Michael Bublé Says He Found Himself by 'Impersonating' His 'Favorite Artists' onThe Voice: 'It Worked' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

ToMichael Bublé, jazz is everything.

In a compilation clip shared exclusively with PEOPLE fromThe Voice, the Canadian crooner opened up about his love for the music genre — and the impact it has on his life.

“The greatest gift America has ever given to the arts, in my opinion, is jazz,” Bublé, 49, says.

“The first thing that brought me toward jazz and swing was the musicality. Right away, I just loved the musicianship, the arrangements, the greatness that came with each chart,” he continues. “Then you add upon that these incredible singers who are technically gifted.”

The “Sway” singer went on the explain his role in the genre — and how it was never his intention to modernize it.

Michael Bublé.Art Streiber/NBC via Getty

Art Streiber/NBC via Getty

“I just wanted to make it mine and I did. Through emulating and copying my favorite artists I found myself,” he says, adding that he spent “so much time impersonating my favorite artists.”

Reflecting on the work he’s done thus far, Bublé is grateful that he’s been trusted to carry on the legacy that jazz and swing icons started decades ago.

“I was trusted in holding on and carrying on one of the greatest things America has ever given to the arts and it’s funny, I knowLady Gagaand I, we’re both friends and we both feel protective,” he says of Gaga, who released two collaborative albums with the lateTony Bennett.

He adds, “I look over at her and it makes me so happy that it’s in those hands. I know why Tony chose her and I just love that we’re lucky enough to be some of the chosen few that have been able to introduce it to a new generation of kids and keep it alive.”

For Bublé, it’s clear why “we’re still singing these songs a hundred years later.”

Michael Bublé in Las Vegas in May 2022.Todd Williamson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Todd Williamson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

He concludes, “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, these are things that we all can relate to.”

The “Home” singer is a first-time coach on season 26 of the singing competition show alongsideGwen Stefani,Reba McEntireandSnoop Dogg.

During an appearance onTodayon Sept. 23, he revealed he wasapproached to do the show over 15 timesbefore he finally said yes.

Part of the reason he turned it down was because he didn’t want the pressure of judging other vocalists. “But thank God we’re not judges. The other shows have judges — we are coaches,” he said.

“And the reason I say that is because most of the singers are better than me, and I have no place ever judging anyone,” he added. “So, to get to coach them and live the fantasy of having this career that I’ve had and then get to have the fulfillment of helping someone else get that? That’s the cool part.”

The next episode ofThe Voiceairs Monday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

source: people.com