Everybody Loves Patricia: Her Honest Take on TV Moms vs. Real Moms

Patricia Heaton has played some of television’s most iconic moms—from the witty and resilient Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond to the hilariously frazzled Frankie Heck on The Middle.

But behind the scenes, Heaton has always been refreshingly candid about the difference between scripted motherhood and the real-life chaos that comes with raising kids.

In a recent interview, Patricia opened up about the contrast between TV moms and real moms, and her take is as honest as it is relatable. “TV moms have punchlines,” she joked. “Real moms have laundry piles, forgotten permission slips, and moments where you just want to hide in the pantry with a bag of chips.”

She’s quick to point out that while sitcom motherhood often wraps up in 22 minutes with a heartfelt lesson, real parenting is messy, unpredictable, and rarely tied up with a bow. “On Raymond, Debra always had the perfect comeback,” Patricia said. “In real life, you’re lucky if you remember what you were arguing about before someone spills juice on the dog.”

Despite the differences, Heaton believes TV moms play an important role. “They give us comfort,” she explained. “They show us we’re not alone in the struggle. Even if it’s exaggerated for laughs, there’s truth in the chaos.”

Patricia’s own experience as a mother of four has shaped her perspective. She’s lived the sleepless nights, the school drop-offs, and the emotional rollercoasters. And while she’s grateful for the characters she’s portrayed, she’s even more proud of the real-life role she plays off-screen.

“TV moms are scripted,” she said. “Real moms improvise every single day—and that’s where the real magic is.”

With her signature warmth and wit, Patricia Heaton continues to be a voice for moms everywhere—on screen and off. And if her characters have taught us anything, it’s that laughter really is the best survival skill in parenting.

Shifting Gears Season 2’s Home Improvement Cameos Are A Mistake

ABC is bringing Shifting Gears back for a second season, and instead of fixing what went wrong in the first set of episodes, the network is perpetuating the problem (which involves Tim Allen). The sitcom premiered in January 2025 and is just the latest of Allen’s collaborations with ABC. He also starred in and executive-produced Home Improvement and Last Man Standing.

Allen’s role in Home Improvement served as his breakthrough in Hollywood. The comedy TV show thrust him into the spotlight and opened up many more opportunities for the actor, like The Santa Clause film series and the Toy Story franchise. Without Home Improvement, it’s unclear where Allen would be today. However, that doesn’t mean he has to live in the past.

Shifting Gear Season 2 Will Feature 3 Home Improvement Stars

Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, & Debbe Dunning Will Guest Star

When Shifting Gears season 2 premieres, Allen will be surrounded by three of his Home Improvement co-stars — Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning. Richardson, Karn, and Dunning will guest star in season 2’s first episode and will reportedly support Allen’s character, Matt, in an unexpected way (per Deadline). Aside from that, information about their characters is being kept under wraps.

In Home Improvement, Patricia Richardson played Jill Taylor (the wife of Tim Allen’s character, Tim Taylor), Richard Karn starred as Albert “Al” Borland (Tim’s friend and co-host of Tool Time), and Debbe Dunning portrayed Heidi Keppert (a “Tool Time girl”).

This won’t be the first time that Shifting Gears has reunited Allen with stars from his two renowned ABC sitcoms. In season 1, two of Allen’s co-stars from Last Man Standing appeared — Nancy Travis and Jay Leno. Now, Shifting Gears is seemingly honoring Allen’s first ABC comedy TV series with the three aforementioned Home Improvement cameos in the season 2 premiere.

Why It’s Better For Shifting Gears To Be More Than Just A Tim Allen Sitcom

While the upcoming Home Improvement cameos in Shifting Gears season 2 might be exciting on the surface, the network is actually making a big mistake. In season 1, it was Last Man Standing; in season 2, it’s Home Improvement. Allen can’t escape his past and carve out a new legacy for himself with Shifting Gears, and that presents a frustrating problem.

Shifting Gears shouldn’t be relying on Allen’s former accomplishments to be a success. It should be more than simply another one of his ABC sitcoms. However, with all these reunions, ABC is doing the exact opposite of what Shifting Gears needs by falling back on Home Improvement and Last Man Standing instead of proving why it’s a great series in and of itself.

Shifting Gears season 2 premieres on Wednesday, October 1, at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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Shifting Gears Season 2 Has To Fix This Unconvincing Storyline Or It Just Won’t Work

Shifting Gears made a big mistake regarding Riley and Gabe in the season 1 finale, but season 2 can fix it. Shifting Gears season 1 only aired ten episodes, a common number for modern-day original network TV shows. For example, NBC’s American Auto aired ten episodes in season 1 before getting a 13-episode order for season 2, and Fox’s Going Dutch aired a ten-episode first season, something that’s becoming more prevalent for freshman seasons.

Shifting Gears will also have more episodes in season 2, moving up from ten to 13. This will give the ABC sitcom more time to explore the characters’ relationships, and one relationship, in particular, definitely needs more time to bloom. As such, Shifting Gears season 2 needs to rectify this season 1 error if it hopes to become a modern sitcom classic.

Riley & Gabe’s Almost-Kiss Came Too Soon In Shifting Gears Season 1

In the Shifting Gears season 1 premiere, Gabe establishes that he has a crush on Riley, feelings he’s had since they were kids. However, Riley dated and eventually married another high school classmate, shattering Gabe’s dreams of ever being with the woman he loves. Luckily for Gabe, Riley starts Shifting Gears single once again, giving him an opening.

At the end of the season 1 premiere, Riley and Gabe almost kiss, although Gabe stops it before anything can happen. This, unfortunately, happened way too soon in the series. Yes, Gabe has always had a crush on Riley, but there’s no indication in season 1 that she may feel the same way. The almost-kiss felt like it came out of nowhere.

There simply wasn’t enough tension or mutual interest to make the kiss worth it. That’s not to say that all near-kisses have to come after lots of romantic tension in a drawn-out timeline, but in the case of Shifting Gears, it didn’t feel earned. There just wasn’t enough time for audiences to buy into them as a couple for it to make an impact.

Riley & Gabe Need A Slow Burn

If Shifting Gears wants to incorporate a successful romance like its predecessors (Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and New Girl, to name a few), Riley and Gabe need a slow-burn relationship. Without the requisite tension, fans can’t root for their relationship. It’s not enough for Gabe to like Riley; we need to see Riley show genuine, sober interest in Gabe.

On New Girl, Jess and Nick didn’t kiss until the show’s 39th episode. On Friends, Ross and Rachel share a peck in episode 5, but they don’t experience their first passionate kiss until season 2, with the show’s 31st episode. In both of these examples, audiences had plenty of time to root for their favorite couples before finally getting satiated.

Riley and Gabe have massive potential as a couple. Because they went to high school together, they’re already very similar to Ross and Rachel. Gabe could be good for the receptionist, as he has a steady job and understands Riley’s wacky family. However, it’s hard to root for a couple we barely know.

Ten episodes isn’t enough time for two people to get together in a satisfying way. Luckily, Riley and Gabe didn’t actually get together. Since they didn’t actually kiss, Shifting Gears season 2 can walk back their relationship and build up the tension from scratch. If they do so, Riley and Gabe could be the next great love story.

Shifting Gears’ Biggest Tim Allen Plot Twist Is Bad News For Its True Main Couple

Although Shifting Gears season 1 ended with Tim Allen’s Matt sharing a kiss with his daughter Riley’s boss Eve, this is bad news for the show’s true main couple. Shifting Gears season 1 received terrible reviews, but the sitcom still managed to secure a renewal thanks to its ratings. The Tim Allen vehicle stars Allen as Matt, the owner of an auto shop, and Kat Dennings as his daughter Riley.

While season 1 focused on Riley and her children getting used to living with her father, Shifting Gears season 2 can now center on the love lives of both Matt and his daughter. Throughout season 1, Seann William Scott’s sweet, shy mechanic Gabriel struggled to tell Riley that he had feelings for her, while Matt shared an absurdly contentious relationship with Riley’s boss, Jenna Elfman’s Eve. Even though Eve runs a dance studio across the road, she still manages to repeatedly cross paths with Matt as they get on each other’s final nerve.

Shifting Gears Season 1 Ends With Matt & Eve’s Unexpected Kiss

Riley’s Boss and Her Father Hooked Up In Season 1 Episode 10 “Kiss”

These two plots come to a head in episode 10, “Kiss,” wherein Riley’s ex, Jimmy, returns to ask her and their kids to move back in with him. Riley is stunned and unsure what to do, prompting her to seek advice from Matt. For once, Matt isn’t eager to tell her what to do next, and she ends up asking Gabriel and Stitch. Gabriel can’t bring himself to tell her he likes her, but he does say she deserves better than Jimmy.

To everyone’s shock, not least Matt’s, Eve revealed she was secretly attracted to Tim Allen’s character and abruptly kissed him at the end of the party.

When Riley opts to stay, Eve celebrates by throwing her a big party. Gabriel takes a drunk Riley home and rejects her advances, informing her that he wants to be with her romantically and needs to tell her that when she’s sober. This plot twist makes Shifting Gears season 2’s return a compelling prospect, but it wasn’t the only romance afoot at the party. To everyone’s shock, not least Matt’s, Eve revealed she was secretly attracted to Tim Allen’s character and abruptly kissed him at the end of the party.

Why Matt & Eve’s Shockingly Quick Romance Is Bad For Riley & Gabriel’s Budding Romance

Riley and Gabriel’s Storyline May Not Take Precedence Over Tim Allen’s Character

Eve and Matt’s romance seems to have come out of nowhere, considering the two characters have shared few interactions to date and all of them have been defined by seemingly shared opprobrium. Admittedly, the “Enemies to Lovers” plot is so common that the phenomenon has an entire TvTropes page dedicated to it. However, this sitcom convention requires more setup and finesses than Matt and Eve’s story received.

Unfortunately, this might be bad news for the true heroes of Shifting Gears season 2. It is highly unlikely that the sitcom will try to focus on two big love stories at the same time, particularly when both involve the show’s main characters. As such, Gabriel and Riley’s romance is likely to take a backseat in season 2.

Can Matt & Eve’s Romance Last In Shifting Gears?

Eve and Matt’s Romance Seems Doomed To Inevitable Failure

In episode 7, “Picnic,” an issue as pointless as a new picnic table across the road from Matt’s auto shop escalated into an all-out war between him and Eve. Only a few episodes later, the pair were making out and Eve even openly admitted that she had started fights to get Matt’s attention. One of the biggest unanswered questions left by Shifting Gears season 1’s ending is how long this unholy union can last, since the duo’s bickering never seemed to be fueled by a secret attraction before.

Matt and Eve’s romance seems doomed in Shifting Gears season 2, primarily because their mutual attraction wasn’t hinted at or heavily foreshadowed earlier in the series. As such, the sitcom must take care not to forget about Gabriel and Riley’s sweeter slow-burn romance as the show focuses on Matt and Eve’s more combustible relationship in Shifting Gears season 2.

Source: TvTropes

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‘Shifting Gears’: See Tim Allen Reunite With ‘Home Improvement Cast on Season 2 Premiere (PHOTOS)

Disney/Raymond Liu

Tim Allen is coming home! The Shifting Gears lead actor reunites with his Home Improvement cast members on the season premiere of the ABC sitcom, which begins on Wednesday, October 1.

The logline for episode 1, titled “Secret,” reads, “Matt wrestles with his feelings for Eve, and Charlotte convinces him to go to a grief group. Meanwhile, Riley struggles with her own ‘will she or won’t she’ about her feelings for Gabe.”

Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning are all reuniting with Allen on the Season 2 premiere. Richardson played Jill Taylor, Tim’s wife, on the show for all eight seasons. Karn played the character, Albert “Al” Borland, Tim’s friend and assistant on the show-within-a-show, Tool Time, from seasons one to eight. Dunning played Heidi Keppert, the Tool Time girl, from Seasons 3 through 8. She replaced Pamela Anderson, who played the Tool Time girl on Seasons 1 and 2. Anderson has not been announced as a special guest.

Along with his Home Improvement family, Allen will be joined by Nancy Travis, who played his wife, Vanessa Baxter, on his second sitcom, Last Man Standing. She also had a guest appearance in Season 1, as a widow who mourned her husband.

Allen, who plays widow Matt, will also be joined by series regulars, Kat Dennings as Riley, Matt’s daughter who recently got divorced, and his grandchildren, Maxwell Simkins as Carter, and Barrett Margolis as Georgia. Also returning in the premiere are Seann William Scott, as Gabriel, Matt’s coworker and Riley’s brother’s best friend, as well as Jenna Elfman, as Eve, Matt’s nemesis turned love interest, and Daryl Mitchell as Stitch, a mechanic at Matt’s car shop.

See Allen reunite with his former costars, along with other photos from the upcoming premiere. The photos are filled with memories, growing up, sad times, deep talks, hard work, and lingering feelings.

Shifting Gears, Season 2 Premiere, Wednesday, October 1, 8/7c, ABC, streaming next day on Hulu

Family Reunion

Allen, Travis, and Karn are all smiles sitting on brown leather seats in a bar.

Coming Home

Dunning, Richardson, and Karn toast Allen as they reunite in a bar.

Disney/Raymond Liu

Last Home Improvement Standing

The gang’s all here!

Friend or Foe?

Karn and Allen reunite on Shifting Gears, but Allen doesn’t look too happy about his new friend.

Leaning on a Friend

Allen and Travis mourn their TV spouses at their grave sites as they share a chat.

Gears Are Turning

Scott and Dennings stare into each other’s eyes as the tension heats up between their characters.

All Grown Up

Simkins shows off how much Carter has grown up since Season 1 with a slicked back haircut and a suit jacket.

Scott and Mitchell appear in Allen’s car shop for another day of work.

Bonding Time

Allen and Margolis return as grandfather and granddaughter, who share conversation over breakfast in this scene.

Complicated Feelings

Elfman and Allen as Eve and Matt trying to figure out their feelings for each other after they shared a kiss on the Season 1 finale.

Home Improvement stars Tim Allen and Richard Karn are reuniting for an exciting new competition series titled…

Tool Time Reunion: Tim Allen and Richard Karn Team Up for “Assembly Required”

Get ready for a dose of nostalgia and a whole lot of power tools! Beloved “Home Improvement” stars Tim Allen and Richard Karn are back together, not in the familiar Taylor family garage, but as hosts of the new competition series, “Assembly Required.” The show premiered  sees the iconic duo once again side-by-side, this time celebrating the ingenuity and skill of everyday makers.

For millions who grew up watching Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor’s often-misguided but always enthusiastic approach to DIY, and Al Borland’s patient expertise, the reunion of Allen and Karn is a welcome sight. Their on-screen chemistry, a cornerstone of “Home Improvement’s” enduring popularity, is clearly still alive and well in “Assembly Required.” While the premise shifts from sitcom scenarios to real-world challenges, the familiar banter and playful dynamic between the two actors remains a central and highly entertaining element.

“Assembly Required” isn’t just about reminiscing about the good old days of “Tool Time.” The series puts a spotlight on talented builders, creators, and fix-it aficionados from across the country. Each episode features three skilled contestants tackling two demanding challenges: a “build-it-yourself” task where they must construct a specific item from scratch using provided materials, and a “fix-it” challenge where they must repair a broken household object in creative and innovative ways.

Allen and Karn serve as both hosts and commentators, offering their signature blend of humor and genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship on display.

Allen, ever the enthusiastic amateur, often provides the comedic relief and relatable struggles, while Karn offers his more measured and technically insightful observations. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into the building and repair processes.

Beyond the competition itself, “Assembly Required” taps into the growing maker movement and the satisfaction of creating and fixing things with your own hands. The show celebrates the resourcefulness, problem-solving skills, and sheer determination of these everyday heroes who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

From constructing elaborate outdoor kitchens to ingeniously repairing vintage arcade games, the projects featured on the show are both impressive and inspiring.

The series also features expert commentary from [Mention any regular experts if applicable, e.g., a master builder, a design specialist], who provide technical analysis and offer deeper insights into the contestants’ techniques and creations. This adds an educational layer to the entertainment, making “Assembly Required” engaging for both seasoned DIY enthusiasts and those simply curious about the process.

The reunion of Tim Allen and Richard Karn for “Assembly Required” is more than just a nostalgic callback. It’s a celebration of the spirit of invention, the satisfaction of hands-on creation, and the enduring camaraderie of two beloved television personalities.

For fans of “Home Improvement,” and for anyone who appreciates the skill and dedication of makers, “Assembly Required” offers a compelling and entertaining viewing experience that proves some partnerships, like a good set of tools, are truly timeless.

Reba McEntire has achieved a remarkable milestone, setting a personal record that showcases her incredible talent and dedication

No Signs of Slowing Down: Reba McEntire Sets a Personal Record With the Help of Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert

At the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson debuted their collaborative single, “Trailblazer.” The all-star trio wrote and released the single in order to pay tribute to the female country artists who came before them, and for the ones that will come after them. Needless to say, the single smashed at the awards show, and has continued to do so on streaming services.

Prior to debuting the single, McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson sat down with Billboard to discuss the inspiration, intention, and feelings behind the single. In that interview, McEntire divulged, “I remember listening to it in the dressing room. I couldn’t find a flaw in it, not a word.” “It was that great. I was very emotional when I heard it,” added McEntire.

McEntire is seemingly not the only one who feels that way, as the single has had an astounding reception from the public ever since it hit streaming services on May 9. Matter of fact, the single has performed so well that it has garnered Reba McEntire a new personal best in her era of streaming.

Behind “Trailblazer” & Reba McEntire’s New Personal Record

Following the release of “Trailerblazer,” the single garnered 882,000 streams per day three days after its release. That trend continued, as “Trailblazer” acquired a total of 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week. Consequently, Reba scored the biggest streaming debut of her career.

It comes as no surprise that “Trailblazer” has become such a success. Thanks to its all-star line-up, extensive press coverage, and live debut, “Trailblazer” had all the makings of a bona fide country music hit. In addition to its streaming performance, Lambert, Wilson, and Reba McEntire’s single has been receiving rave reviews from critics across the world.

This impressive streaming accolade marks a major milestone in Reba McEntire’s contemporary career. Also, if this trend continues, “Trailblazer” stands to become one of Reba McEntire’s most-streamed songs of all time. Time will tell, but regardless, “Trailblazer” is out on streaming platforms everywhere now!

NBC has officially announced the premiere slot for Reba McEntire’s highly anticipated new sitcom, generating excitement among fans eager to see their favorite star back on screen

Reba McEntire’s New NBC Sitcom Premiere Window Revealed

Summary

Reba McEntire’s new sitcom, Happy’s Place, will premiere in late 2024 in the 8/7c slot on NBC Fridays.
Happy’s Place will be McEntire’s first lead role in a sitcom since Reba and Malibu Country.
The new sitcom reunites McEntire with Melissa Peterman and echoes themes from her past show, Reba.

Reba McEntire’s new NBC sitcom, Happy’s Place, has received an official release window from the network. While McEntire is best known for her country music career, which earned her the nickname “Queen of Country,” she has also had an impressive television career. From 2001-2007, the country musician was the lead star of the sitcom Reba before its cancelation. Now, McEntire will once more be headlining a comedy with the upcoming NBC sitcom, which sees her star as Bobbi, a woman who inherits her father’s restaurant and must run it with her half-sister (Belissa Escobedo) she never knew existed.

NBC has confirmed Happy’s Place’s release window, revealing the show will be released sometime in late 2024. Once it premieres, it will occupy the 8/7c slot on Friday nights. The news arose as NBC unveiled its Fall lineup for the year. On Fridays, Happy’s Place will be followed by Lopez vs. Lopez as the show returns for its third season. Dateline NBC will round out Friday nights, airing from 9-11 PM.

Reba McEntire Makes Her Anticipated Sitcom Return in Happy’s Place

Happy’s Place will mark McEntire’s first lead role in a sitcom since Reba and Malibu Country both ended prematurely. Since 2013, McEntire has almost exclusively stuck to recurring or guest roles in scripted series in addition to serving as a coach on The Voice. However, in 2022, she departed from her usual roles and nabbed a lead role in Big Sky season 3. While viewers were delighted by her Western debut, she only got to star in a single season before the show was canceled. Hence, her new sitcom feels necessary to make up for her abruptly canceled shows.

Although some viewers may have preferred to see her in further seasons of Big Sky, McEntire has always had a knack for comedies, and her recent statements have indicated it’s where her heart is, too. Although it has been over 15 years since Reba was canceled by The CW, McEntire has never stopped fighting to have the show rebooted. As recently as 2022, McEntire indicated her interest in a Reba reboot, though she has admitted it may never happen. While Happy’s Place can’t replace Reba, it does finally give McEntire a new sitcom to lead.

Meanwhile, there are a few similarities between Reba and Happy’s Place. The new comedy marks a reunion between McEntire and Melissa Peterman, who starred together in Reba. Additionally, both shows follow a character portrayed by McEntire who has her life turned upside down after discovering a family secret. Since there’s, unfortunately, little indication that a Reba reboot will happen, Happy’s Place is the next best show to usher in McEntire’s long-awaited return to the sitcom universe.

Source: NBC

‘The Voice’ recap: Carson Daly unveils the ‘Carson Callback’ in new Blind Auditions twist

Niall Horan, Carson Daly, Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg on The Voice
Trae Patton/NBC

The Voice is back for Season 28 featuring four veteran coaches. Michael Bublé is the only one back from Season 27, and he’s looking to defend his back-to-back titles with a third straight win. Also looking to remain undefeated following his own double wins in Seasons 23 and 24 is Niall Horan. He narrowly beat out Reba McEntire in her first turn as a coach, but she came back and won Season 25 before handing the crown off to Michael in Season 26. That also happened to be Snoop Dogg‘s first and only time in a big red chair, so he’ll be looking for his first win this time.

 

Before any of the coaches can set their eyes on the championship, they’ll need to weed through this season’s hopefuls sight unseen in the Blind Auditions. In this first round, the coaches will have their backs turned to the auditioning artists. If they like what they’re hearing and are interested in working with the performers, the would-be coaches can press their button. If multiple coaches turn their chair, the artist chooses which team to join. This season, each coach has one block to keep another coach from claiming an artist.

By the end of the round, each coach will have hand-picked 12 artists to join their team. In a new twist, host Carson Daly has a one-use “Carson Callback,” allowing him to offer one artist who failed to make a team a chance at auditioning again.

Read on for our The Voice 28 recap of the “Blind Auditions Premiere” performances which aired Monday, Sep. 22 at 8 pm ET/PT on NBC.

 

Aiden Ross

Age: 20
Hometown: College Station, Texas
Song: “Love in the Dark” by Adele
Chair Turns: Snoop, Michael, Reba, Niall
Niall’s comments: “When you hit some of those bigger notes, you hit them with ease and that makes me excited. … I’ve worked with similar voices to yours and had success on the show previously… I think you could be in the final of this competition.”
Reba’s comments: “When you were singin’ and walked towards us, that is not an amateur move. It took me a while to be able to do that… it was mesmerizing…”
Michael’s comments: “You have a beautiful voice and you can tell all four of us were enchanted by it… I’m good at helping to choose songs and I’m good helping you to find your greatness…”
Snoop’s comments: “See that right there? That’s Aiden Ross the boss. So it’s our win and your loss, but what is the cost?… it took me 1.3 seconds… join my team, we’ll win this thing and then after we’ll talk about making your own music.”
Result: Team Niall

Mindy Miller

Hometown: Nashville
Song: “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” by Lainey Wilson
Chair Turns: Snoop (blocked Reba), Reba
Reba’s comments: “I think you’re fantastic. Congratulations for being here.”
Michael’s comments: “If that doesn’t tell you what we think of Reba McEntire and how much of a threat she is.”
Niall’s comments: “You could tell by your voice you’re so experienced.”
Snoop’s comments: “Mindy, I heard something and when I turned around I seen something because I felt something. I knew blocking Reba would be my best chance at getting to you.”
Result: Team Snoop

 

Max Chambers

Age: 14
Hometown: Shreveport, La.
Song: “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
Chair Turns: Michael, Reba
Reba’s comments: “I think you have fun entertaining, don’t you? … I’m kinda known as a country singer, but I have recorded everything from Aretha Franklin songs to Diana Ross. I know that we’d have fun if you chose me as your coach.”
Michael’s comments: “The joy you just brought the whole room is immense. You’re 14, it’s gonna be crazy for people to watch how much you grow… your runs are great, your pitch is great.”
Niall’s comments: “Your voice is so mature. That Broadway experience gives you that working voice, a voice that’s been on tour.”
Result: Team Bublé

Manny Costello

Age: 28
Hometown: Athens, Ga.
Song: “Almost Home” by Craig Morgan and Jelly Roll
Chair Turns: Reba, Snoop
Reba’s comments: “You made me homesick. It took me back to all the greats … it’s just a great combination, gosh dang, why am I gettin’ so emotional. … You just triggered something that needed to come out and say ‘happy to be here.’”
Snoop’s comments: “Your voice reminds me of the time I was hanging out with Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson … emotionally speaking, your music and your voice just sounds like it deserves to be on this show.”
Niall’s comments: “You moved the queen of country music to tears. That’s amazing.”
Result: Team Reba
Ari BGriffin Nagel/NBC

Ari B

Age: 30
Hometown: Detroit
Song: “Are You That Somebody” by Aaliyah
Chair Turns: None
Niall’s comments: “I really think your voice is incredible. There were quite a bit of pitch issues throughout.”
Snoop’s comments: “I would have rather you come out here and sung something soulful. Give me some of that Detroit soul.”
Michael’s comments: “You are easily a great enough singer to be on this show coz you have the voice.”
Result: No team

 

Dek of Hearts

Hometown: Nashville
Song: “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina
Chair Turns: Reba, Niall, Snoop, Michael
Snoop’s comments: “I couldn’t even sit down, I wanted to hee-haw and yee-haw. Y’all gave me the country holy ghost. … I understand music, I understand musicians and showmanship. … Dare to be different.”
Niall’s comments: “The fact that you’re 14 months together and that’s how you are on the harmonies — that’s pretty impressive. … I know it’s Reba, but please … I’ve never had anything like you on any of my teams, but I have won twice.”
Reba’s comments: “I love with all my heart three-part harmony. It touches the core of my being. I can’t tell you how important it is for y’all to be on my team.”
Michael’s comments: “This is so unfair … with what you do and what I do, think of how many Bublébies will be made when this mix of a little bit jazz, little bit country.”
Result: Team Niall

Peyton Kyle

Age: 26
Hometown: Gainesville, Ga.
Song: “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars
Chair Turns: Reba
Reba’s comments: “It was sweet, it touched my heart… and a great song selection. You just knocked it out of the ballpark for me.”
Niall’s comments: “I’m kicking myself.”
Michael’s comments: “You sounded great, I don’t know what’s going on with me today.”
Result: Team Reba

Ralph Edwards

Age: 30
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Song: “Lights” by Journey
Chair Turns: Michael, Niall, Reba, Snoop
Niall’s comments: “That is how you audition for The Voice. I thought that was absolutely incredible – are you a pro? If I walked into a bar and you were playing I’d never leave.”
Reba’s comments: “Your low range, your high range, you’ve got great tone. I never heard an off-pitch. It was the perfect performance.”
Michael’s comments: “Whoever you choose is gonna win The Voice.”
Snoop’s comments: “I wanna introduce you to my family [brings out team of writers, artists and producers]… this is the type of experience I wanna give you to not try to give you a deal, but to give you a deal.”
Result: Team Snoop

 

Jack Austin

Age: 21
Hometown: Battle Creek, Mich.
Song: “This Town” by Niall Horan
Chair Turns: Michael, Niall, Reba
Michael’s comments: “Great song choice. I’d love to have someone like you on my team.”
Niall’s comments: “Thank you for the song, I really appreciate it. … I thought you did an amazing job. I could tell you were a little bit nervous … but I thought your melody choices … made it climactic. We should sing the chorus together.”
Reba’s comments: “That was really, really special … your voice is pure, sweet. … I absolutely love your voice, it’s just really pretty.”
Result: Team Niall
Ryan MitchellGriffin Nagel/NBC

Ryan Mitchell

Age: 25
Hometown: Los Angeles
Song: “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage the Elephant
Chair Turns: None
Michael’s comments: “You have a really good voice. It’s solid, your pitch is perfect, you have perfect control of your vibrato … what scared me a bit is it’s so stylized. … I probably should have pressed my button.”
Niall’s comments: “I felt like I could have heard different sides of it … if I woulda heard a touch more dynamic.”
Reba’s comments: “There’s been a lot of people that have come back, tried a different song, take a different angle. You never know what’ll happen.”
Snoop’s comments: “Each one of us has been told no, many many times, but it didn’t stop us. This no will become a yes sooner than later.”
Result: Carson Callback — “I’m really frustrated. Sometimes the coaches just don’t get it right. We rarely get an alt-rock artist like you on the show anymore … singers like yourself fall through the cracks sometimes, and I’ve never been able to do anything about it until right now. … You’re just too good to let go. I can only do this once and from what I just heard, I’m gonna give you the Callback card. … Pick a new song. You have 24 hours to prepare a new song for this second and last chance.”

 

Jazz McKenzie

Age: 31
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Song: “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner
Chair Turns: Reba (blocked Snoop), Niall, Snoop, Michael
Michael’s comments: “You are so sought-after that I believe Reba used her one and only block to stop Snoop Dogg from getting you … if only I had the luck of the Irish [brings out Irish dancers].”
Snoop’s comments: “I’m just gonna give you a hug coz I can’t coach you. You deserve to be here.”
Niall’s comments: “That was impressive. Anyone that takes on a Tina song is just brave.”
Reba’s comments: “When a singer starts singing and it shoots through the air at someone’s heart, you know that person is truly blessed and I was hit so hard by your beautiful voice.”
Result: Team Bublé

The teams so far:

TEAM BUBLÉ (2 of 12): Jazz McKenzie, Max Chambers
TEAM REBA (2 of 12): Manny Costello, Peyton Kyle
TEAM NIALL (3 of 12): Aiden Ross, Dek of Hearts, Jack Austin
TEAM SNOOP (2 of 12): Mindy Miller, Ralph Edwards

 

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.