Introduction:
Michael Bublé Stuns The Voice Fans With Surprise A-Capella Performance — and a Little Friendly Competition
September 22, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
Season 28 of The Voice hasn’t even premiered yet, but Michael Bublé is already stealing the spotlight. The Grammy-winning crooner, who returns as a coach this fall, sent viewers and fellow coaches buzzing after a spontaneous a-capella performance that turned a routine taping into a show-stopping moment.
A TikTok Teaser With a Twist
Back in July, Bublé playfully challenged three virtual “coaches” on TikTok using an augmented-reality filter that rates singers in real time. Sitting in his iconic red chair, he delivered a silky rendition of Nat King Cole’s classic Smile—only to be met with a comical zero chair turns from the app. “No turns? Really?” he laughed, teasing, “Stupid voice coaches don’t know a thing!”
From Viral Joke to Live Magic
Fast-forward to a recent Voice taping, when Bublé surprised everyone by breaking into an unaccompanied version of Cole’s Nature Boy. Without a band or backing track, the 49-year-old’s warm baritone filled the studio, gliding effortlessly through the jazz standard’s intricate melody. The audience rose to its feet, while cameras captured fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, and John Legend visibly moved.
Honoring a Jazz Legend
Bublé has long credited Nat King Cole as a formative influence, and his choice of Nature Boy was a heartfelt tribute. Singing it a-capella—arguably the purest test of vocal control—showcased his impeccable phrasing and pitch. “That was breathtaking,” Clarkson said afterward, echoing the crowd’s reaction.
Season 28 Starts Soon
The impromptu performance is already one of the most talked-about moments leading into The Voice Season 28, which premieres Monday, September 22 at 8/7c on NBC and Peacock. Bublé joins returning coaches Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg for a season promising big voices, bigger personalities, and, if this preview is any sign, unforgettable surprises.