Irish singer-songwriter Niall Horan is joining The Voice US as a coach for the new season in the spring, NBC has announced.

The Mullingar act will be encouraging new talent and sharing his experience alongside fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and Chance the Rapper on the music show.

Horan, Clarkson and Chance the Rapper are taking over from John Legend, Gwen Stefani (Shelton's wife) and Camila Cabello in the famous red chairs. The forthcoming season will be country star Shelton's final run on the show after a 12-year slot.

Reflecting on his new job, former One Directioner Horan said: "I'm excited to be joining this season of The Voice as a coach. I'm looking forward to meeting and mentoring the new crop of talent while we battle it out with the other teams."

See you in 2023 .... @NiallOfficial @blakeshelton @kellyclarkson @chancetherapper pic.twitter.com/GS4ivv9y1X

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) October 11, 2022

He has carved out a hugely successful solo career, becoming one of just four Irish artists who have hit the No.1 slot in the US. Others to have achieved that distinction are U2, Sinead O’Connor and Hozier. Niall unveiled his sophomore solo album, Heartbreak Weather, in March 2020 - featuring hit single 'Nice To Meet Ya'.

Horan and his pal Lewis Capaldi recently descended on Grafton Street for a very special busking session.

This isn’t the first time a 1D member has been added to the panel of a singing competition after Louis returned to the X Factor HQ as a judge in 2018; eight years after making waves in the music world.

Fans have, of course, proven to be ecstatic about the news of Niall entering his coaching era.