When The Voice dropped its Season 28 Knockout Rounds lineup, it didn’t just bring new contestants—it brought legends. Joe Walsh, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist from The Eagles, and Zac Brown, Grammy-winning frontman of the Zac Brown Band, were unveiled as Mega Mentors on October 20, 2025, by NBC Insider. Their arrival didn’t just excite fans—it redefined what mentorship looks like on a show that’s spent over a decade turning unknown voices into stars.
Who’s Getting Help From Who?
Walsh, 77, was assigned to guide Reba McEntire’s and Niall Horan’s teams, while Brown, 46, stepped in to support Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg. The pairing was deliberate: Walsh’s gritty, soulful guitar-driven rock offers a counterpoint to Bublé’s smooth jazz-pop and Snoop’s hip-hop stylings, while Brown’s country-folk storytelling complements McEntire’s country royalty and Horan’s pop-rock sensibilities. The Knockout Rounds began airing October 27, 2025, with 32 artists left standing after a condensed Battle Round that aired on a single Monday night—NBC had to shift its schedule due to NBA games preempting Tuesday programming.
A Guitar Hero’s Return to the Spotlight
Walsh didn’t just show up—he brought history. In a now-viral Instagram post on October 24, 2025, The Voice welcomed him with: “Please welcome our newest Mega Mentor, the one and only Joe Walsh!” Horan, a self-proclaimed Eagles fanatic, nearly lost his composure when introducing him: “My mega mentor this time is one of my heroes… it’s an honor.” The moment turned electric when the two jammed on James Gang’s “Funk #49,” a track Walsh wrote in the ’70s. Horan later called it “one of the best days of my life.”
Walsh’s influence wasn’t just musical. As reported by Reality Rocks Substack, he brought “unexpected spunk and sage advice,” even outshining his own past TV appearance on Rock & Roll Jeopardy, where Mark McGrath famously dominated him. Backstage, in a candid October 27 interview with Sammy Hagar on NBC Insider, Walsh offered a rare philosophy on longevity: “If you can break through so that more than one generation is aware of your music, you can stick around for a while. And the other thing is, don’t get too famous. You don’t wanna be famous for 15 minutes. Just get famous a little bit.”
Zac Brown: From Country Crowds to Studio Sessions
Meanwhile, Brown’s arrival felt like a homecoming. On Instagram, he wrote: “Honored to be a Mega Mentor… music changed my life and now I get to help light that spark for someone else.” His mentorship leaned into emotional storytelling, helping contestants find authenticity over vocal acrobatics. Sources noted he spent hours in the green room with Bublé’s artists, encouraging them to “sing like you’re talking to your grandma.”
One standout moment came when Brown worked with a 21-year-old contestant from rural Georgia who sang a cover of “Chicken Fried.” Brown didn’t just tweak her phrasing—he shared stories of playing in Georgia bars for free beer, and how that shaped his songwriting. “That’s the real deal,” he told her. “You don’t need a studio to make it mean something.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Stage
This isn’t just about star power. The Voice has faced criticism in recent seasons for leaning too hard on vocal gymnastics and less on artistry. Walsh and Brown represent a pivot: mentors who’ve lived decades in the industry, survived genre shifts, and still make music that resonates across ages. Reba McEntire, 77, and Michael Bublé, 49, are both two-time champions on the show. Their teams now benefit from mentors who’ve literally written the textbooks on staying relevant.
For younger artists, this is a rare chance to learn from people who’ve seen it all—Walsh from the psychedelic rock of the ’70s to the digital age, Brown from small-town bars to global tours. The fact that Walsh, a man who once refused to use autotune in the studio, is now advising Gen Z singers on how to use it tastefully? That’s evolution.
What’s Next? The Knockouts and Beyond
Episodes continue airing Mondays at 9/8c on NBC, with streaming available the next day on Peacock. The Knockout Rounds run through mid-November, with the Playoffs beginning shortly after. By then, 16 artists will remain, and the pressure will intensify. But with Walsh and Brown in the mix, the competition feels less like a contest and more like a masterclass.
And here’s the quiet twist: both mentors have said they’re open to returning next season—if the artists keep showing up with heart. “I didn’t think I’d ever do this,” Walsh admitted. “But if they’re still singing when I’m 80, I’ll be there.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Joe Walsh and Zac Brown, and why are they significant as mentors?
Joe Walsh is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist from The Eagles, known for hits like "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Rocky Mountain Way." Zac Brown is a Grammy-winning country artist whose band blends rock, folk, and Southern storytelling. Both have decades of touring and recording experience, making them rare mentors who’ve survived industry shifts and still connect with new generations—exactly what The Voice needs to stay authentic.
How are the mentors assigned to coaches?
Joe Walsh mentors Team Reba McEntire and Team Niall Horan, bringing his rock and blues roots to complement their styles. Zac Brown supports Team Michael Bublé and Team Snoop Dogg, offering country-folk authenticity and emotional depth. The pairing was designed to bridge musical worlds: Walsh’s gritty guitar work contrasts with Bublé’s jazz-pop, while Brown’s storytelling helps Snoop’s artists find vulnerability.
When did the Knockout Rounds begin, and how has the schedule changed?
The Knockout Rounds began airing on October 27, 2025. Due to NBA games preempting NBC’s Tuesday slots, the Battle Rounds were condensed into a single Monday episode, leaving 32 artists to compete in the Knockouts. All remaining episodes now air exclusively on Mondays at 9/8c, with streaming on Peacock the following day.
What did Joe Walsh say about career longevity?
In a backstage interview with Sammy Hagar on October 27, 2025, Walsh said: “If you can break through so that more than one generation is aware of your music, you can stick around for a while. And the other thing is, don’t get too famous. You don’t wanna be famous for 15 minutes. Just get famous a little bit.” His humility and focus on legacy over fame have resonated deeply with contestants and fans alike.
Are Walsh and Brown returning for future seasons?
Both have hinted at potential returns. Walsh joked he’d be there if the artists are still singing when he’s 80. Brown said he’d love to come back if the show keeps focusing on real musicianship over spectacle. Their involvement signals a shift in The Voice’s direction—toward authenticity, not just vocal power.
How are viewers reacting to these mentors?
Social media has exploded with praise. Fans are calling it “the most genuine season in years.” Clips of Walsh jamming with Horan and Brown coaching a rural contestant went viral. Even longtime critics of the show are admitting the mentorship has elevated the performances. For once, the stars aren’t just judging—they’re teaching.
