Niall Horan in the Penalty Box After Michael Bublé’s Bold Move on ‘The Voice’

Michael Bublé surprised viewers on the September 29, 2025 episode of NBC’s The Voice by putting Niall Horan in a playful “penalty box.” The moment happened after contestant Marty O’Reilly impressed the coaches with a powerful cover of Ray LaMontagne’s hit song “Trouble.”

The unexpected scene delighted fans and added a lighthearted twist to the competitive energy between the two star coaches. It also highlighted Bublé’s determination to secure his third straight win on the show.

Michael Bublé Silences Niall Horan With a Hockey-Style Penalty

O’Reilly, a 36-year-old touring musician and father, performed LaMontagne’s 2004 classic with raw emotion and grit. Reba McEntire was the only coach who didn’t turn her chair, leaving O’Reilly to choose between Bublé, Horan, and Snoop Dogg. Horan started his pitch first, praising the “insane” rasp in O’Reilly’s voice. Bublé then reminded the singer that he has won both of his past seasons on The Voice. Horan interrupted, pointing out that he had previously won two seasons himself.

Bublé, visibly amused but competitive, called for a dramatic pause. In true Canadian fashion, he asked the show’s crew to bring out a hockey-style penalty box to “bench” Horan. “Niall Horan, you get two minutes for looking too good,” Bublé joked, to which Horan laughed and agreed, “You’re right, I do look too good.”

With Horan temporarily silenced, Bublé made his heartfelt pitch, telling O’Reilly that he had a “character voice” unlike any other this season. The playful tactic worked. O’Reilly chose Team Bublé, boosting the Canadian singer’s hopes for another championship season.

Trusted entertainment outlets such as American Songwriter and ET highlighted the moment as one of the most memorable scenes so far this season. Viewers praised the coaches’ humor and friendly rivalry on social media.

Impact on ‘The Voice’ Season and Fan Reactions

This move reinforced Bublé’s image as a fun but strategic coach. Fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share clips of Horan’s lighthearted “penalty.” Many praised the show for keeping the energy fresh with unscripted, entertaining moments. Some viewers said the scene reminded them of the playful chemistry that keeps The Voice a fan favorite after nearly three decades on air.

Bublé’s focus on unique, character-driven voices shows his coaching strategy. His past two wins have built his reputation as a mentor who can identify standout performers. Meanwhile, Horan’s good-humored reaction keeps his image as the charming, relatable pop star intact — a valuable trait for attracting younger viewers.

Niall Horan in the penalty box was one of the episode’s biggest highlights, and Michael Bublé’s clever stunt may boost his path to a potential three-peat this season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Michael Bublé put Niall Horan in the penalty box?

Bublé jokingly benched Horan during a pitch battle for contestant Marty O’Reilly to keep the moment fun and competitive.

Q2: Who is Marty O’Reilly on ‘The Voice’?

He’s a 36-year-old touring musician and father who performed Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble” and chose Team Bublé after the playful moment.

Q3: Has Michael Bublé won ‘The Voice’ before?

Yes. Bublé has won both of his past seasons as a coach and is now aiming for a three-peat in 2025.

Q4: How did Niall Horan react to the penalty box?

Horan laughed, agreed with the joke, and kept the mood light, showing good sportsmanship and humor.

Q5: When does ‘The Voice’ air?

The show airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC, featuring coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg this season.