On a crisp May morning in 2025, NBC dropped a bombshell that sent The Voice fans into a frenzy: Niall Horan and Reba McEntire are returning to the iconic red chairs for Season 28, alongside Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé. The announcement, teased with a vibrant Instagram post captioned “SNOOP. REBA. NIALL. BUBLÉ,” ignited social media, with fans already picking teams for the fall season. “Let us know which team you will be on this fall!” the post urged, and the response was electric. But what makes this coaching lineup so special, and why are Horan and McEntire’s comebacks stealing the spotlight? Buckle up, because this season promises to be a wild ride. See link below for more.

A Winning Duo Returns

Niall Horan, the Irish heartthrob and former One Direction star, is no stranger to The Voice glory. He first spun his red chair in Season 23, charming audiences with his quick wit and uncanny ability to spot raw talent. That year, he coached Gina Miles to victory, becoming the youngest coach to win at just 30 years old. Not one to rest on his laurels, Horan returned for Season 24 and did it again, guiding rock artist Huntley to the top. His back-to-back wins made him only the third coach in The Voice history to achieve consecutive victories, following in the footsteps of Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. “Excited to be back,” Horan posted on Instagram, adding the hashtag #TeamNiall with a cheeky grin that suggests he’s ready to defend his unbeaten streak.

Reba McEntire, the Queen of Country, brings her own legacy to the table. A The Voice veteran, McEntire joined as a coach in Season 24 and quickly became a fan favorite with her warm Southern charm and razor-sharp critiques. In Season 25, she led gospel singer Asher HaVon to a triumphant win, proving she could hold her own against heavyweights like Horan. Her return for Season 28 marks her fourth stint as a coach, having previously served from Seasons 24 to 26. McEntire’s history with the show runs even deeper—she was a battle advisor for Blake Shelton’s team in Season 1 and a mega-mentor in Season 23. “I’m thrilled to be back,” she told TODAY.com, hinting at the fun she expects with this dynamic panel.

The Full Lineup: A Mix of Flair and Fire

Joining Horan and McEntire are two other returning coaches who promise to keep the competition fierce. Michael Bublé, the crooner with a knack for spotting diamond-in-the-rough talent, is back for his third season after coaching Seasons 26 and 27. His Season 26 win with Sofronio Vasquez cemented his status as a formidable coach, and fans are eager to see if he can repeat the magic. Snoop Dogg, the rap icon who made a splash in Season 26, rounds out the quartet. Known for his emotional investment in his artists—he famously shed tears during his debut season—Snoop is still chasing his first The Voice win. “I’m loving every second of The Voice,” he said, per NBC, and his return promises more heart and hustle.

This lineup replaces the current Season 27 panel of Bublé, John Legend, Adam Levine, and first-timer Kelsea Ballerini. McEntire, who sat out Season 27 due to scheduling conflicts with her NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, praised Ballerini’s performance as a coach. “Kelsea did such a great job,” she told TODAY.com. “That was a really good pick.” But with Horan and McEntire back in the mix, the stakes are higher than ever.

Why This Lineup Has Fans Buzzing

The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, during NBC’s Upfront presentation, sparked a wave of excitement on social media. “The way I was thinking the other day that it would be so fun to see Niall Horan and Michael Bublé on The Voice together, I’m so excited about this!!” one X user wrote. Another declared, “This is your best 4 coaches ever, but I’m most excited for Niall!!!!! Thank you for bringing him back.” The hashtag #TeamNiall trended as fans celebrated Horan’s return, with many citing his infectious enthusiasm and coaching prowess. “Niall and Oldham’s razor-sharp critiques, paired with her down-to-earth charm, made her a beloved figure. “Reba needs new words, but her heart’s in the right place,” one fan noted on X, acknowledging her tendency to call contestants “cute as a button” while appreciating her genuine support.

The chemistry between the coaches is another draw. Horan and Bublé, both known for their playful banter, are expected to bring a lighthearted vibe to the set. “Niall and Snoop together is gonna be amazing,” a fan commented on Instagram, imagining the dynamic between the Irish pop star and the rap legend. McEntire’s warm maternal energy and Bublé’s puckish humor should create a lively contrast, while Snoop’s laid-back coolness adds a fresh edge. “Bublé and Horan in the same lineup? I can’t wait to see these two sweet but puckish jokesters square off,” a TVLine commenter enthused.

A Season of Changes

Season 28, set to premiere this fall on NBC, will face a scheduling shakeup due to the network’s NBA coverage. According to Deadline, the show will launch with two-hour episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays in September before shifting to one night a week, likely Mondays, to accommodate basketball games. This change could affect the show’s rhythm, but with host Carson Daly returning to steer the ship, fans trust the competition will remain as thrilling as ever.

The coaching panel’s mix of experience and star power sets the stage for a competitive season. Horan’s undefeated record makes him a target, while McEntire’s country clout and Bublé’s recent win keep them in the hunt. Snoop, the underdog, brings unpredictability—will he finally snag a victory? “I think Reba and Niall are with the biggest chances to win,” one X user speculated, though others argue Bublé’s momentum could carry him far.

A Nod to the Past, A Look to the Future

The return of Horan and McEntire also evokes nostalgia for The Voice’s early days, particularly for fans of Blake Shelton, who coached for 23 seasons before stepping away in 2023. Horan, who jokingly called Shelton his “dad” during Season 23, carries a bit of that Oklahoma charm, while McEntire’s country roots echo Shelton’s legacy. Their presence feels like a bridge between the show’s past and its future, especially as Season 27’s finale on May 20, 2025, will feature performances from Shelton, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, and others, reminding viewers of the show’s star-studded history.

For Horan, returning to The Voice comes after a whirlwind world tour for his album The Show. His absence in Season 25 was due to tour commitments, and fans were devastated when he missed Season 24’s Knockout rehearsals, with Dan + Shay stepping in. Now, with his tour wrapped, Horan is back and ready to coach. “What an amazing way to start the week!!! Let’s go! #TeamNiall,” a fan tweeted, capturing the excitement of his comeback.

Why It Matters

The Voice Season 28 isn’t just about finding the next singing sensation—it’s about the stories, the mentorship, and the moments that resonate with viewers. Horan’s ability to connect with young artists, McEntire’s nurturing guidance, Bublé’s polished expertise, and Snoop’s raw passion create a coaching panel that feels both familiar and fresh. Fans are already buzzing about potential four-chair turns, emotional performances, and the inevitable coach banter that makes The Voice a cultural staple.

As the semifinals of Season 27 air on May 17, 2025, the anticipation for Season 28 is building. Will Horan keep his winning streak alive? Can McEntire add another trophy to her shelf? Will Snoop finally claim victory, or will Bublé steal the crown again? One thing’s for sure: with this lineup, The Voice is poised to deliver a season full of heart, humor, and unforgettable music. So, which team are you on? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation!