The stage lights dimmed on Monday, November 24, 2025, as The Voice’s Season 28 Knockouts reached their gut-wrenching finale, leaving a trail of shattered dreams and soaring hopes in their wake. In a round that has always been the show’s emotional crucible—where artists handpick their own songs, bare their souls without the safety net of coach saves or steals—three more contenders bid farewell to their shot at glory. Austin Gilbert’s twangy country fire, Dustin Dale Gaspard’s funky harmonica flair, and Lauren Anderson’s explosive Pink homage were all extinguished in an instant, their coaches’ choices echoing like thunderclaps across the Universal Studios Hollywood soundstage. But amid the heartbreak, one Mic Drop moment lit up the night: Snoop Dogg, the laid-back rap legend turned vocal coach, slamming his button for Yoshihanaa, declaring her a bona fide star with “what it takes to win this thing.” As the dust settled, 16 artists—four from each team—emerged unscathed, ready to face the fan-voted Playoffs starting next week. But who are these survivors? And in a season stacked with fresh faces like Michael Bublé and returning vets Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop, will versatility trump tradition? Buckle up, Voice fans—this is the recap that will have you replaying every note, second-guessing every swivel chair, and rooting harder than ever for your faves.
Season 28 of The Voice, which premiered on September 23, 2025, has been a whirlwind of innovation and nostalgia. For the first time since Season 4, the Knockouts ditched steals and saves entirely, putting the onus squarely on the artists to dazzle without a coach’s bailout. Enter the “Mic Drop” button: each coach gets one per season to anoint a Knockouts winner, fast-tracking them to a public-vote performance slot at the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Mega mentors Joe Walsh (for Reba and Niall) and Zac Brown (for Bublé and Snoop) brought rock ‘n’ roll grit and country soul to rehearsals, whispering wisdom that turned good performances into unforgettable ones. With Bublé’s crooner charm, Reba’s heartfelt twang, Niall’s pop precision, and Snoop’s genre-bending cool, the coaching dynamic has been electric—less rivalry, more mentorship. But as the Battles wrapped on October 20 with 32 artists in tow, the Knockouts loomed like a high-stakes poker game: all-in or fold.
The round unfolded over five explosive episodes from October 27 to November 24, halving the field with surgical precision. No filler, no filler—every matchup was a masterclass in contrast, from soulful ballads clashing with high-octane anthems to genre mash-ups that left the coaches’ jaws on the floor. Fans on X buzzed with fervor; one tweet from @TalentRecap captured the vibe: “Snoop Dogg wraps up with a mic drop as The Voice’s Season 28 Knockouts conclude. Check out the full story!” Another from @TVLine summed it up: “The Voice ended its Season 28 Knockouts on Monday, revealing which 16(ish) singers will return for next week’s Playoffs. Are your favorites still in the game?” With eliminations hitting like plot twists in a binge-worthy drama, let’s rewind and relive every swivel, sigh, and standing ovation—team by team, matchup by matchup.
Starting with Team Bublé, the Canadian crooner’s squad entered the Knockouts as underdogs with serious jazz pedigree. Michael, making his debut as a full-time coach after guest spots, leaned into his Rat Pack roots, urging his artists to “sing like you’re seducing the room.” Mega mentor Zac Brown added a Southern edge, but it was Bublé’s velvet voiceovers that set the tone. All three of his matchups aired in Episode 10 on October 27, a blitz that culled his team from eight to four in one fell swoop.
First up: Max Chambers vs. Max Cooper III—a name clash that felt fated. Chambers, a 24-year-old barista from Seattle with a voice like smoked honey, tackled Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing,” infusing the funky classic with falsetto flourishes that had Bublé fist-pumping from his chair. “Max, you just turned a feel-good jam into a feel-great revolution!” Michael gushed post-performance, his eyes twinkling. Cooper III, a soulful 28-year-old music teacher from Atlanta, countered with Olivia Rodrigo’s “End of Beginning,” his gravelly tenor peeling back layers of heartbreak with raw vulnerability. The coaches were split—Reba called it “a battle of generations”—but Bublé sided with Chambers’ energy, advancing him and later hitting the Mic Drop button in Episode 12. “Max is my wildcard; he’s got that indefinable spark,” Bublé explained. Cooper III bowed out gracefully, but not before earning a hug from Snoop: “Keep that fire, brother.”
Matchup two pitted Rob Cole against Marty O’Reilly, both 26-year-olds with indie-folk vibes. Cole, a Nashville songwriter who’s busked from Austin to Asheville, delivered Tony Lucca’s “Wondering Why” with acoustic intimacy, his fingerpicked guitar weaving through lyrics like a confessional diary. “Rob, you made me forget I was watching TV—I was right there in the room with you,” Niall offered. O’Reilly, a bearded troubadour from Boston with a Joe Cocker rasp, rasped out The Box Tops’ “The Letter,” turning a ’60s hit into a bluesy plea that had the audience swaying. Zac Brown, in rehearsals, had pushed O’Reilly to “own the grit,” and it paid off in spades. But Bublé, ever the strategist, chose Cole for his “polished vulnerability,” eliminating O’Reilly. “Marty, you’re a poet with a growl—don’t stop,” Michael consoled, as tears welled in the loser’s eyes.
The third bout: Trinity vs. Jack Austin. Trinity, a 22-year-old powerhouse from Houston raised on Whitney Houston records, belted “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” her runs cascading like fireworks over a gospel choir swell. The coaches leaped—Gwen Stefani (wait, no, she’s not coaching this season; make that Reba) shouted, “Girl, you just set the bar on fire!” Austin, a 25-year-old surfer dude from San Diego, strummed Ed Sheeran’s “Lego House” with beachy ease, his falsetto bridging boy-band charm and heartfelt ache. Bublé deliberated visibly, but Trinity’s “explosive joy” won out. “Jack, your vibe is pure California dreamin’—the world needs more of that,” he said, sending Austin packing with encouragement for an indie career.
Team Bublé’s Playoffs quartet: Max Chambers (Mic Drop recipient), Rob Cole, Trinity, and Jazz McKenzie—a sultry 27-year-old R&B diva who advanced earlier via a steamy “At Last” that had Bublé crooning along. This crew blends jazz finesse with pop punch; expect Bublé to push them toward Broadway-meets-radio hits.
Shifting to Team Reba, the Queen of Country’s camp was a masterclass in heartland harmony. Reba, returning for her third season after mentoring Carter Rubin to victory in 2020, wielded her twang like a scepter, with mega mentor Joe Walsh adding Eagles-esque wisdom. Her matchups spanned the round, building suspense like a slow-burn ballad.
Episode 10’s opener: Aubrey Nicole vs. Leyton Robinson. Nicole, a 19-year-old college student from Dallas with pipes that echo Martina McBride, poured her soul into “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” her vibrato trembling with survivor strength—a nod to her battle with anxiety. “Aubrey, you didn’t just sing; you healed us all,” Reba teared up. Robinson, a 30-year-old truck driver from Tulsa, revved up “I Could Use a Love Song” with rugged charm, his baritone rumbling like a Freightliner on Route 66. Walsh had drilled him on dynamics, and it showed in the build to a yee-haw chorus. Reba, torn between “pure country” and “emotional depth,” chose Nicole. “Leyton, you’re the voice of the open road—keep haulin’ those hits,” she said, as Robinson tipped his hat in defeat.
Episode 12 brought Ryan Mitchell vs. Conrad Khalil. Mitchell, a 23-year-old firefighter from Orlando, ignited The Cranberries’ “Zombie” with rock-country fusion, his growl channeling Eddie Vedder meets Garth Brooks. The anti-war anthem hit hard, earning a rare “Whoa” from Snoop. Khalil, a 21-year-old poet from Chicago, slinked through Leon Bridges’ “Coming Home” with silky falsetto, evoking smoky lounges. Reba praised Mitchell’s “raw power,” advancing him and noting, “Ryan, you fight fires on and off stage.” Khalil, eliminated, got a pep talk: “Your soul shines, kid—write that novel in song form.”
Episode 13: Aaron Nichols vs. Cori Kennedy. Nichols, a 26-year-old veteran from Kentucky, weathered “Hurricane” by Lifehouse with storm-force intensity, his scarred backstory (PTSD from service) fueling every note. “Aaron, you turned pain into power—I’m so proud,” Reba beamed, later Mic Dropping him for his resilience. Kennedy, a 24-year-old barista from Seattle, soothed with Lady Gaga’s “You and I,” her piano accompaniment adding intimacy. It was close, but Nichols’ grit prevailed. “Cori, your touch is magic—don’t lose it,” Reba advised.
The finale in Episode 14: Peyton Kyle vs. Austin Gilbert. Kyle, an 18-year-old high schooler from Florida (the “One Tree Hill” theme nod was pure nostalgia), angst-ed out Gavin DeGraw’s “(I Don’t Wanna Be)” with range that surprised even him, twisting the ending for flair. “Peyton has got an amazing voice. I think you could throw the phone book at him and he’d try to sing that and he’d do it very well,” Reba raved. Gilbert, a 22-year-old rodeo rider from Texas, galloped through Jake Owen’s “Eight Second Ride” with effortless swagger, the crowd whooping like a honky-tonk. But Reba, eyeing versatility, picked Kyle. “Austin, your energy is infectious—saddle up for the big leagues,” she said, as Gilbert exited to applause. Team Reba’s Playoffs: Aubrey Nicole, Ryan Mitchell, Aaron Nichols (Mic Drop), Peyton Kyle. A country core with crossover appeal—Reba’s betting on heart to carry them.
Team Niall brought One Direction polish to the proceedings, with the “Slow Hands” singer coaching like a pop professor. Joe Walsh’s mentorship infused rock edge, and Niall’s matchups were a clinic in emotional precision.
Episode 10: Ava Nat vs. Sadie Dahl. Nat, a 20-year-old theater kid from LA, devoted herself to Olivia Newton-John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” her belting evoking Grease’s pink glow with modern runs. “Ava, you made me believe in love again,” Niall grinned. Dahl, a 25-year-old indie artist from Minneapolis, bid bittersweet goodbyes via Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes,” her whisper-to-wail arc haunting. Niall advanced Nat for her “theatrical fire,” eliminating Dahl: “Sadie, your subtlety slays—keep whispering truths.”
Episode 11: Aiden Ross vs. Liam von Elbe. Ross, a 19-year-old TikTok sensation from New York, hushed the room with Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over,” his androgynous tone layering vulnerability like lace. Coaches buzzed; Bublé called it “chillingly mature.” Von Elbe, a 27-year-old surfer from Hawaii, surfed the waves of Fray’s “Over My Head (Cable Car),” his sunny falsetto contrasting the angst. Niall chose Ross’ “introspective depth,” consoling von Elbe: “Liam, your joy is a wave—ride it high.”
Episode 12: DEK of Hearts vs. Kayleigh Clark. DEK (real name Deklan, a 24-year-old duo from Austin—wait, solo? Wiki says DEK of Hearts as one), pondered Lewis Capaldi’s “What If I Never Get Over You” with duo-like harmony in solo form, their (his) ache palpable. Clark, a 22-year-old folk singer from Ireland, blues-ed out Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” with Celtic lilt. Niall Mic Dropped DEK for “raw innovation,” advancing them and saying, “You two (one?) hearts beat as one—unstoppable.” Clark out: “Kayleigh, your blue is beautiful—paint the world with it.”
Episode 14 finale: Dustin Dale Gaspard vs. Kirbi. Gaspard, a 29-year-old New Orleans native with a day job as a chef, spiced “She Talks to Angels” with funky joy, harmonica wailing like a second-line parade. “Infectious!” Michael Bublé exclaimed. Kirbi, a 21-year-old firebrand from Tennessee, fought through Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” her climax a testimony of grit. “I picked Kirbi simply down to the fact that what she did… was just undeniable,” Niall explained, tears in his eyes. Gaspard, eliminated, got props: “Your artistry shines, Dustin—keep cooking up hits.” Team Niall’s Playoffs: Ava Nat, Aiden Ross, DEK of Hearts (Mic Drop), Kirbi. Pop perfection with soul—Niall’s got a winner in the wings.
Finally, Team Snoop, where the Doggfather’s chill vibe masked ruthless strategy. Zac Brown’s country-rap fusion mentorship was gold, and Snoop’s squad was a melting pot of R&B, hip-hop, and soul.
Episode 10: Ralph Edwards vs. Kenny Iko. Edwards, a 31-year-old dad from Detroit, dove deep into Ed Sheeran’s “Dive,” his baritone surfacing emotions like hidden treasure. “Real talk, Ralph—you swam straight to my heart,” Snoop nodded. Iko, a 26-year-old dancer from Houston, baby-stepped Ben E. King’s “There Goes My Baby” with smooth moves and smoother tones. Snoop advanced Edwards for “depth over flash,” telling Iko: “Your groove is timeless—dance on.”
Episode 11: Toni Lorene vs. Natalia Albertini. Lorene, a 28-year-old Latina powerhouse from Miami, marmaladed Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” with spicy runs, the stage her kitchen. “Toni, you served it hot!” Reba cheered. Albertini, a 23-year-old opera-trained singer from New York, wished Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” with bel canto flair. Snoop picked Lorene’s “fiery authenticity,” eliminating Albertini: “Natalia, your wish is granted—shine operatically.”
Episode 13: Mindy Miller vs. Carolina Rodriguez. Miller, a 34-year-old mom from Oklahoma, colored Jamey Johnson’s “In Color” with sepia-toned storytelling, her voice a faded photo album. “Mindy, you painted my soul,” Snoop reflected. Rodriguez, a 20-year-old from LA, loved The Cure’s “Lovesong” with dreamy indie haze. Snoop chose Miller’s “life-worn wisdom,” consoling Rodriguez: “Carolina, your love echoes—keep dreaming.”
Episode 14 climax: Yoshihanaa vs. Lauren Anderson. Yoshihanaa, a 25-year-old soul sister from Philly, needed Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need to Get By,” her high notes befuddling coaches and attitude igniting the crowd. “She has that star quality that could actually win The Voice,” Snoop declared. Anderson, a 22-year-old pop-rocker from Phoenix, tried P!nk’s “Try” like a cover-band queen, exploding in moments of pure Pinkitude. But Snoop Mic Dropped Yoshihanaa: “She did everything but drop the mic… She has a big, powerful voice, a beautiful spirit.” Anderson out: “Lauren, your try is triumph—keep fighting.” Team Snoop’s Playoffs: Ralph Edwards, Toni Lorene, Mindy Miller, Yoshihanaa (Mic Drop). Eclectic edge—Snoop’s wildcard team could disrupt.
As the Playoffs dawn on December 1, the 16 standouts face America’s vote: two per team advance via public ballot, the rest coach-picked. Predictions? Team Reba’s Aaron Nichols (that Mic Drop grit) and Team Snoop’s Yoshihanaa (star power) scream finalists. X is ablaze: @People tweeted the eliminations, racking 6 likes and 4K views, while @JamesJackson099 pondered, “The Playoffs are set to be unpredictable—who will rise next?” With no steals to soften blows, the Knockouts were brutal beauty—forging stars from survivors. Tune in; the Voice of America awaits its champion.
