After a two-year hiatus, Niall Horan is set to reclaim his red chair as a coach on The Voice for its 28th season, premiering this fall on NBC. The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, has sent fans into a frenzy, with social media platforms buzzing with anticipation for the return of the former One Direction star. Horan, who previously coached in Seasons 23 and 24 and led his contestants to victory both times, joins a lineup of returning coaches including Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Michael Bublé. As the youngest coach to ever win the competition at age 30, Horan’s comeback is being hailed as a major moment for the show, with fans eagerly awaiting his signature charm, musical insight, and competitive spirit. This return not only marks a new chapter for Horan but also raises questions about the impact of his presence on the show’s dynamics and the potential for new music releases, as speculated by his devoted fanbase.
A Triumphant Return to the Red Chair
Niall Horan’s journey with The Voice began in Season 23, where he quickly became a fan favorite with his approachable demeanor, witty banter, and keen ability to spot talent. During his debut season, Horan coached 19-year-old Gina Miles to victory, becoming the youngest coach to win the competition at the time and the third new coach to win on their first try, following in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson and John Legend. He repeated this success in Season 24, leading rock artist Huntley to the winner’s circle, cementing his reputation as a formidable coach with a knack for connecting with contestants and audiences alike.
Horan’s absence in Seasons 25 through 27 was a significant blow to fans, who had grown accustomed to his presence on the show. His departure after Season 24 was primarily due to his busy touring schedule, as he embarked on The Show Live on Tour in 2024 to promote his third solo album, The Show, released in 2023. The tour, which spanned 76 stops worldwide from February to September 2024, made it impossible for Horan to commit to the filming schedule of The Voice. During this period, fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with many pleading for his return. “Niall was the best thing since Blake [Shelton],” one fan wrote on Instagram in February 2024, while another commented, “The show won’t be the same without Niall.”
The announcement of Horan’s return for Season 28 came as a welcome surprise, coinciding with the conclusion of his touring commitments and the tragic loss of his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne in October 2024. NBC revealed the Season 28 coaching lineup on May 12, 2025, with a vibrant Instagram post captioned, “SNOOP. REBA. NIALL. BUBLÉ. Let us know which team you will be on this fall!” Horan reshared the post on his Instagram Story, writing, “Excited to be back! #TeamNiall,” a move that sent his fans into a celebratory uproar. Carson Daly, the host of The Voice, also expressed his enthusiasm, commenting, “My guy @niallhoran is back!” on the official post.
Fan Reactions: A Fever Pitch of Excitement
The reaction from fans has been nothing short of ecstatic, with many taking to social media to share their joy and predictions for Horan’s third season as a coach. On X, posts reflected the fervor surrounding his return, with one user proclaiming, “Niall’s back on The Voice, which means a constant flow of Niall content, people praising Niall, and Niall outsinging the other judges during their covers.” Another fan speculated, “Niall back on The Voice… I SENSE A FALL SINGLE!!!!,” hinting at the possibility that Horan’s return might coincide with new music releases, a sentiment echoed by many who believe his visibility on the show could be a strategic move to promote upcoming projects.
Horan’s previous stints on The Voice were marked by his ability to connect with contestants on a personal level, often drawing on his own experiences as a young artist on The X Factor with One Direction. His mentorship style, which blends encouragement with constructive feedback, resonated deeply with viewers, as did his playful interactions with fellow coaches. During his time on the show, Horan developed a particularly close bond with Blake Shelton, who retired after Season 23, with the two often engaging in lighthearted banter that endeared them to audiences. Fans are now eager to see how Horan will interact with the Season 28 panel, which includes the charismatic Snoop Dogg, the seasoned Reba McEntire, and the charming Michael Bublé, who won his debut season in Season 26 with contestant Sofronio Vasquez.
Michael Bublé himself expressed excitement about Horan’s return, commenting on the official announcement, “My favourite Horan is back!! It’s the return of the Irish king! The world is healing.” The sentiment was shared by many fans, with one writing on X, “Niall Horan & Michael Bublé on THE SAME season was not on my 2025 bingo card!!! Eek! This is very yay!!!” The combination of Horan and Bublé, both known for their puckish humor and genuine warmth, promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the show, with viewers anticipating a mix of camaraderie and friendly competition.
A Strategic Return Amid Personal and Professional Shifts
Horan’s return to The Voice comes at a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life. The loss of Liam Payne, who passed away in October 2024, deeply affected Horan and the other members of One Direction, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection. While Horan has not publicly addressed how this tragedy has influenced his decision to return to The Voice, some fans speculate that the show offers a platform for healing through music and connection, values that have always been central to Horan’s career. His previous seasons on the show were marked by a focus on mentorship and support, qualities that may take on even greater significance in the wake of his personal loss.
Professionally, Horan’s return aligns with a period of renewed momentum. His third album, The Show, released in 2023, was a critical and commercial success, showcasing his evolution as a solo artist since leaving One Direction. The subsequent tour further solidified his status as a global star, with sold-out shows across Europe, North America, and Asia. Fans are now hopeful that his visibility on The Voice Season 28, which is expected to premiere in September or October 2025, will coincide with the release of new music. “THIS MEANS NEW NIALL MUSIC IS COMING,” one fan wrote on Instagram, reflecting a widely shared sentiment among Horan’s followers.
Horan’s success on The Voice also positions him as a formidable contender for a third consecutive win, a feat that would make him one of the most successful coaches in the show’s history. With two wins under his belt—Gina Miles in Season 23 and Huntley in Season 24—Horan has proven his ability to identify and nurture talent that resonates with audiences. Fans on social media are already predicting a “hat trick,” with one commenter on the official announcement post declaring, “NIALL IS BACK TO WIN IT ONCE AGAIN.” However, he’ll face stiff competition from his fellow coaches, particularly Bublé, who has already secured a win, and McEntire, who coached Asher HaVon to victory in Season 25.
The Voice Season 28: A New Era with Familiar Faces
The Season 28 coaching lineup represents a blend of returning favorites, each bringing their unique flair to the show. Snoop Dogg, who coached in Season 26 and sat out Season 27, returns with his laid-back charisma and sharp musical instincts, still seeking his first win. Reba McEntire, a country music legend, has been a mainstay since Season 24, earning praise for her nurturing approach and memorable catchphrases like “cute as a button.” Michael Bublé, who joined in Season 26, has quickly become a fan favorite with his blend of humor and heartfelt mentorship, fresh off his Season 26 victory.
The return of these coaches, alongside Horan, promises a season filled with diverse musical perspectives and dynamic interactions. However, the show will also face a scheduling shift due to NBC’s acquisition of NBA broadcasting rights, which will reduce The Voice to one night per week after its initial two-hour premiere episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays in September. This change may impact the show’s format and viewer engagement, but the star power of its coaching panel is expected to keep audiences tuned in.
A Moment of Joy Amid a Challenging Year
For Niall Horan, returning to The Voice is more than just a professional commitment—it’s a chance to reconnect with fans, mentor new talent, and find solace in music during a challenging year. His back-to-back wins in Seasons 23 and 24 showcased his ability to resonate with contestants and viewers alike, and his return for Season 28 is poised to build on that legacy. Fans, meanwhile, are celebrating the opportunity to see more of Horan’s humor, talent, and heart on their screens, with many hoping that his time on the show will also usher in a new era of music from the Irish star.
As the fall premiere of The Voice Season 28 approaches, the excitement surrounding Niall Horan’s return continues to grow. Whether he secures a third win, releases new music, or simply brings joy to audiences with his presence, one thing is clear: Horan’s comeback is a moment of triumph that fans have been eagerly awaiting, and they couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back to the red chair.
