The Voice has shaken things up in Season 28 by introducing several new twists, including a powerful new feature known as the Mic Drop button.
Debuting during the Knockout Rounds, the Mic Drop gives each coach the opportunity to spotlight one standout artist from their own team. According to NBC, coaches can use the button for the performer who rises above the rest. Once all four coaches have made their selections, fans at home vote to decide the ultimate Mic Drop winner.
The prize is a major one. The artist who wins the Mic Drop earns a coveted performance slot at the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Notably, this honor is awarded regardless of whether the artist goes on to win The Voice itself.
Reba McEntire Selects Aaron Nichols as Her Mic Drop Pick
During Monday night’s November 17 episode, coach Reba McEntire revealed her Mic Drop choice, selecting country singer Aaron Nichols after his standout Knockout performance of “Hurricane.”
The song has a rich history, first recorded by Levon Helm and later made famous in country circles by Leon Everette, whose version reached No. 4 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Alternative rock group Band of Heathens also found success with the track in 2011, landing at No. 18 on the Hot Rock Songs chart.
Nichols used “Hurricane” to showcase both the grit and raw power of his vocals. Michael Bublé praised his natural edge, telling him he wished that same grit came as easily to him. Snoop Dogg was equally impressed, calling Nichols a star “whether you win or not.”
McEntire not only chose Nichols as the winner of his Knockout against Cori Kennedy, but she also confidently hit her Mic Drop button for him—signaling just how strongly she believes in his potential.
“I chose Aaron to move forward because he knows his lane, he’s very powerful in his lane, and he stays in it,” Reba said following the performance.
Now, it’s up to the fans to decide whether Nichols will take home the Mic Drop honor and secure his spot in the iconic Rose Parade. Until then, his commanding rendition of “Hurricane” remains a performance to remember.