Niall Horan made a cheeky reference to former judge Blake Shelton on this week’s edition of The Voice to try and snatch a contestant for himself – but some weren’t happy with his shady tactics.

The Voice coach Niall Horan was branded “shameless” for his plot to nab Mara Justine after her impressive audition.

She performed a stirring rendition of Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Niall, Gwen Stefani, John Legend and new coach Reba McEntire were all blown away.

“Someone that’s willing to go into the first round with an Elton John song, and sing it like that, it takes something,” Niall remarked.

The former One Direction star wasn’t going to let Mara pick someone else without a fight.

Reba was equally impressed with her stage presence, although John cheekily reminded her that he was the first coach to turn his chair around.

 

Niall Horan and Blake Shelton

The Voice’s Niall Horan pulls ‘shameless’ trick to bag singer (Image: NBC)

“What made me turn around so quickly was your tone in that lower part of the song, and then you had the finesse to do those really light touches,” he told her.

However, Niall wasn’t having it and decided to pull out a trick inspired by a friend who recently left the show and is “off on a tractor in Oklahoma.”

“I know him!” Gwen exclaimed – Niall was, of course, referring to former coach Blake Shelton.

“He taught me a little trick I noticed on day one,” Niall continued.

Pick Niall

Niall was inspired by Blake Shelton to pull out all the stops (Image: NBC)

“He taught me to do absolutely anything to make sure that you get a team member.”

Niall proceeded to hit his button, lowering Blake’s infamous “pick me” finger which often forced contestants to change their minds after auditioning.

Blake’s name had been crossed out this time, so the sign now reads “Pick Niall”.

Reba clearly wasn’t happy with the underhand tactics, and scoffed “You’re shameless!”

 

Mara Justine and John Legend

John Legend wasn’t going down without a fight (Image: NBC)

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Mara was clearly starstruck as they burst into a short duet of one of John’s hit songs All of Me, although she hasn’t made her decision just yet.

Fans will find out who the hopeful singer picks when they tune in to the start of Tuesday night’s Blind Auditions.