Fans of The Voice are still reeling after country singer Manny Costello was shockingly eliminated by Reba McEntire on Night 3 of the Battles, but the 28-year-old “girl dad” isn’t letting the setback slow him down. In fact, he’s already teasing new original music—his heartfelt single “Auburn Eyes.”
The elimination quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the season. Costello’s performance alongside Leyton Robinson—a soulful duet of a Chris Stapleton hit—earned praise across the board, with many fans convinced that Manny had won the battle. Yet, when Reba chose Leyton to advance, social media erupted in disbelief.
Thousands of viewers flooded platforms like X and Facebook with messages tagged #BringMannyBack, calling the decision one of the season’s biggest mistakes. Comments poured in:
“You got robbed. Keep going.”
“Manny deserves a record deal yesterday.”
“Snoop, you HAVE to sign this guy! His voice is one of a kind!”
Despite the uproar, Costello handled the moment with grace. Thanking Reba for her mentorship, he shared backstage that his time on The Voice had been “life-changing” and something he hoped would inspire his two young daughters.
“Everything I do, I do for them,” he said in a post-show interview. “I want my girls to see that even when life doesn’t go your way, you keep pushing forward.”
A Proud “Girl Dad” With Heart and Soul
You can spot a “girl dad” from a mile away—and Manny Costello is proudly one of them. The devoted father often shares moments with his daughters on social media, from Sunday jam sessions to movie nights watching The Reba Show. His journey on The Voice wasn’t just about chasing fame; it was about showing his girls that dreams are worth pursuing.
That same emotional depth carries into his songwriting. Before joining The Voice, Costello had already begun working on his own material, releasing snippets of songs like “Drowning in the Whiskey”—a raw, country ballad that proved he’s more than just a cover artist.
“Auburn Eyes” – His Next Chapter
Now, in the wake of his elimination, Costello is teasing his next single, “Auburn Eyes,” a heartbreak anthem that perfectly blends soul and storytelling.
Lyrics preview:
“Like red wine on a white t-shirt
Can’t unsave those bloodstained words
Let them spill and they’re gonna leave a mark
Can’t go back, can’t rewind
Undo and live those tear-filled nights
If I could, then I’d unbreak your heart
I’d turn back time
I’d go find
No, I never meant to make you cry
So dumb, so blind
I never should have let you go
Hell, I was too damn young to know
You’d always be my all-time high
Burned forever in my mind…”
The song, which Costello previewed in a late-night Instagram clip, immediately drew an emotional response from fans. Many commented that the lyrics “hit harder than his elimination” and “prove he’s ready for Nashville.”
The Journey Isn’t Over
Even after leaving The Voice, Costello’s name continues to trend. Fans and fellow contestants alike believe his story is just beginning.
One viewer summed up the sentiment best:
“He might be off The Voice, but this is just the start. Manny’s going places.”
With Auburn Eyes set to release soon and his daughters cheering him on from home, Manny Costello is turning heartbreak into momentum—and proving that true talent never fades, even after the final note.
The Voice airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.
