Blake Shelton Reacts to Being Replaced by Niall Horan on Thomas Rhett’s “Old Trick”
Country fans are getting a kick out of Blake Shelton’s hilarious reaction after finding out he’d been replaced by Niall Horan on a new version of Thomas Rhett’s song “Old Trick.”
Originally featured on Rhett’s 2024 album About a Woman, the track was first recorded with Shelton. But in a surprise twist, Rhett announced that the updated 2025 version — dropping Friday, October 17 — will feature The Voice alum and pop favorite Niall Horan instead.
A Text Exchange That Broke the Internet
To tease the collaboration, Rhett shared a dramatized group text exchange between himself, Shelton, and Horan — and the banter did not disappoint.
When Rhett told Shelton he’d found a “great replacement” for the re-release, he made sure to clarify it wasn’t based on a look-alike contest but rather on talent and friendship.
Once Horan entered the chat, he asked Shelton if he’d heard the new version yet. Shelton’s reply? Classic Blake:
“NIALL?! 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.”
Fans were quick to recall the moment from The Voice Season 23, when Niall Horan’s contestant took home the victory — blocking Shelton from earning what would have been his tenth and final win before retiring from the show.
From Rivals to Friends
Despite their on-screen rivalry, Shelton and Horan have developed a genuine friendship.
“Me and the cowboy became good friends very quick,” Horan told NBC. “We realized we’re very similar people — for the good and the bad. He’s so funny from the minute we met him.”
Their easy rapport has made for some of The Voice’s most entertaining moments — and now it’s carrying over into the music world, even if it’s at Blake’s expense this time.
Niall Horan’s Country Crossover Moment
Though best known for his pop and folk-influenced sound, Horan has shown growing affection for country music. Recently, he shared a video of himself strumming “Old Trick” on guitar from his living room — giving fans a taste of the new version’s down-home charm.
While he’s not launching a full country pivot (yet), this collaboration with Thomas Rhett could mark the beginning of what fans are calling his “cowboy era.”
Between Rhett’s good-natured humor, Shelton’s classic sarcasm, and Horan’s surprise twang, “Old Trick (feat. Niall Horan)” is shaping up to be one of the most unexpected — and entertaining — cross-genre releases of the year.