The Voice Makes One Major Rule Change to Auditions for Season 28

As The Voice returns for season 28 Sept. 22, the NBC singing competition is introducing some new rules—including one that could have a huge impact on the Blind Auditions.

The Voice is making some changes that will have viewers buzzing.

As the NBC singing competition kicks off its 28th season Sept. 22 with coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg, the iconic Blind Auditions round is gaining a game-changing new component: the Carson Callback Card.

The element will give host Carson Daly—who has anchored the show since its debut in 2011—the power to step in if none of the coaches turns their chair during an audition. When used, the Carson Callback Card will give one artist a second chance at a blind audition, according to People.

That’s not the only new twist for season 28. During the Battle Rounds later in the season, artists will choose their pairings themselves, whereas in seasons past, it was up to the coaches to pick who would face off.

But the coaches will get a new power of their own in the Knockout round with the introduction of the Mic Drop button, which they can each use on one artist from their team. Once each coach has used their button, viewers will be able to vote for one out of the four Mic Drop recipients, and the winner will get to perform at The Rose Parade on Jan. 1.

The Playoffs will also look different from past seasons, when each coach would choose two contestants to advance to the Live Shows. For season 28, the coaches will only get to pick one artist, while viewers will get to vote for two artists to move forward—bringing the total number of singers down from eight to six.

Trae Patton/NBC

Fans of the series can still expect many of the show’s classic characteristics—and characters. After all, each member of this season’s coaching lineup has sat in the red chair before, though not all of them have served at the same time.

“I met Snoop Dogg for the first time today,” Niall said in a video posted on The Voice’s YouTube channel Sept. 9. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous in my whole life.”

But it didn’t take long for the One Direction alum to warm up to his new colleague.

“I’m so happy to be able to work with him,” Niall continued. “He’s so funny, and he’s so good at this coaching thing.”

The Voice returns Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. on NBC. For more new and upcoming TV releases, keep scrolling.