Niall Horan has returned to the red chair for Season 28 of NBC’s hit singing competition, The Voice, and while he’s thrilled to be back, he’s also admitting that the job isn’t always easy.

In a recent interview, the former One Direction star reflected on the emotional challenges that come with coaching young artists and his honesty left fans both shocked and sympathetic.

“It’s horrible,” Horan confessed. “I love it and hate it in equal measure.”

Having launched his own career on The X Factor UK in 2010, Horan knows exactly how it feels to be in the contestants’ shoes. Now, as a two-time Voice champion, he says the hardest part of the job is sending people home.

“When it comes to the battles and knockouts, it’s horrific,” he explained. “You see these little faces up there, and it’s just not nice. You’re looking at a 19-year-old who thinks that one decision could end their career. I know that feeling too well — standing on the other side of someone who has your future in their hands.”

That kind of empathy has earned Horan plenty of praise online. Fans have flooded social media with supportive comments, saying they now understand why he once called The Voice “horrible.” One viewer wrote, “He’s not being dramatic — you can tell he genuinely cares about these kids.” Another added, “It’s why Niall’s the coach everyone loves. He remembers what it’s like to be them.”

The Voice Season 28: A Brand-New Era

Season 28 of The Voice, which premiered September 22 on NBC, features an almost entirely new lineup of superstar coaches. Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Niall Horan make up the current panel after the exits of John Legend, Adam Levine, and Kelsea Ballerini following Season 27.

Horan, who previously won two seasons back-to-back with Gina Miles and Huntley, says returning after a year off feels like coming home but with a few surprises.

“It’s nerve-wracking to be back, but it’s exciting,” he admitted in a behind-the-scenes video. “The unexpected happened this year — me and Snoop Dogg have become good friends. He’s hilarious and just has the best energy.”

During a recent episode, Horan even joked about missing his old coaching partner, Blake Shelton, who exited the show after Season 23.

“If I’m being really honest, I miss Shelton,” he said with a laugh. “He wasn’t just a famous friend — I think if I’d met him outside The Voice, we would’ve been mates anyway.”

Still, Horan’s chemistry with his new co-stars is undeniable. His easygoing friendship with Snoop Dogg has quickly become a fan favorite, with one viral clip showing the pair laughing mid-filming as Snoop teased, “I’m sweet like Skittles.”

As The Voice continues its latest season, Horan remains one of the show’s most relatable and beloved mentors — not just for his musical expertise, but for his humanity.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “these singers are chasing the same dream I once had. The least I can do is remind them that this one moment doesn’t define everything.”

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with new episodes available the next day on Peacock.