In a twist no one saw coming, The Voice coach and former One Direction star Niall Horan has teamed up with Thomas Rhett for a new version of Rhett’s song “Old Tricks” — a track that originally featured none other than Blake Shelton. The collaboration immediately caught fans off guard, and Blake’s reaction? Classic Shelton — full of sarcasm, humor, and that signature Oklahoma charm.
After hearing about the change, Blake took to social media to share a playful jab at Horan, writing:
“Let me get this straight — first you steal my last chance at a win on The Voice, and now you’re stealing my song? Unbelievable.”
Within minutes, the post went viral, sparking a flood of laughing emojis and playful comments from both country and pop fans. One fan wrote, “Blake’s not mad, he’s just hurt… and hilarious.” Another added, “Niall Horan’s officially living in Blake Shelton’s multiverse.”
But behind the jokes, the collaboration represents a fascinating blend of genres and generations. Thomas Rhett, known for effortlessly blending traditional country with pop elements, revealed that the idea came naturally. “Niall and I have been friends for about six or seven years,” Rhett explained. “He heard the song, loved it, and wanted to jump in. I thought — why not? Let’s give it a fresh twist.”
The new version of “Old Tricks” gives the song a smoother, crossover vibe — a mix of Southern storytelling and Niall’s signature pop-rock warmth. The collaboration also hints at Horan’s growing comfort within Nashville’s country scene. After his success on The Voice alongside Blake, Niall has gained the respect of country artists and fans alike.
Still, no one does humor like Blake Shelton. His playful reaction not only reminded everyone of his wit but also underscored the bond between him, Rhett, and Horan. Sources close to the artists confirmed there’s zero bad blood — just a lot of laughter and friendly competition.
This isn’t the first time Horan and Shelton have traded barbs. During The Voice, their on-screen rivalry became a fan favorite, with Blake often teasing Niall about his age, accent, and pop roots. Now, that chemistry has spilled into the music world — proving that their banter isn’t just for TV.
Industry insiders say the move is smart for everyone involved: Rhett gets a fresh audience, Horan expands into country, and Shelton gets what he does best — the last laugh.
As one fan perfectly summed it up on Twitter (or X):
“Blake may have lost the feature, but he stole the spotlight — again.”
And honestly? That’s just classic Blake Shelton. 👑🎤
