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Reba McEntire<\/a> has seen a lot in her legendary career, but a blind audition during The Voice<\/em> premiere on Monday (Sept. 22) brought her to tears \u2014 and it wasn\u2019t just about the music.<\/p>\n Season 28 kicked off with emotional stakes right out of the gate, as singer Manny Costello stepped onto the stage with a powerful voice, a heartfelt song, and a reason that touched everyone \u2014 especially the country legend.<\/p>\n His performance didn\u2019t just turn chairs. It struck a chord deep enough<\/a> to break through decades of memories and gratitude in McEntire\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n Costello, a Georgia native, chose Craig Morgan<\/a>\u2019s heart-tugging ballad \u201cAlmost Home\u201d for his blind audition \u2014 and it was a risk that paid off.<\/p>\n \u201cManny, you made me homesick,\u201d McEntire said, visibly emotional. \u201cIt took me back to all the greats that I\u2019ve been so fortunate to get to listen to in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Kelly Clarkson Returns to \u2018The Voice\u2019 for Season 29 With a New Twist That Changes Everything<\/a><\/p>\n The country icon continued, \u201cYou\u2019ve gotten qualities from George Jones and Haggard, and there\u2019s a little Randy in there. It\u2019s just a great combination. Gosh dang, why am I getting so emotional? It\u2019s tears of joy.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Reba McEntire + Rex Linn Engaged After Nearly 30 Years of Friendship<\/a><\/p>\n Her fellow judge \u2014 and close friend \u2014 Snoop Dogg, whom she affectionately dubbed Snoopie, was quick to hand her tissues.<\/p>\n \u201cYou just triggered something<\/a> that needed to come out and say, \u2018Happy to be here,\u2019\u201d the “Fancy” singer added. \u201cI\u2019d love you on my team.\u201d<\/p>\n Before stepping on stage, Costello explained why \u201cAlmost Home\u201d meant so much to him.<\/p>\n \u201cThis song is about a man who doesn\u2019t have much, if anything at all,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Costello continued, \u201cIt\u2019s a good perspective<\/a> I get from the song. I look at my life, and I look at where I\u2019m at right now, and the people that I get to say love me \u2014 I feel very blessed and fortunate.\u201d<\/p>\n His raw, emotional take on the 2002 hit clearly resonated. Snoop also turned his chair \u2014 but this time, the choice was personal.<\/p>\n Costello chose Team Reba, and the reason had little to do with fame<\/a> \u2014 and everything to do with family.<\/p>\n \u201cI love hanging out with my daughters. We bond, we cuddle a lot, we watch the Reba show all the time,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n \u201cMy daughters love music. They love when I sing,” Costello added. “I want to show them that you can do anything you put your mind to if you believe in yourself<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n That simple hope \u2014 a dad showing up for his girls and chasing a dream \u2014 is what moved McEntire to tears.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Remember When \u2018The Voice\u2019 Premiered?<\/a><\/p>\nOne Song, One Voice \u2014 and McEntire Couldn\u2019t Hold Back<\/h3>\n
Watch Manny’s Performance Here:<\/h3>\n
A Song About Struggle, A Singer With Soul<\/h3>\n
Team McEntire \u2014 For a Reason Bigger Than Music<\/h3>\n