The Voice Season 28 Knockouts: Mic Drop, Schedule & Big Changes

Get ready, Voice fans! Season 28's Knockout Rounds are bringing a brand-new "Mic Drop" twist that could change everything for one lucky artist, plus a new schedule you need to know about to catch all the action.

TL;DR: Quick Bites for Busy Fans

• A groundbreaking "Mic Drop" button allows each coach to select one standout artist from the Knockouts for a chance to perform at the 2026 Rose Parade.
• Coach Michael Bublé has already used the first-ever Mic Drop for 14-year-old Max Chambers following his powerful Stevie Wonder performance.
• The Voice Season 28's Knockout Rounds now air exclusively on Mondays at 9/8c on NBC, streaming next day on Peacock, with Playoffs and the Live Finale dates confirmed for December 2025.

Hey there, music lovers! If you've been tuning into Season 28 of The Voice, you know it's been a whirlwind of talent, tears, and a whole lot of unexpected twists. But just when you thought you had a handle on things, the Knockout Rounds have arrived with some major shake-ups, introducing a brand-new "Mic Drop" button and, perhaps more importantly for your viewing schedule, some significant time slot changes. Our superstar coaches — Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg — are deep into making tough decisions, and these new elements are making the competition hotter than ever.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about these exciting changes, who's already making waves, and how you can make sure you don't miss a single note.

The Groundbreaking 'Mic Drop' Feature That's Shaking Things Up

Forget everything you thought you knew about winning a Knockout! Season 28 introduces an all-new "Mic Drop" button, a game-changer that offers a unique opportunity even if an artist doesn't directly win their Knockout battle or make it to the Live Shows right away. Each coach gets to use this button just once during the Knockout Rounds for one of their artists whose performance truly blows them away.

So, what's the big deal? As Coach Reba McEntire explained, "We have a new thing called the Mic Drop button, and each Coach gets to select one of their Artists." She added, "And then we turn them over to the voters of America, and they pick who’s gonna get to perform at the Rose [Parade]." That's right! The four artists chosen by their coaches get a second shot at glory, with America voting to send one of them to perform at the iconic New Year's Day Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. This is a massive platform for any aspiring singer!

Niall Horan echoed the excitement, saying, "Someone could really step up from the Battles and really tear the roof off, and then it’s undeniable and you have to use your Mic Drop." It's all about that gut instinct, that jaw-dropping moment where a coach knows they've witnessed something extraordinary.

We've already seen history made! On the November 3, 2025, episode, Michael Bublé became the first coach to hit his Mic Drop button. He chose 14-year-old Max Chambers after his incredible performance of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing." Michael has been vocal about using his Mic Drop for "the most incredible performance on my team," and young Max clearly delivered. Snoop Dogg, too, is holding out for that undeniable moment: "I’m anxious to see who’s gonna get that top notch performance that deserves it... Because I got a couple people that could get it, but they just gotta prove it."

Deep Dive into the Knockout Rounds: New Rules and Standout Artists

The Knockout Rounds are where the competition truly intensifies. Unlike the Battles, where artists perform duets, the Knockouts see two artists from the same team perform solo against each other. The twist here is that artists get to pick their own songs, allowing them to truly showcase their individual artistry and vision. But be warned: the stakes are sky-high because, in this round, coaches have no Saves or Steals. One artist wins, one goes home, and the coach's decision is final.

To help guide the artists through this demanding stage, Season 28 features an incredible lineup of Mega Mentors. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Joe Walsh (of The Eagles) is assisting Team Reba and Team Niall, while Grammy Award-winning multi-hyphenate Zac Brown (of Zac Brown Band) is lending his expertise to Team Snoop and Team Bublé. These legends bring years of stage experience and invaluable advice, helping artists prepare for audiences of any size.

Knockout Winners So Far: Moving On to the Playoffs!

Here’s a quick rundown of who’s already secured their spot in the Playoffs from the initial Knockout matchups:

• Team Reba: Aubrey Nicole (vs. Leyton Robinson, song: "I'm Going to Love You Through It")
• Team Niall: Ava Nat (vs. Sadie Dahl, song: "Hopelessly Devoted to You"), Aiden Ross (vs. Liam Von Elbe, song: "When the Party's Over")
• Team Snoop: Toni Lorene (vs. Natalia Albertini, song: "Lady Marmalade"), Ralph Edwards (vs. Kenny Iko, song: "Dive")
• Team Bublé: Max Chambers (vs. Max Cooper III, song: "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing")

These artists truly brought their A-game, proving they have what it takes to move closer to becoming the next Voice champion.

The Transformative Power of The Voice

Michael Bublé shared a profound realization about the show's impact beyond winning: "Their lives had changed...their careers had started. They started to create a business that could go on...Their socials have grown...just from being on this massive television program that has seven to 11 million people watching all over the planet. I didn’t realize at the time because I had thought of this as an end-goal thing."

Navigating the New Voice Season 28 Schedule: Don't Miss an Episode!

Alright, listen up! This is super important if you want to keep up with all the incredible performances. The Voice Season 28 has seen a few schedule changes, and there’s another big one for the Knockouts this November.

Starting Monday, November 3, 2025, new episodes of The Voice will air for one hour only, beginning at 9/8c on NBC.

This is a shift from its earlier two-hour Monday slot and the previous Monday/Tuesday schedule. Why the change? NBC is making room for new programming, specifically the comedy "St. Denis Medical," which will take over the 8 p.m. ET/PT slot with back-to-back episodes during November. This one-hour format for The Voice is expected to last through the entire month.

Don't worry, you can still stream episodes next day on Peacock, so you won't miss a beat if you can't catch it live. Knowing these adjustments is key to following your favorite artists on their journey!

Looking Ahead: Playoffs and Finale Dates

Mark your calendars! The exciting journey continues with:

• The Playoffs: December 1 and December 8, both airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
• The Two-Night Live Finale: December 15 and December 16, 2025.

Why These Game-Changing Twists Matter for Artists and Fans Alike

These new elements and schedule shifts aren't just for show; they significantly alter the dynamic of the competition. The lack of Saves and Steals in the Knockouts means coaches must make even tougher, final decisions, pushing artists to deliver truly unforgettable performances. As Adam Levine, a former coach, once noted about the Knockouts, "It shows me that if you're able to win this Knockout round, you can go a lot further."

The "Mic Drop" twist is particularly impactful. It broadens the definition of "success" on the show, offering a unique opportunity for an artist to gain massive exposure even if they don't advance to the Playoffs through their direct Knockout win. It's a testament to the show's commitment to artists, giving another pathway for raw talent to shine on a national stage like the Rose Parade. As Michael Bublé insightfully shared, simply appearing on The Voice can be career-changing, dramatically boosting an artist's social reach and setting them on a path to a sustainable music career. It reinforces the idea that The Voice isn't just about finding one winner; it's about amplifying the dreams of many.

For fans, these changes keep things fresh and exciting. You're not just watching a competition; you're witnessing the evolution of a format designed to highlight incredible voices in innovative ways. Just remember to adjust your viewing habits so you don't miss any of the drama, the talent, or the crucial "Mic Drop" moments!

Your Burning Questions About The Voice Season 28 Answered

Got more questions about Season 28's Knockouts and beyond? We've got you covered!

When does The Voice Season 28 air now?

Starting Monday, November 3, 2025, The Voice Season 28 airs new episodes on Mondays at 9/8c on NBC. This one-hour slot is expected to last through November.

Where can I stream The Voice Season 28?

You can stream new episodes of The Voice Season 28 the day after they air on NBC, exclusively on Peacock. You can also watch live on NBC via streaming services like FuboTV or DIRECTV, which often offer free trials.

What is the Mic Drop button on The Voice Season 28?

The Mic Drop button is a new twist for Season 28's Knockout Rounds. Each coach can use it once to select a truly exceptional performance from their team. The four artists chosen (one per coach) will then be put to a public vote, with the winner earning the incredible opportunity to perform at the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year's Day.

Who are the Mega Mentors for The Voice Season 28 Knockouts?

The Mega Mentors for Season 28's Knockout Rounds are Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band, who is mentoring Team Snoop and Team Bublé, and Joe Walsh of the Eagles, who is assisting Team Reba and Team Niall.

Keep tuning in to The Voice Season 28 to see which artists rise to the challenge and who might be next to receive a game-changing Mic Drop!

Sources:

• NBC Insider - The Voice’s New Mic Drop Button Totally Shakes Up the Knockouts
• Parade - ‘The Voice’ Gets Schedule Change Amid Season 28 Knockout Rounds: When Is It On?
• NJ.com - ‘The Voice’ Recap: The Knockouts Continue & Michael Bublé Uses the First-Ever Mic Drop
• Substack (Lyndsey Parker's Reality Rocks) - Bummer to the Max: Team Bublé's ‘The Voice’ Season 28 frontrunner gets knocked out – twice
• Masslive.com - ‘The Voice’ Part 2 of the Knockouts: How to watch, stream for free (11/3/2025)
• NBC.com - Is The Voice New Tonight? (November 3, 2025)
• TV Insider - ‘The Voice’ Recap: The Knockouts Continue & Michael Bublé Uses the First-Ever Mic Drop