See Dan + Shay replace Niall Horan for The Voice rehearsals in exclusive clip

The country duo are temporarily taking over for the former One Direction member as he steps out on tour.

Country music stars Dan + Shay are replacing Niall Horan as his team prepares for the next round of competition on The Voice... temporarily, at least.

Horan's concert schedule forced the former One Direction member to step out during rehearsals for the Knockouts, so the duo is temporarily taking over coaching responsibilities to fill his shoes. This won't be Dan + Shay's last time on The Voice, either — they're set to be full-time coaches as the first-ever coaching duo on the show next season, alongside John Legend, Reba McEntire, and Chance the Rapper.

THE VOICE -- "Knockout Reality" Episode
Wynonna Judd, Shay Mooney, and Dan Smyers on 'The Voice'. Greg Gayne/NBC

In an exclusive clip, Horan introduces his team to his temporary replacements, who reveal themselves from behind masks of Niall's face. "I know you're coming on here for season 25, so it's good practice for you guys," Horan says to his substitutes in the video. "I'll send you all the info on the team. I'll send videos, I'll introduce you to them all so you can get to know them before you rock up here."

"This is gonna be so much fun, obviously, man, we're always here for you," Shay Mooney says. "I heard you got a stacked team, so we're pretty excited." The pair will be joined by newly minted mega mentor Wynonna Judd in tonight's rehearsals.

THE VOICE -- "Knockout Reality" Episode
Dan Smyers, Wynonna Judd, and Shay Mooney on 'The Voice'. Greg Gayne/NBC

"For the Knockouts, I'm looking for a bit of individuality here," Horan continues. "Tell them to connect to the song as much as they can. So if you can do that for me while I'm away, no pressure, boys. Keep in touch, boys, I love you very much."

And fear not: Horan will still be around for his team's actual Knockout performances tonight.

The Voice airs tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Watch EW's exclusive preview clip above.

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