As Season 28 of NBC’s hit singing competition “The Voice” barrels through its Battle Rounds, the Peach State is buzzing with pride—and a touch of heartbreak. Georgia, a hotbed for musical talent from legends like Otis Redding to modern icons like Usher, has once again proven its vocal prowess this season. Three standout contestants hailing from the state turned heads (and chairs) during the Blind Auditions, captivating coaches Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé with their raw emotion, powerhouse ranges, and undeniable stage presence. But as the competition intensifies, only two remain in the fight for the crown, while one was sent packing in a nail-biting battle that has fans debating: Was it the right call, or a missed opportunity for glory? This season, premiering on September 22, 2025, has already delivered twists, tears, and triumphs, with a new “Battle Advisor” twist adding even more drama. Hosted by Carson Daly, the show pits aspiring stars against each other in duets, where coaches decide winners, saves, and steals. For Georgia’s representatives—Jerrell Melton from Fayetteville, Manny Costello from Athens, and Kanard Thomas from Columbus—the journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, sparking online frenzy and local support rallies. Let’s dive deep into their stories, performances, and what might come next, leaving you to speculate: Could one of these Georgia gems take home the win, or will the eliminated talent stage a comeback in ways we can’t yet imagine?
The Blind Auditions wrapped on October 7, 2025, with teams locked in and ready for battle. Snoop Dogg, the season’s wildcard coach known for his laid-back vibe and sharp instincts, snagged two of Georgia’s finest, while country queen Reba McEntire claimed the third. Fan forums on Reddit’s r/TheVoice and X (formerly Twitter) are ablaze with predictions, with users praising the Southern soul infused in each performance. “Georgia’s got that grit—watch them dominate,” one X post declared, garnering over 500 likes. But with eliminations hitting hard this week, the stakes are higher than ever. As of October 14, 2025’s Battles Night 1, three artists were cut, including one from the Peach State. Night 2 brought more heartbreak, with six more sent home. Amid the chaos, Georgia’s trio has become a symbol of resilience, drawing comparisons to past Southern success stories like Season 21 winner Girl Named Tom or Georgia native Sundance Head from Season 11. What sets these three apart? Their personal narratives—tales of loss, family, and second chances—that resonate deeply, turning mere auditions into emotional epics.
Starting with the remaining contenders, Jerrell Melton has emerged as a fan favorite, blending vulnerability with vocal fireworks that could propel him to the finals. At 29, this Fayetteville native isn’t just singing for fame; he’s honoring a profound loss. Growing up in the suburbs south of Atlanta, Melton discovered his voice in church choirs, where gospel harmonies shaped his soulful style. But life threw curveballs: After losing his mother to illness in his early 20s, music became his lifeline. “She was my biggest cheerleader,” Melton shared in his pre-audition package, a clip that’s racked up thousands of views on YouTube. Before “The Voice,” Melton hustled as a session singer in Atlanta’s thriving music scene, collaborating with local producers and performing at venues like the Tabernacle. His day job? A graphic designer, where he channels creativity into visuals when not belting out ballads.
Melton’s Blind Audition on October 7 was nothing short of cinematic. Taking on Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance”—famously from Disney’s Hercules—he delivered a heartfelt rendition that had the audience on their feet. Dressed in a crisp white shirt symbolizing purity and renewal, Melton started soft, building to a crescendo that showcased his impressive range and falsetto. “It was like Hercules himself stepped on stage—voice as strong as a god,” one YouTube commenter gushed, echoing widespread praise. Coaches Snoop Dogg and Niall Horan turned, with Snoop praising his “passion and control.” Melton chose Team Snoop, citing the rapper’s mentorship style as a perfect fit for his R&B-infused pop sound. “Jerrell’s got that fire—I’m gonna polish it into a diamond,” Snoop declared post-audition.
Fan reactions have been electric. On TikTok, clips of his performance have gone viral, with users recreating his runs and speculating on his potential. “This guy’s gonna win—mark my words,” predicted one fan in a video with 10K likes. In Fayetteville, local pride swells: Community centers are hosting watch parties, and murals of Melton have popped up downtown. As Battles loom, speculation abounds—will Snoop pair him with a powerhouse like Kenny Iko for an epic showdown? Or could a steal from another coach shake things up? Melton’s emotional depth could be his edge, but in a season full of surprises, nothing’s guaranteed. Imagine him in the Lives, tackling a gospel-tinged anthem—could he be Georgia’s next big export?
Equally compelling is Manny Costello, the 28-year-old Athens resident who’s turning heads with his classic country twang and heart-on-sleeve storytelling. A self-proclaimed “girl-dad” to two young daughters, Costello balances music with family life in the college town famous for birthing bands like R.E.M. and Widespread Panic. His backstory tugs at heartstrings: Raised on a farm outside Athens, he learned guitar from his grandfather, a Vietnam vet who played bluegrass. “Music was our bond,” Costello recounted in his intro video, which moved viewers to tears even before his audition. Prior to “The Voice,” he gigged at local bars like the Georgia Theatre, building a grassroots following with originals about love, loss, and Southern roots. By day, he’s a construction worker, but his nights are for songwriting—often inspired by his kids.
Costello’s September 22 Blind Audition was a showstopper. Performing Craig Morgan’s “Almost Home,” he channeled raw emotion, his voice cracking with authenticity as he sang of longing and family. Reba McEntire and Snoop turned, but it was Reba’s reaction that stole the show: Tears streaming, she admitted, “Manny, you made me homesick. It took me back to all the greats—George Jones, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis.” The moment went viral, with fans dubbing it “Reba’s meltdown.” Costello chose Team Reba, hugging her onstage in a heartfelt exchange. “This is country at its purest,” Reba later said.
Social media exploded: “Manny Costello on The Voice did his big one,” one X user raved, while TikTok edits of his performance amassed 656K likes. In Athens, UGA students are rallying, with frat houses blasting his audition. Speculation runs wild—could he tackle a Reba duet in Battles, or face a steal from Snoop? Fans theorize his family-man appeal could win votes in Lives, positioning him as a dark horse. “If he plays originals, he’s unstoppable,” one Reddit thread posits. But with country heavyweights on other teams, will his twang stand out?
Now, the bittersweet part: Kanard Thomas, the 35-year-old from Columbus who fought valiantly but fell short in the Battles. Thomas’s story is one of perseverance—he auditioned for Season 16 in 2019, facing rejection but returning stronger. A Columbus native, he grew up in a musical family, singing in R&B groups and church ensembles. After his first “Voice” stint ended early, Thomas toured as a backup singer, honing his craft in Atlanta’s studios. “I’m here to create a new legacy,” he told Primetimer, reflecting on his comeback. Balancing fatherhood and music, his journey resonates with underdogs everywhere.
Thomas’s October 6 Blind Audition was silky smooth: Covering Babyface’s “Whip Appeal,” he exuded confidence, his falsetto drawing turns from Snoop and Horan. “You are a performer—I felt that,” Snoop enthused, singing along. Choosing Team Snoop, Thomas advanced to Battles, where he faced Kenny Iko on Joe’s “All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” Their duet was a “masterclass in R&B soul,” per fans, with Lizzo as advisor urging upper-register flair. But Iko won, and with no steals, Thomas was eliminated on October 14.
Reactions mixed shock and admiration: “Kanard Thomas has a beau-ti-ful voice,” one X post lamented, while others joked about his name’s similarity to “canard” (French for duck). In Columbus, locals mourned but celebrated his run, with vigils at Fort Benning-inspired spots. Speculation? Could he return via fan vote or spinoff? “Unfair elimination—bring him back!” demands a petition with 2K signatures.
These Georgia stars highlight the state’s musical depth, but as Knockouts approach, questions linger: Will Melton and Costello clash in finals? Could Thomas’s exit fuel a solo career? Readers, sound off—what’s your take? Georgia’s voice is loud—tune in to see if it echoes to victory.
