THE Voice fans were left in awe after Team Reba’s Ryan Mitchell delivered one of the most inspiring comebacks in the show’s history from earning a second chance through the first-ever “Carson Callback” to winning his Battle Round with a performance that even Michael Bublé compared to the legendary Michael Hutchence of INXS.

The 28-year-old singer, who once left the stage with no chair turns, returned to Season 28 determined to prove himself and he did exactly that.

From rejection to redemption

Ryan first appeared during the Blind Auditions with “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage The Elephant, but no coach turned. However, host Carson Daly saw something special and gave him the very first Carson Callback, a new twist that allowed Ryan to return for a second shot.

When he came back with a rock-infused version of Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time,” Reba McEntire turned her chair and welcomed him to Team Reba. “Carson gave me such an amazing opportunity,” Ryan said at the time. “I’m not taking it for granted.”

The Battle that lit up the stage

For the Battle Rounds, Reba paired Ryan with the trio Letter to Elise for a high-energy performance of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds. The stage came alive with rock energy — and fans at home couldn’t stay still.

One viewer wrote, “They had me dancing through the house… music turned way up! They’re so good together!” Another added, “That was a real unfair battle — Ryan was the only one able to shine!”

Even Michael Bublé couldn’t help but compare Ryan to rock royalty:

“You remind me a little of Michael Hutchence from INXS. He could rock, but he could also croon. You’ve got that same charisma, man.”

The crowd roared, and Reba smiled before making her decision:

“The winner of this battle is Ryan.”

Viewers flooded social media with praise

Fans were quick to celebrate the win, many echoing Bublé’s comparison. “I was telling my husband Ryan reminded me of Michael Hutchence then heard Michael say the same thing!” one fan wrote. Another added, “Reba, you need to get Ryan to sing an INXS song next. He’d crush it!”

Others highlighted Ryan’s stage presence: “Ryan looks like a young Judd Nelson from The Breakfast Club — perfect song choice!” and “He’s possibly the winner this season. Ryan looks and sounds like a star already.”

Support poured in for Letter to Elise too, with some fans saying they wished both acts could advance. “They should all keep performing together with Ryan as the lead singer,” wrote one viewer, while another said, “Both were great. Sorry to see one have to go.”

Still, most agreed Reba made the right call. “I’m glad Ryan won his battle. Carson, you chose wisely — he’s a star,” one fan posted. Others called it “the best performance of the night.”

“Ryan is a star” — Reba’s verdict

After the performance, Reba shared her pride in her artist:

“Ryan is a star. He’s confident, a quick study, he listens, and he’s easy to coach — that’s a coach’s dream.”

Carson Daly, watching from backstage, added emotionally:

“You have so many people believing in you. I knew you had it in you.”

The comeback that inspired a season

From a failed audition to a standing ovation, Ryan’s story has become one of The Voice’s most talked-about redemption arcs. One fan summed it up perfectly:

“From zero chairs to the best performance of the night — Ryan Mitchell proves that second chances matter.”

Another chimed in with what many viewers are now hoping for:

“Sing an INXS song next, Ryan. You were born for that stage.”

With this level of fan support — and Reba’s full confidence behind him — Ryan Mitchell may just be The Voice’s breakout rock star of the season.