When NBC dropped the surprise announcement that Joe Walsh and Zac Brown would step in as mega mentors for The Voice Season 28New York City, fans didn’t just cheer—they dug out their old Eagles and Zac Brown Band CDs. The Knockouts phase kicks off Monday, October 27, 2023, at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock. And this isn’t just another celebrity cameo. These two legends bring decades of real-world music warfare to a show where survival often hinges on a single note.
Who Are the Mega Mentors—and Why It Matters
Joe Walsh, 76, didn’t just play guitar for the Eagles; he helped define their sound after joining in 1975. His solo hits like “Life’s Been Good” and “Rocky Mountain Way” are rock radio staples, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 isn’t just a trophy—it’s a testament to his influence. He’ll guide contestants on Reba McEntire’s and Niall Horan’s teams, offering raw, unfiltered advice from someone who’s played arenas, survived studio battles, and knows what it means to make a song stick. Zac Brown, 45, brings a different kind of authority. As founder of the Zac Brown Band, he’s won three Grammys and turned country music into something bigger—blending Southern rock, folk, and even hip-hop. His collaboration with Snoop Dogg on “Let It Run,” released in August 2023, wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a cultural bridge. And let’s not forget his 2023 duet with former Voice coach Blake Shelton on “Out in the Middle.” Brown’s role? He’ll mentor Michael Bublé’s and Snoop Dogg’s teams. That’s not just synergy—it’s storytelling.The Knockouts: Where Careers Are Made or Broken
The Knockouts are the show’s most brutal stage. After the Blind Auditions and Battle Rounds, 16 artists remain. Each coach pairs two of them to perform the same song—and then picks one to advance. The other goes home. No second chances. No audience votes. Just raw, high-stakes performance under pressure. That’s where Walsh and Brown come in. They don’t just give feedback. They give perspective. “They’ve been in the room when the record label says, ‘We need a hit,’” said one former Voice producer, speaking anonymously. “These mentors know how to turn a good performance into a career-defining moment.” Walsh, known for his gritty tone and improvisational genius, will likely push contestants to take risks—maybe even break a rule or two. Brown, with his knack for emotional storytelling, will likely help singers connect with the lyrics on a deeper level. It’s not about who sings louder. It’s about who sings true.
A New Era for The Voice
Season 28 marks the first time Zac Brown has served as a mega mentor. For Joe Walsh, it’s his first major reality TV role since the 1980s. The show’s format has evolved—no more “steal” buttons, no more coach battles—but the core remains: talent, tension, and transformation. The lineup of coaches—Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire—reflects a deliberate shift toward genre diversity. You’ve got pop, country, rap, and rock all under one roof. And now, two icons are there to help bridge the gaps.What’s at Stake Beyond the Stage
This isn’t just about who wins. It’s about legacy. Walsh, who once said, “I don’t care if you’re famous—I care if you can play,” is a living link to rock’s golden age. Brown, who built an empire from a backyard jam session in Georgia, represents the new American roots movement. Their presence signals something deeper: The Voice is no longer just a talent show. It’s a passing of the torch. For contestants, it’s a rare chance to learn from musicians who’ve sold millions, survived addiction, and still show up to the studio every day. For viewers? It’s a reminder that real music isn’t made in algorithms—it’s made in sweat, sacrifice, and soul.
What’s Next?
After the Knockouts wrap in late November, the Live Playoffs begin, with public voting taking over. The final four will compete in the Season 28 finale, airing in December. Rumors suggest John Legend might return as a coach next season—but that’s still unconfirmed. One thing’s certain: with Walsh and Brown in the room, this season won’t just be watched. It’ll be remembered.Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly do mega mentors do on The Voice?
Mega mentors step in during the Knockouts phase to offer strategic, hands-on guidance to contestants after the Battle Rounds end. They don’t choose who advances—that’s the coach’s job—but they help artists refine performances, choose songs, and connect emotionally with the material. Their input can be the difference between elimination and advancement.
Why was Joe Walsh chosen as a mentor?
Joe Walsh brings over 50 years of professional experience, from the Eagles’ classic rock sound to his gritty solo career. His reputation for authenticity, guitar innovation, and surviving the music industry’s pressures makes him ideal for guiding artists through high-stakes performances. NBC cited his “timeless artistry” as a key factor in his selection.
Has Zac Brown ever appeared on The Voice before?
No, Season 28 marks Zac Brown’s first official role on The Voice. However, he previously collaborated with former coach Blake Shelton on the 2023 single “Out in the Middle,” and his 2023 track “Let It Run” with Snoop Dogg created buzz that likely influenced his hiring. His genre-blending style aligns with the show’s push toward musical diversity.
How does the Knockouts phase differ from the Battle Rounds?
In the Battle Rounds, two artists from the same team sing together and are judged as a pair. In the Knockouts, two artists from different teams perform solo versions of the same song head-to-head, and the coach must eliminate one immediately. There’s no team loyalty—just pure competition. That’s why the mega mentors’ advice is so crucial: they help artists stand out when everything’s on the line.
When will the winner of Season 28 be announced?
The Season 28 finale is scheduled for December 12, 2023. The Live Playoffs begin in late November, with public voting determining who advances from the top eight to the final four. The winner receives a recording contract with Republic Records and a cash prize, though the exact amount hasn’t been disclosed.
Can I watch The Voice Season 28 without cable?
Yes. Episodes air live on NBC on Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET and are available for streaming the next day on Peacock. Subscribers to live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV can also watch with a live broadcast subscription. No cable login is required if you use Peacock’s free tier, though ads may appear.