Los Angeles, May 30, 2025 — Michael Bublé, the Canadian crooner whose velvety voice has enchanted millions with classics like “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Feeling Good,” is a name synonymous with timeless music and heartfelt performances. With five Grammy Awards, over 75 million albums sold worldwide, and a career spanning nearly three decades, Bublé has solidified his place as one of the most beloved artists of his generation. Yet, for 15 years, the 49-year-old singer repeatedly turned down an offer that many in his position would have jumped at: the chance to be a coach on NBC’s hit singing competition The Voice. In a revealing interview on Today in September 2024, Bublé admitted he declined the role at least 15 times, citing his discomfort with the idea of judging others. But something changed—a realization that shifted his perspective and led him to finally say yes, a decision that has since transformed his career and touched the lives of countless aspiring artists. As Bublé prepares to return for his third season on The Voice this fall, his journey from reluctance to revelation offers a profound lesson in humility, purpose, and the power of mentorship.
Bublé’s hesitation to join The Voice stemmed from a deeply rooted humility that has defined his career. Despite his global success, the singer has always been candid about his insecurities. “Most of the singers are better than me, and I have no place ever judging anyone,” he told Today host Craig Melvin in September 2024, shortly before his debut as a coach on Season 26. For years, Bublé viewed the role through the lens of “judging,” a concept that clashed with his self-perception as an artist who still sees himself as the underdog who got lucky. Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Bublé started his career singing in local clubs and at weddings, facing countless rejections before his big break in 2003 with his self-titled album. “I remember being just like these contestants,” he told PEOPLE in May 2025, reflecting on his early days. “I know how badly they want it and how hard it is to get there. I was terrified of being in a position where I’d have to tell someone they weren’t good enough.”
That fear of judgment wasn’t the only hurdle. Bublé also admitted to being nervous about working alongside industry giants like Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani, who joined him on the Season 26 panel. In a behind-the-scenes video shared on The Voice’s social media in September 2024, Bublé revealed his anxiety about meeting Snoop Dogg, a longtime idol. “I was so terrified that you wouldn’t be who you are,” he told Snoop, visibly choked up. “I was so excited to do this with you, and you were better than I ever thought you could be.” The pressure of being on a competitive show, coupled with his own self-doubt, made the offer to join The Voice a daunting one for 15 years. Bublé had previously dipped his toes into the show’s world in 2012, serving as an advisor for Team Blake during Season 3, but even that experience didn’t convince him to take on a full-time role.
So, what changed? The turning point came when Bublé realized that The Voice wasn’t about judging—it was about coaching. “My favorite part about it is, thank God we’re not judges,” he told Today. “The other shows have judges. We are coaches. And the reason I say that is because I get to coach them and live the fantasy of having this career that I’ve had and then get to have the fulfillment of helping someone else get that.” This distinction, which Bublé credits to a conversation with his friend and former Voice coach Blake Shelton, was the realization that finally shifted his perspective. Shelton, who spent 23 seasons on the show and won nine times, played a pivotal role in convincing Bublé to join. “You know I love Blake, and he’s a great friend,” Bublé said in the Voice behind-the-scenes video. “He talked me into it. Truthfully, he talked me into it.”
Shelton’s influence went beyond mere persuasion. He helped Bublé see the role as an opportunity to give back, to share the lessons of his own journey with aspiring artists who reminded him of his younger self. “I’ve been lucky enough to have my dream come true as an entertainer and as a musician,” Bublé told Entertainment Weekly in September 2024. “And honestly, I don’t know if there’s anything more fulfilling in the world than having a chance to be part of doing that for someone else.” This realization—that he could be a mentor rather than a judge, a guide rather than a gatekeeper—finally broke down the walls of doubt that had kept him away for 15 years.
Bublé’s debut on The Voice Season 26 in September 2024 was a resounding success, proving that his fears were unfounded. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his self-deprecating humor, genuine empathy, and heartfelt mentorship. Contestants like Sofronio Vasquez and Shye, who made it to the live shows, spoke glowingly of Bublé’s support. “Michael as a coach and as a mentor is so genuine,” Vasquez told PEOPLE in December 2024. “He’s making sure that I am home with him, even if I am super far away from home.” Shye echoed the sentiment, noting how Bublé’s encouragement brought Vasquez to tears during a performance, a moment that showcased the depth of his connection with his team. Bublé’s approach was never about winning for himself but about helping his artists shine. “I know that this is a TV show, and I know that there’s a game involved, but I can tell you this, it’s not a game for any of us,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “We know that each of these people, this is their life, their destiny, their dream.”
That authenticity paid off when Bublé won Season 26, a victory he celebrated with characteristic humility. “I won last season, and I’m back to win it again next week,” he told PEOPLE in May 2025, shortly after NBC announced his return for Season 28, making him one of the few coaches in recent years to serve for more than two consecutive seasons. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” he added. “Going to work every day is a joy.” His success continued into Season 27, where he coached alongside Adam Levine, John Legend, and Kelsea Ballerini, further cementing his place in The Voice family. But for Bublé, the true reward has been the relationships he’s built with his contestants, many of whom he continues to mentor long after the cameras stop rolling.
Bublé’s journey with The Voice also reflects his broader evolution as an artist and a person. The singer, who shares a $28 million Burnaby mansion with his wife Luisana Lopilato and their three children, has faced his share of challenges, from his son Noah’s cancer diagnosis in 2016 to vocal cord surgery that threatened his career. These experiences have deepened his empathy, making him uniquely suited to connect with contestants facing their own struggles. “I’ve had my dream come true, and the fact that I get to be a part of helping someone else in their journey to do that same thing, there’s nothing better,” he told PEOPLE. His contestants, like 16-year-old Zaza Benjamin, whom he comforted after a failed audition by sharing his own story of losing a youth talent search in Memphis, have felt that empathy firsthand. “You’re good enough,” he told her, hugging her on stage as she cried.
Critics might argue that Bublé’s decision to join The Voice was a strategic move to boost his career at a time when he was releasing his greatest hits album, The Best of Bublé, in November 2024. But those who know him best see it as a natural extension of his character—a man who has always prioritized connection over competition. His bond with Snoop Dogg, which he described as familial, and his playful rivalry with McEntire and Stefani, whom he praised for their seasoned instincts, showed a man who found joy in the collaborative spirit of the show. “We’re like family,” he told Today, calling host Carson Daly their “amazing dad.”
As Bublé prepares for Season 28, his journey from reluctance to revelation stands as a testament to the power of redefining one’s role. For 15 years, he saw himself as unfit to judge, but the realization that he could coach—could guide, support, and inspire—changed everything. “It’s really fulfilling,” he told PEOPLE, a sentiment that echoes through his work on The Voice. Michael Bublé may have taken 15 years to say yes, but in doing so, he’s not only found a new calling but also reminded us all that sometimes, the greatest impact comes from stepping into a role we never thought we’d play.
