Country singer Manny Costello may have left The Voice, but he’s nowhere near done making waves. After his shocking elimination by Reba McEntire during Night 3 of the Battles, the 28-year-old “girl dad” is proving that no setback can dim real talent.
Just days after leaving the show, Costello surprised fans by teasing his upcoming second single, “Auburn Eyes” on Instagram and the response has been nothing short of explosive.
From Heartbreak to Hit-Making
Costello’s exit from The Voice sparked outrage among fans who believed he had clearly won his battle against Leyton Robinson with their emotional duet of a Chris Stapleton classic. Social media blew up within minutes:
“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!”
But Manny took it all in stride. “Everything I do, I do for my girls,” he said after the show, referring to his two daughters. “I want them to see that even when life doesn’t go your way, you keep pushing forward.”
That same perseverance has carried into his music. Known for his soulful tone and raw emotion, Costello first caught attention with his self-written ballad “Drowning in the Whiskey,” but “Auburn Eyes” takes things to an entirely new level.
Inside “Auburn Eyes” — The Song That’s Breaking Hearts Already
The new track feels like a late-night confession wrapped in country soul. With lyrics that hit like a shot of Tennessee bourbon, “Auburn Eyes” dives deep into love, regret, and the kind of heartbreak that lingers long after the lights fade.
“That’s the band that played me something slower.
‘Cause man, I can’t stand these two-step upbeat songs.
I’m a downer? She’s an upper—man, I hate her? Damn, I love her?
The loneliest man I ever saw—it’s just my reflection in that.
It’s 2pm in a smoky bar,
Lights are all on but damn it’s dark,
Spending all day just drinking on since you been gone.
Nothing else to do,
I’m about as sorry as a tip jar feels,
And I’m about as sad as a pedal steel.
Still crazy what a pair of brown eyes can do—
Giving this sad old boy those country blues… country blues.”
Within hours of posting the preview clip, Costello’s comments section lit up like Nashville at night:
“How can we get your music?? It is awesome”
“Lyrics hit differently”
“Omg, Kane Brown needs to get ahold of Manny and do a duet! He don’t need Reba anyhow”
“Your departure from The Voice is going to mark the beginning of great things for you!”
“Sounds good brother!”
“Love your voice! I’d buy your record now”
“Vibes of Clint Black but better!! Can’t wait to buy your album!”
“You could’ve won The Voice, but you can be a Country Star on your own. Love preview of Auburn Eyes!”
The Future Looks Bright for Manny Costello
Fans aren’t just showing support—they’re already rallying behind him like he’s country’s next big breakout. Comments like “Are you on Spotify? iTunes?” and “Can’t wait to see you in concert!” fill every new post.
And they might not have to wait long. Sources close to the singer hint that “Auburn Eyes” is only the beginning, with a full EP possibly in the works.
Manny’s followers love him not just for his voice, but for his honesty. His music feels real—authentic country with a storyteller’s heart. It’s the kind of sound that reminds listeners why they fell in love with country music in the first place.
As one fan perfectly put it: “You’re amazing! Pulling for you from North Carolina!”
Whether or not The Voice crown slipped through his hands, Manny Costello is proving he doesn’t need a trophy to shine. With “Auburn Eyes” on the horizon and fans begging for more, it’s clear this is just the beginning of his country music story.