In the high-stakes world of The Voice Season 28, the playful yet pointed banter between coaches Michael Bublé and Niall Horan has stolen the spotlight, turning blind auditions into a subtle battle of egos. As the season kicked off on September 22, 2025, with Bublé chasing a third consecutive win and Horan aiming to repeat his past success, their interactions have grown increasingly charged. Indeed, during the October 1 episode, Horan pulled out a surprise by channeling former coach Blake Shelton's voice in a video clip to mock Bublé's bragging, leaving the Canadian crooner visibly flustered.
Horan, the former One Direction star now firmly established as a solo act, wasted no time blocking Bublé from a promising contestant earlier in the week. That move came after 19-year-old Sadie Dahl delivered a mesmerizing cover of Black Pumas' "Colors," earning a rare four-chair turn from Bublé, Reba McEntire, Horan, and Snoop Dogg. Horan snatched her for his team, prompting Bublé to quip about his "deep devastation" while slyly pitching Snoop as the better mentor. Moreover, in another twist, Bublé retaliated by placing Horan in a mock "penalty box" during a Ray LaMontagne audition, highlighting their competitive edge that borders on sibling rivalry.
Their history adds layers to this dynamic. Horan has long idolized Bublé, sharing a 2012 airport photo where he called the singer his "hero." Yet on the show, that admiration fuels the fun jabs. Both coaches now boast strong teams heading into the battle rounds, with Bublé's squad featuring standouts like Kayleigh Clark, a 20-year-old who also drew four turns. Reba and Snoop, meanwhile, navigate their own paths, but the Bublé-Horan duo dominates the chatter.
However, as auditions wrap and battles loom, the real question lingers on whether this camaraderie will propel one to victory or just more entertaining drama. With 28 seasons under its belt, The Voice thrives on such moments, reminding us how personal stakes can elevate a competition.