Fans of The Voice were left scratching their heads after the first teaser for Season 28 showcased coaches Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire alongside a surprise guest from Wicked, but conspicuously absent was Snoop Dogg.
Social media quickly lit up with confusion and speculation, as viewers flooded platforms asking: “Where’s Snoop?”
The absence of the rapper-turned-coach, who first joined the series in Season 26, has sparked theories ranging from production decisions to behind-the-scenes controversy.
One insider told The U.S. Sun that this may indeed be Snoop’s final season as a coach. “He was brought back per his contract, but he hasn’t been working out the way everyone hoped. Snoop doesn’t seem entirely interested in the job anymore or invested in the contestants,” the source explained.
Snoop, 53, has faced criticism over his political endorsements, including support for Donald Trump, which some insiders say has created “outside noise” on a show that strives to remain family-friendly.
“People were upset he brought the dark and ugly energy of politics into a show that actively tries to be an escape from all of that,” the source added. Despite this, the rapper remains unbothered, stating previously that he would “answer hate with love.”
Social media reactions were immediate and intense. Fans jokingly speculated about Snoop’s whereabouts, with comments such as Diane Bertsch praying to the “Holy Ghost to bring Snoop back!” and Rachel Jackson asking bluntly, “Where’s Snoop?” Others poked fun at the situation, comparing Snoop’s absence to whimsical scenarios involving characters from The Wizard of Oz and Married with Children.
Meanwhile, the Season 28 premiere introduced a different kind of surprise: Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, who also appears in Wicked as Pfannee, auditioned for the show straight from Oz. The pre-taped episode opened with coaches Horan, Bublé, and McEntire wandering through an enchanted forest, humorously unsure if they were on The Voice stage. Yang then interrupted, prompting a playful “Blind Audition” scenario despite the coaches knowing exactly who he was.
Yang performed “For Good” from Wicked, bringing emotional depth to the musical number. Although he did not earn any chair turns, the moment highlighted a lighter, theatrical twist in contrast to the Snoop Dogg speculation. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Yang reflected on how Wicked had shaped his childhood dreams and shared insights into his improvised comedic moments in the production.
Despite the playful energy Yang brought, viewers remained focused on Snoop’s conspicuous absence. Comments flooded in with fans demanding answers: “Why in the world would NBC mess with time slots for this!” and “Where is my Snoop Doggy Dog?” Others speculated that Snoop might simply be taking a break from filming this season, though the insider report suggests his departure may be permanent.
Season 28 officially reunites Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg, though the dynamics may shift following the tragic loss of Reba’s stepson Brandon Blackstock. Reba has reportedly missed some tapings to be with family, further adding to the speculation and drama surrounding the show.
NBC fans will be able to catch The Voice Mondays at 9/8c on NBC, with episodes available the next day on Peacock. The premiere promises surprises both onstage and behind the scenes, leaving audiences eager to see how Season 28 will unfold—especially if it may be Snoop Dogg’s final red-chair ride.
