Mikaela Shiffrin’s Amazing Voice Wins Over Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini

Mikaela Shiffrin’s Voice Steals the Spotlight on The Voice

In a moment that had social media buzzing and viewers doing double-takes, Olympic gold-medalist Mikaela Shiffrin surprised everyone—not with another downhill world record, but with her rich, soulful singing voice. During a special guest segment on NBC’s hit singing competition The Voice, Shiffrin traded her ski poles for a guitar and delivered an impromptu “mock audition” that left coaches Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini utterly speechless. This unlikely musical showcase revealed a side of Shiffrin few knew existed, proving once again that her talents extend far beyond the slopes.

A Slippery Slope to Stardom—Musical Edition
Mikaela Shiffrin’s reputation as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history is indisputable. With two Olympic gold medals and over 80 World Cup victories under her belt, she has redefined the sport and inspired a generation of athletes. Yet, in recent years, Shiffrin has quietly nurtured another passion: music. Though she often posts casual videos of herself singing on social media, this marked her first high-profile musical appearance on national television. The segment, which aired on May 23, 2025, began innocuously, with Shiffrin teaching dry-land ski drills to coaches Bublé and Ballerini—only to flip the script when she casually picked up a guitar and began to sing Anna Nalick’s “Breathe (2AM).”

The Moment of Truth—Genuine Reactions
Michael Bublé, renowned for his smooth vocals and polished stage presence, is not easily fazed. Yet cameras caught him leaning forward, eyes wide, clearly taken aback by Shiffrin’s tonal control and emotional delivery. “It wasn’t for show,” one Voice producer later revealed. “Michael was genuinely blown away.” Across the panel, country star Kelsea Ballerini beamed with admiration, her applause ringing out as Shiffrin hit each note with precision and feeling. The moment quickly went viral, sparking admiration and memes across TikTok and Instagram.

A Musical Pedigree—Background and Influences
Shiffrin’s musicality is no overnight sensation. Growing up, she and her brother Alex often sang together in their hometown of Vail, Colorado. She has cited Fleetwood Mac, Anna Nalick, and Angus & Julia Stone among her favorite artists—pieces of her musical identity that peek through in her covers. In fact, just days before her Voice appearance, she shared an Instagram story humming a rendition of “The Devil’s Tears,” dedicated to her partner, Olympic skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. This blend of personal passion and polished technique created the perfect recipe for her TV debut.

Behind the Cameras—The Voice Producers Speak
According to insiders, Shiffrin’s booking on The Voice was part stunt, part genuine showcase. Producers wanted a lighthearted segment for The Voice finale, banking on Shiffrin’s star power to attract sports fans—and they got much more. “We knew Mikaela could carry a tune,” one staffer disclosed, “but we didn’t expect her to completely upstage our coaches.” The setup—ski drills followed by a faux-audition—allowed for a playful narrative arc: from athlete-mentor to star performer. The result was TV gold, garnering higher ratings and an outpouring of online praise.

The Aftermath—Social Media Erupts
Within hours of the episode airing, clips of Shiffrin’s performance racked up millions of views. Fans and fellow athletes flooded Twitter with praise:

“Who knew Mikaela could sing like that? Give her a record deal!”
“Michael Bublé’s face says it all—she’s the real coach!”
“Next season, I want Shiffrin as a full-time coach on The Voice.”

Even pop culture commentators pointed out the rarity of a world-class athlete seamlessly crossing over into entertainment. The segment ignited a broader conversation about athletes’ off-field talents and the entertainment industry’s hunger for multi-talented celebrities.

Bublé and Ballerini Weigh In
Following the broadcast, both coaches took to social media to commend Shiffrin. Michael Bublé posted a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption:

“Absolutely floored by mikailashiffrin’s voice. I thought I’d heard it all—boy, was I wrong! 🎤❄️”

Kelsea Ballerini shared a snippet of their rehearsal on Instagram Stories, adding heart-and-fire emojis and writing,

“A queen at everything she does. Legend in the making! 🔥👑 mikailashiffrin.”

Their genuine enthusiasm underscored the authenticity of Shiffrin’s talent and heightened viewers’ appreciation for the moment.

The Broader Implications—Athletes as Entertainers
Shiffrin’s surprise performance spotlights a growing trend: athletes leveraging their platforms to explore creative pursuits. From NBA players releasing rap albums to Olympians modeling fashion lines, the boundary between sports and entertainment is blurring. Experts suggest this crossover benefits both parties: athletes diversify their brands, while entertainment outlets gain fresh faces and audiences. Shiffrin’s successful foray could pave the way for more athletes to pursue similar opportunities, challenging the notion that sports and art are separate spheres.

Looking Ahead—What’s Next for Shiffrin?
Despite the musical buzz, Shiffrin remains firmly focused on skiing. In post-show interviews, she emphasized that her heart lies on the slopes—and that her Voice appearance was simply “a bit of fun.” With the next World Cup season on the horizon, she quickly pivoted back to training, brushing off talk of a potential singing career. Yet, industry insiders whisper that record labels are already circling, intrigued by her raw talent and built-in fanbase. Whether she chooses to record professionally or keeps singing as a personal hobby, one thing is certain: Mikaela Shiffrin has proven she can captivate audiences with more than just downhill speed.

Conclusion—A Star in Every Arena
Mikaela Shiffrin’s impromptu performance on The Voice transcends a mere TV stunt—it celebrates the multifaceted talents that athletes can possess. By earning genuine praise from Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini, Shiffrin has expanded her legend beyond alpine skiing, demonstrating that excellence knows no single arena. As fans continue to replay her rendition of “Breathe (2AM),” the world is reminded that greatness often lies at the intersection of passion and versatility. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: whether carving through snow or crooning on stage, Mikaela Shiffrin will always leave us wanting more.