2025, suggest a potential Season 29, though no official announcement has been made.

The show’s cultural impact extends beyond music. Its coaches’ banter, like Bublé’s socks or Shelton’s bromance with Levine, has become a hallmark, spawning memes and social media buzz. The Reba socks moment, covered by People, Billboard, and Country Music Nation, trended on X, with fans praising the coaches’ “excitement” and “energy.” This interplay, combined with the show’s focus on mentorship, keeps The Voice relevant in a crowded reality TV landscape.

Anticipation for Season 28

Season 28’s Blind Auditions, filmed in July 2025, promise exceptional talent, with Bublé claiming the contestants are “🔥.” McEntire echoed this, urging fans to “wait til y’all hear the incredible voices.” The coaches’ social media posts, including Snoop Dogg’s clip panning to a cheering audience, heightened anticipation. The preview clip, featuring Bublé’s socks and the coaches’ warm reunion, has been viewed millions of times, signaling strong pre-season buzz.

Bublé’s pursuit of a three-peat adds intrigue. His back-to-back wins, a rare feat, position him as a frontrunner, though McEntire’s Season 25 victory and Horan’s two wins make them formidable rivals. Snoop, the only coach without a win, brings unpredictability, with his industry connections potentially attracting standout contestants. The coaches’ diverse musical backgrounds—jazz-pop, country, pop-rock, and hip-hop—ensure a broad appeal, catering to varied musical tastes.

The season also marks a return for McEntire and Horan after hiatuses, adding fresh energy. McEntire’s experience on Happy’s Place and Horan’s touring success with The Show enrich their perspectives, while Snoop’s cultural cachet, bolstered by his 2024 Olympics commentary, draws younger viewers. Bublé, coming off a high-profile Christmas album re-release, remains a fan favorite for his charm and mentorship style.

The Reba Socks: A Symbol of The Voice’s Spirit

Bublé’s Reba McEntire socks are more than a gag; they embody The Voice’s spirit of fun, respect, and competition. The moment, captured in a clip that went viral, reflects the show’s ability to blend heartfelt moments with lighthearted antics. Bublé’s decision to wear the socks, possibly a nod to their Season 26 bull-riding adventure, shows his knack for creating memorable interactions. McEntire’s response, marked by her trademark humor, reinforces her role as the panel’s “big sister,” a mentor to both contestants and coaches.

The socks also highlight The Voice’s social media savvy. Posts on X, including @people’s “Bublé Rocks Reba Socks” and @FM100KTEX’s coach announcement, amplified the moment, driving engagement. The clip’s inclusion of Bublé’s hockey stick stunt—volleying a tennis ball—added a personal touch, endearing him to fans who admire his Canadian pride. This blend of authenticity and spectacle keeps The Voice at the forefront of reality TV.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise

As The Voice Season 28 approaches, Bublé’s Reba socks have set a playful yet competitive tone. The coaches’ chemistry, evident in their warm reunion and teasing banter, promises a season of memorable moments. With Bublé aiming for a historic three-peat, McEntire gunning for a second win, Horan leveraging his winning streak, and Snoop seeking his first victory, the stakes are high. The talent, described as “incredible” by McEntire, will test their coaching prowess, while Daly’s steady presence ensures continuity.

The show’s cultural resonance, amplified by moments like the Reba socks, underscores its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. As fans await the September 22 premiere, the buzz on X and media coverage from Parade, Billboard, and People reflect a show in its prime. Whether Bublé’s socks bring him luck or McEntire “eats him alive,” Season 28 is poised to deliver the vocal fireworks and coach camaraderie that define The Voice. Tune in to NBC or stream on Peacock to see if Bublé’s fashion statement translates to a third win—or if Reba’s “big sister” swagger steals the show.