The performance, which aired this week, received strong praise from the judges for its vocal strength and emotional delivery.
Despite the strong showing, McEntire ultimately chose Robinson to advance, bringing Costello’s time on the show to a close.
Their performance received high praise from all four coaches, with Michael Bublé even admitting he nearly hit his button to try to steal Costello.
Manny Costello’s audition
Costello first appeared on The Voice on Sept. 22 during the Blind Auditions. Performing Craig Morgan’s “Almost Home,” Costello immediately caught the attention of both Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg, who turned their chairs to show interest in coaching him.
McEntire was visibly moved by Costello’s performance, telling him he “made [her] homesick” and comparing his voice to classic country greats like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Randy Travis.
Costello ultimately chose McEntire as his coach for the season.
Who Is Manny Costello?
A 28-year-old singer-songwriter from Athens, Manny Costello is a country artist known for his Southern roots and original songwriting.
Outside of music, he’s a father to two daughters and is often described as a dedicated “girl dad,” according to American Songwriter.
The decision immediately stirred strong reactions online. Fans flooded social media with frustration, calling it “the biggest robbery of the season.” Comments like “How could they send him home after that performance?” and “Reba made a huge mistake!” quickly spread across platforms.
Many viewers felt that Manny’s authenticity and connection through music were exactly what The Voice needed this season.
Still, Manny handled his elimination with grace. While his time on The Voice may have ended, his story is far from over. His following has grown rapidly across the country, and his hometown continues to celebrate him as a symbol of perseverance and pride. For many, Manny Costello’s journey stands as proof that even without the trophy, a true artist never really loses — he just begins the next chapter.
