Rob Cole Shocks Everyone On ‘The Voice’ With Comeback Audition After Previous Season’s Zero Chair Turns

Part three of The Voice Season 26 Blind Auditions aired on Monday night, and as expected, country music had its moment to shine once again. Among the standouts was Rob Cole, a 34-year-old from North Carolina, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Joy of My Life.”

The song, originally written and recorded by John Fogerty, was given new life when Chris Stapleton included it on his 2020 Starting Over album. Cole’s cover leaned into that soulful, country/rock realm, and capturing the attention of two of the coaches. 

Michael Bublé and Reba McEntire both hit their buttons for Cole, but in a surprising twist, Bublé used his block against McEntire. That meant Cole couldn’t choose Team Reba, no matter how much she wanted him.

Bublé explained his decision with a smile, telling McEntire, “I love you so much, Reba, the love I have. You know how much I love you? I love you so much that I blocked you. That’s the respect and admiration I have.”

He then turned his attention to Cole, admitting, “When I heard your voice, I knew I could not allow Reba to be in the competition with me.” Bublé went on to praise him, saying, “What is your name and where are you from? You incredible man.”

Cole shocked the coaches and the audience by revealing that this was actually his second time auditioning for the hit show. During Season 25, he walked away without a single chair turn. This time, things couldn’t have been more different.

Reflecting on his journey, Cole said, “It really calls me to go after it. No does not mean never. It’s not the same thing.” This struck a chord with McEntire, who smiled and told him, “I’m so glad you are in now.”

With a spot on Team Bublé, Cole’s luck was completely different this time and the pop star was thrilled to welcome him to the team.  

“I don’t have to battle with anybody. We don’t have to talk about any other things. I’m going to have to go and buy a bag of lemons so that I can suck on ’em to get this smile off my face,” his proud new coach shared. 

Though Snoop Dogg didn’t turn his chair, he still praised Cole and offered encouraging words.

“Big Rob..you already know I had a spot for you, but when I seen Reba got blocked, I have peripheral something that they don’t have. But let me say this, man, when you went off into that sound like you was John Cougar Mellencamp, you started rolling and growling. I’m like, and I’m loving all of that right there, man. So I’m happy that you on the show. And that you got a great coach like Mike who’s going to challenge you and give you different things. Now you back. What a coach. What a bright future! Let’s go, baby!” 

Niall Horan was equally impressed, telling the contestant, ”By the way, I didn’t turn because I thought Reba was just going to, I just thought not a chance if I turned for that one.”

Rob Cole will move forward as part of Team Bublé, however, McEntire teased “we’ve got a little thing called steal,” hinting that his future on the team may not be set in stone. 

The Voice airs on NBC on Mondays and Tuesdays.