Joe Walsh & Zac Brown Join The Voice Season 28 as Mega Mentors

Get ready for some serious musical wisdom heading your way! Rock legend Joe Walsh and country superstar Zac Brown are stepping in as mega mentors for The Voice Season 28 Knockouts, bringing decades of unparalleled experience to the coaching teams.

TL;DR

• Rock icon Joe Walsh and country star Zac Brown are Season 28's Mega Mentors.
• They'll guide artists through the intense Knockout Rounds, starting October 27.
• A new "Mic Drop" feature lets viewers vote for a Rose Parade performance slot!

Musical Powerhouses Ready to Shape the Next Generation of Stars on The Voice

Big news just dropped for fans of NBC’s hit singing competition, The Voice! The show is keeping its tradition of bringing in top-tier talent, announcing that none other than The Eagles’ legendary guitarist, Joe Walsh, and Zac Brown Band frontman, Zac Brown, will be joining Season 28 as mega mentors. This is a pretty huge deal, as both artists are absolute titans in the music world, and their insights are going to be invaluable for the aspiring singers.

The role of a mega mentor is crucial during the high-stakes Knockouts phase, offering expert guidance and a fresh perspective to the contestants as they prepare for some of their most challenging performances yet. It's not just about singing; it's about artistry, stage presence, and navigating the intense pressure of the competition, something these two legends know a lot about.

Who's Teaming Up With Which Coaches for the Knockouts?

The coaches for Season 28—Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg—are already some of the biggest names in music. Now, they're getting an extra boost with these two iconic additions. Here’s how the mentor pairings are shaping up:

• Zac Brown will be working closely with the talented artists on Team Michael Bublé and Team Snoop Dogg. Imagine getting advice from Zac Brown and Snoop Dogg in the same week! Talk about a diverse range of wisdom.
• Meanwhile, Joe Walsh will be lending his legendary expertise to the contestants on Team Niall Horan and Team Reba McEntire. We already know Niall Horan is a massive Eagles fan, so this pairing is particularly exciting, promising some truly heartfelt moments.

The Knockouts are set to kick off on Monday, October 27, so mark your calendars! These mentors are joining at a critical juncture, helping artists hone their skills before the really big decisions are made.

Navigating the Intense Pressure of The Knockouts Round

If you're new to The Voice, or just need a refresher, the Knockout Rounds are where things get seriously competitive. After the initial Blind Auditions and the Battle Rounds, each coach enters the Knockouts with eight artists on their team. And here’s the kicker for this round: there are no saves and no steals available. That means the coaches have to make some tough, definitive choices.

During the Knockouts, artists are paired against a teammate, but unlike the Battles, they get to choose their own songs. This is a huge opportunity for them to showcase their individual artistry and prove why they deserve to move forward. They perform individually, while their competitor watches intently. It’s a nerve-wracking process, with only one winner chosen by the coach from each pairing to advance to the Playoffs, which is the final round before the live shows begin.

This intense format makes the mega mentors' roles even more vital. Their ability to refine performances, offer strategies, and provide emotional support can make all the difference when the stakes are this high.

Introducing the Groundbreaking "Mic Drop" Feature for Season 28

Adding another exciting layer to the competition this season is a brand-new feature called the "Mic Drop" button. This is something entirely new for The Voice, and it’s designed to celebrate truly show-stopping performances.

Here’s how it works: each coach gets one "Mic Drop" button to use on an artist from their own team whose performance completely blows them away. Think about it – a coach has to be absolutely floored by a performance to hit that button, recognizing it as an iconic moment. Once each of the four coaches has selected their "Mic Drop" recipient, viewers at home will get to participate in a special vote. They'll choose one winner from these four incredibly talented artists.

And the prize? It's not just bragging rights. The artist with the most viewer votes will be awarded a live performance slot at the iconic Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. This is a massive opportunity for exposure and a dream come true for any aspiring musician, putting them on a national stage during one of the most-watched events of the new year. It’s a fantastic way to engage viewers and give an unforgettable moment to a deserving artist.

A Look at Legendary Guitarist and Philanthropist Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh's career spans over five decades, making him a true elder statesman of rock music. Born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1947, Walsh’s journey through music is a masterclass in versatility and enduring talent. He first gained prominence with the psychedelic rock band James Gang in the late 1960s, delivering hits like "Funk #49." He then fronted Barnstorm before launching a successful solo career with classics like "Rocky Mountain Way" and the famously satirical "Life's Been Good."

However, many know him best as the lead guitarist for the legendary Eagles, which he joined in 1975. His distinctive guitar work and songwriting contributed to some of the band's biggest hits, including "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "Heartache Tonight." With The Eagles, Walsh has earned five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He also received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2016 as a member of the group.

Beyond his musical prowess, Walsh is also a committed philanthropist. In 2017, he launched VetsAid, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. This deep experience, combined with his incredible stage presence and ability to connect with an audience, will provide an unparalleled learning experience for the artists on Team Niall and Team Reba. It’s also worth noting his connection to the Sphere in Las Vegas, as The Eagles have headlined the venue with show dates stretching into 2026, a testament to his continued relevance and appeal.

Meet Country Superstar and Innovative Leader Zac Brown

Zac Brown, frontman of the multi-platinum, three-time Grammy Award-winning Southern rock group Zac Brown Band, brings a different but equally rich tapestry of experience to The Voice stage. Brown, born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1978, has carved out a unique space in country music with a sound that blends traditional country, rock, and folk influences.

His band, formed in 2002, quickly rose to fame with chart-topping hits like "Chicken Fried," "Toes," and "Knee Deep." They've achieved incredible commercial success, with five consecutive albums debuting at number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart and selling over 10.8 million albums to date. The Zac Brown Band was also inducted into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing their significant impact on music.

Zac Brown is known for his collaborative spirit, having worked with a wide range of artists from Blake Shelton to Alan Jackson, and even the Foo Fighters. He recently teamed up with none other than his fellow Voice coach, Snoop Dogg, for a country/hip-hop song titled "Let It Run." This willingness to experiment and cross genres will undoubtedly inspire the artists he mentors. Adding to his list of pioneering achievements, the Zac Brown Band is set to make history in December, becoming the first country group to hold a residency at the state-of-the-art Sphere in Las Vegas, with their "Love & Fear at Sphere" shows, coinciding with their upcoming album, Love & Fear, out December 5. His ability to blend genres and command massive stages will be invaluable to Team Michael Bublé and Team Snoop Dogg.

Don't Miss a Single Note: How and When to Watch The Voice Season 28

With mega mentors like Joe Walsh and Zac Brown, plus the thrilling new "Mic Drop" feature, Season 28 of The Voice is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride. The competition is intense, the talent is undeniable, and the guidance from these legends will surely elevate the performances to new heights.

Make sure you tune in to catch all the action, the incredible voices, and the inspiring mentorship. Who will hit that "Mic Drop" button, and which artist will earn the coveted spot at the Rose Parade? There's only one way to find out!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Voice Season 28 When do The Voice Season 28 Knockouts with Joe Walsh and Zac Brown begin? The Knockout Rounds for The Voice Season 28, featuring mega mentors Joe Walsh and Zac Brown, are scheduled to kick off on Monday, October 27. Where can I watch new episodes of The Voice Season 28? New episodes of The Voice Season 28 air on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. If you miss the live broadcast, you can stream them the following day on Peacock. What is the new "Mic Drop" button on The Voice Season 28? The "Mic Drop" button is a new feature for Season 28. Each coach can use it once on an artist whose performance truly impresses them. Viewers at home will then vote for one winner from these four selected artists, who will earn a performance at the Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. Are there any saves or steals during The Voice Knockout Rounds? No, unlike previous rounds, there are no saves or steals available for coaches during the Knockout Rounds. Each coach must choose one winner from their team to advance directly to the Playoffs. Sources

• Various entertainment news outlets (e.g., Rolling Stone, Deadline, Variety, Billboard, Entertainment Now, Showbiz Junkies, American Songwriter, Primetimer)