Blake Shelton left The Voice after 23 seasons on the show, but his presence can still be felt by his wife, Gwen Stefani, and Niall Horan, who are both coaching the new season. The country star left such an impact on the former One Direction member that Horan can do a pretty accurate impression of his southern drawl, as the pop singer revealed on the Tuesday (Oct. 3) episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show.
“I got on very well with Blake. I met him the day before we started shooting the [blind auditions]. We went for a drink the day before. I sat down with him for five minutes and I was like, ‘This is my guy. I’m sticking with him,’” Horan explained to Hudson. “They put me next to him for the whole season — we had such a laugh. What you see with Blake is what you get, on camera, off camera, he’s just that guy. He’s just the nicest guy in the world. Loves what he loves and has a great time doing everything. He’s just the best.”
The talk-how host then pointed out that Horan can do impressions and asked him to do his best of the “Nobody But You” singer. Without missing a beat, Horan put on his best southern accent and said, “This my wife, Gwen Stefani. I would love for you to be on my time. I love Jeff! You could be on my team!”
The No Doubt singer couldn’t help but laugh at Horan’s impression. “I love this guy,” she said of her fellow coach.
As for The Voice, Stefani revealed that she and Horan have similar approaches to artists they wish to mentor, which has caused for some sticky situations during the competition. “We’ve had quite a lot of battles in the blinds for artists. She’s won quite a lot,” Horan noted.
Stefani jokingly disagreed, saying that Horan’s looks give him an advantage. “I lose every time because all those girls come out and are like, ‘Niall … look at his eyes. Oh my god, he’s so cute!’” she recalled. “And then next thing you know, I’m a loser.”
Watch Horan’s best Blake Shelton impression in the video above.
