This post has been updated since its original publication date to include new info
Fans of The Voice often gush about coach Niall Horan‘s quick wit and charming demeanor, frequently seen in his interactions with fellow judges John Legend, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire especially. However, fans will no longer be seeing these playful exchanges, as the former One Direction member is officially missing from the lineup for the brand new season, which is due to start later this month.
The official The Voice Instagram account teased the new judging lineup on February 2nd, when it revealed that the first episode of Season 25 will be arriving on February 26th. The coaching panel will consist of John Legend and Reba McEntire, who return for their ninth and second seasons respectively. Also returning is Chance the Rapper, who will be back for his second season following a one-season hiatus. Popular pop duo Dan + Shay, who filled in for Horan during some episodes last season, will be joining as the show’s first coaching duo; and yes, that means a double swivel chair too!
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‘The Voice’ Fans Are Upset About Niall Horan’s Season 25 Absence
While some fans were understandably excited for the new season to kick off, most of Horan’s fans expressed their disappointment that he was missing from the show. “Nope why would you do that? You got rid of Kelly and now [Niall] wrong wrong wrong,” wrote one disappointed fan, referencing the fact that Kelly Clarkson is also no longer on the show.
“Bring back Niall,” demanded another fan, as another said, “I will miss u Niall,” followed by the sad face emoji. “Won’t be the same without Niall and of course Blake,” said another, in reference to Blake Shelton no longer being on the show. “Niall was the best thing since Blake. He’ll be missed,” wrote another, as another fan concurred, writing: “Amazing coaches but Niall Horan will be missed.”
Many fans pointed out that Horan is missing from the show as he is going on tour, so could very likely be back for future seasons. The Voice fans will remember that he also took some time off from the show last season, telling fans that filming clashed with his busy tour schedule.
Niall Horan Missed Some Of Season 24 Due To His Busy Touring Schedule
Back in November, viewers expressed confusion and disappointment after the official Instagram account for the NBC musical competition show shared a video of Horan announcing that he would be taking a hiatus from Season 24 filming due to his busy tour schedule. In the clip, the "This Town" singer informed his remaining team of nine contestants that he would be taking a break from filming for some time to promote his new music and play live shows. He said: "I've got a bit of news for you. Because of my concert schedule, I actually won't be in town for knockout rehearsals."
The "Slow Hands" hitmaker added in the video: "Because I won't be there, I've chosen another coach to mentor you guys during your rehearsals. And it's not just one coach. It's two." Horan then made an announcement that Dan + Shay, who are now permanent coaches on the new season, would be taking his place due to his unavailability.
"So Niall will not [be] on The Voice anymore?" one fan commented on Instagram regarding the beloved coach as another added: "What? Niall, why did you agree to do this season if you weren't able to be here for all of it? Love you, but maybe it would have been better to have let someone else do it this time?"
Someone else chimed in, writing: ""Will @niallhoran be back for winning Night ? If not please advise cuz he's the reason I've come back to the Voice! Last minute bad news is not appreciated! ... Unprofessional to say the least!" Other users praised Horan's temporary replacement, with one noting: "@danandshay are the absolute best! Let's go!" Others used heart eyes, red heart and fire emojis to show support for the duo.
