The Voice 24 Knockouts: Dan + Shay take Niall Horan’s place in team rehearsals while he tours
Dan + Shay will join The Voice as the format’s first-ever “Double Chair” for season 25, sharing one team and mentoring contestants together. Before that season begins, the country duo stepped in for coach Niall Horan during Knockout rehearsals on season 24, filling in while Horan was away on his concert tour.
In a clip shared to Horan’s Instagram, he explained the situation to his Knockouts team over Zoom. He told the artists that because of his packed concert schedule he would be unable to attend Knockout rehearsals in person. To make sure his team still received guidance, he said he had arranged for another coach to come in and mentor them — actually two coaches: Dan + Shay.
The video shows the duo arriving in good spirits. They joked around, even holding up playful Niall Horan masks and adopting mock Irish accents, underscoring the lighthearted tone. The pair already had some experience mentoring on the show, having worked with contestants in earlier seasons, so they weren’t strangers to the role. Horan reassured his team that he would send them all the necessary information and videos and would introduce the artists to the duo so they could get to know their temporary mentors.
Dan + Shay responded enthusiastically, joking about updating a Wikipedia entry if an artist they mentored went on to win. Horan teased them back, noting he’d seen some questionable edits on their own pages, which drew laughter. Despite the banter, the moment underscored a real concern for artists: rehearsals are often the only extended time contestants have to build rapport with their coach. That connection can shape performances, song choices, and ultimately, how far an artist advances in the competition.
“No pressure!”
When asked what he wanted from the Knockouts, Horan emphasized individuality and emotional connection. He told the singers to showcase their own identity while connecting genuinely to the song — qualities he values as a coach. The artists and guest mentors responded with a joking, “No pressure!” while clearly recognizing the significance of the rounds.
For many contestants, rehearsal time with a coach is when they refine arrangements, experiment with phrasing, and learn the subtleties that can elevate a performance. That is especially true for artists Horan picked up during the Battles; if they’re eliminated soon after, they may never have the chance to truly collaborate with him in person. For some team members, the allure of being on Horan’s team comes from his history with One Direction and the personal connection some fans and singers feel. Still, the temporary presence of Dan + Shay meant the singers would receive strong guidance from experienced mentors while Horan was on the road.
This crossover also offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how the show manages real-world scheduling conflicts. Bringing in trusted mentors ensures contestants remain supported even when a head coach’s touring commitments prevent in-person attendance. For viewers, the playful exchange between Horan and Dan + Shay provided a fun and human moment that complemented the competition’s drama.
The Voice season 24 Knockouts continue on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, following a one-hour recap of Monday night’s Battles and Knockouts episode. Fans can expect more performances, strategic coach decisions, and the occasional surprise mentor appearance as the season moves forward.