Niall Horan Bumps Into Live Finale Duet Tradition Despite Two Finalists

Niall Horan attends TikTok In The Mix at Sloan Park on December 10, 2023 in Mesa, Arizona (Image via Getty)

The Voice Season 28: A Unique Finale Without Niall Horan

The Voice Season 28 is set to conclude with its Live Finale on December 16, 2025. However, this year’s finale will be different for one of the show’s most recognizable coaches, Niall Horan. Unlike previous seasons, where he has performed alongside his finalists, Horan will not be present on stage during the traditional duet performances between coaches and their artists.

According to NBC, Horan is currently on vocal rest due to an illness and will not participate in the duets. This marks a departure from the usual format for the former One Direction member, who has won Seasons 23 and 24. Instead of performing with his two remaining finalists, Aiden Ross and DEK of Hearts, Horan will be absent from the stage.

Reba McEntire, another seasoned coach on the show, will step in to perform with Team Niall during the scheduled duet numbers. McEntire, who has one finalist of her own—Aubrey Nicole—will lend her vocals to three of the six duets featured in the episode. This arrangement ensures that Team Niall will not perform solo during any of the duet segments, maintaining the integrity of the competition.

Team Niall’s Finalists

Team Niall includes Aiden Ross, a student at Texas A&M University, and DEK of Hearts, a country-pop trio. Both have advanced to the Live Finale, joining other finalists from Teams Reba, Bublé, and Snoop.

The Top 6 Artists competing in Season 28 include:

• Aiden Ross (Team Niall)
• DEK of Hearts (Team Niall)
• Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba)
• Jazz McKenzie (Team Bublé)
• Max Chambers (Team Bublé)
• Ralph Edwards (Team Snoop)

Two of the finalists, DEK of Hearts and Max Chambers, advanced through the America’s Vote process, while the others were selected by their respective coaches.

Replacement Performer for Team Niall

With Niall Horan unable to perform, Reba McEntire will take over his role during the duet performances. She will join Aiden Ross and DEK of Hearts for their scheduled duets, ensuring continuity in the show’s tradition.

McEntire’s involvement also highlights her own finalist, Aubrey Nicole, who made it to the finale despite receiving only a single-chair turn during her Blind Audition. Her presence in the finale underscores the unpredictable nature of the competition.

Remaining Artists and Voting Results

The final voting results will determine both the winning artist and the winning coach of Season 28. Each coach’s finalist will compete for the title, with the audience’s votes playing a crucial role in the outcome.

Michael Bublé, who has two finalists in the Live Finale, is aiming for a third consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Niall Horan each have one finalist vying for the top spot.

Star-Studded Finale Performances

The Live Finale will feature a lineup of musical guests, adding to the excitement of the evening. According to NBC, the episode will include appearances from:

• XG
• Riley Green
• Zac Brown
• Noah Cyrus
• Khalid
• Sofronio Vasquez III
• Neal Schon and Journey
• Michael Bublé
• Reba McEntire
• Gina Miles
• Snoop Dogg

These performances will complement the acts by the Final 6 Artists and the duet between McEntire and Team Niall. The guest list includes a mix of current and past Voice performers, as well as popular recording artists, offering a diverse range of musical styles.

The Final Episode

The Voice Season 28 Live Finale airs on December 16, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. This will mark the end of the competition and the announcement of the winner among the six remaining artists.

As the season comes to a close, fans can expect an unforgettable night filled with music, drama, and memorable performances. With Niall Horan absent from the stage, the spotlight will shine on the finalists, their coaches, and the special guests who will grace the finale.