The musicians' playful banter has continued years after they worked alongside each other on the NBC singing competition.
It all has to do with the freshman coach's background as a producer.
“You are unbelievable. You’ve got such a storytelling voice, so sweet so beautiful," Niall Horan enthused.
The singer was on Team Kelly during a previous season, but returned for season 23 in a trio.
One of the former One Direction member's rallying tactics included, at one point, getting down on his knees.
Kelly Clarkson is back singing with Blake Shelton and newcomers Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper.
The country singer also talked about how the singing competition has impacted his touring.
The country star shared that the show "changed my life in every way it possibly can, from a personal standpoint and obviously from a career standpoint."
Among new wrinkles are: "Playoff Pass" and return of the Playoffs.
The boy band famously came in third place on its season of the U.K. singing competition.
