Niall Horan turns heads with judging debut on The Voice US

Global megastar Niall Horan made his debut as a judge on the newest season of The Voice US this week, exciting fans with his upbeat energy and unconventional coaching antics.

The popular American singing competition series premiered its 23rd season with two episodes this week, featuring Horan alongside fellow big-name judges Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and Chance the Rapper. In his highly anticipated debut, Horan made a big impact on the crowd (and on social media) with his humorous banter with the other judges and ambitious confidence, even if it meant playing some “dirty tricks”.

“I am so ready to make some artists’ dreams come true,” the Irish musician said in a promotional video for the new season. “Team Niall, let’s do this.”

What did you think of #TheVoice premiere last night ? Tune in tonight at 9/8c to watch #TeamNiall keep growing! @NBCTheVoice pic.twitter.com/S7xzF2UEp4

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 7, 2023

The acclaimed artist made his return to the singing competition scene after famously landing third place on The X Factor UK in 2010 as a member of One Direction. As a young performer who was propelled to global stardom by a similar talent competition series, the Irish musician believes he is best suited to coach the singer that will ultimately win the show this year.

“Niall is riding high right now and he’s perfectly at home on this show. I mean, this guy was discovered on a show like this,” Shelton said.

Horan received a warm welcome from the live audience and his fellow judges upon his entrance, but the show’s judges did not shy away from letting their competitive edge (and friendly banter) shine.

“I feel like a father-son bond with Niall. Mostly because he disappoints me a lot,” Shelton joked.

One highlight from this season so far was when Horan used his only block to prevent contestant Kala Banham from choosing Clarkson as her coach, and she later chose Horan as coach instead.

“I can’t stand you, Ireland!” Clarkson joked before walking over to smack Horan with a “Team Kelly” jacket.

Not afraid to make his own rules, Horan also took an unprecedented step to convince a contestant to pick him as coach. Following a captivating performance by country singer Ross Clayton, the new judge said he needed privacy to give a "proper pitch" to the singer. Horan then pushed the red buttons on the other judges’ chairs, causing them all to turn in the other direction.

"See how much power I've got around here? I can spin chairs. That's never been done," he remarked.

Horan released the music video for his new single ‘Heaven’ last month and his upcoming album The Show will be out on June 9th.

Watch the music video for ‘Heaven’, directed by Dylan Knight, below.