Lewis Capaldi joins The Voice Season 28, in a bold and genuine move by Niall Horan for the Battle Rounds. This is not just star casting; Capaldi was chosen following a diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome and struggles with mental illness. And now the contestants have someone who knows what it is like to be up and down under the spotlight since he had a comeback to fame on the show.
The close friendship of the pair is born out of long-term friendship. They started dating in 2017 and have had plenty of shared interests over the years. And Capaldi’s role on the show, it’s clear from the results of this season thus far, is vastly more symbolic than anything else: He brings a bit of lived experience and fragility and resilience and self-acceptance into a process fundamentally about coaching voices through singing tricks. Beyond the stage, his presence sends a message that musical aspirations and mental wellness may coexist.
We'll look at how Capaldi's mentorship is shaped by his own journey, what his advising role means for candidates, and how his return might change the show's emotional tone this season in the sections that follow.
Lewis Capaldi joins The Voice as a battle advisor, backed by Niall Horan, and discusses personal growth
Battle advisors assist coaches in refining candidates during head-to-head rounds on The Voice. Lewis Capaldi, a longstanding friend, joins Niall Horan's squad this season, giving him a distinct advantage. Because of his mental health issues and Tourette's syndrome, Capaldi's return from hiatus makes his involvement especially significant. In addition to performance criticism, his function provides emotional understanding and support derived from personal suffering.
From hiatus to advisor: Capaldi’s return to The Voice
'Lewis Capaldi was out of the limelight for much of 2023 and beyond, concentrating on his physical and mental health following difficulties at his Glastonbury set, which were attributed to the onset of his Tourette's symptoms. When he announced his leave, he emphasized the need to step back for his health.
His reappearance on The Voice as a Battle Rounds counselor signifies a public comeback to music, but on different terms. He is serving in this role for the first time. Capaldi's recent trip is used to inform and bolster emerging voices in a way that is actionable, which represents both their creative past and Niall Horan's trust in him. Producers have recognized that he adds new artistic talent and emotional depth to the Battles stage.
Mentorship with empathy: How his health journey shapes guidance
Capaldi's nervousness and Tourette's issues are more than simply backstories; they also influence how he might mentor artists under duress. His diagnosis, which was verified in 2022, has complicated performance management, particularly when he is under pressure. He has acknowledged that his journey towards mental health is continuous and has previously discussed the need for therapy in getting back into music.
“Therapy has been such a massive part of my last two years, a massive part of the reason I’ve been able to be a musician again.”
Capaldi may be able to offer advice on resilience, self-care, and creative confidence in addition to voice technique because of this understanding and openness. In addition to improving results, his function as a counselor gives competitors access to a person who has overcome adversity and is still well-known.
Head to NBC to watch the battles on The Voice.