“Being empathetic and being spiritually connected was even more important than trying to find a winner,” Bublé says.

Michael Bublé may boast himself as the “future winner” of The Voice in his Instagram bio, but this season is “not a game” to him.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have my dream come true as an entertainer and as a musician. And honestly, I don’t know if there’s anything more fulfilling in the world than having a chance to be part of doing that for someone else,” Bublé tells Entertainment Weekly.

Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg on ‘The Voice’.Trae Patton/NBC

Since stepping in as an advisor for Team Blake in season 3, Bublé returns to The Voice as a first-time coach with more than double the years of industry experience, ready to pour his musical expertise into season 26 contestants alongside fellow novice Snoop Dogg and veteran coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani.

“I know that this is a TV show, and I know that there’s a game involved and that each of us are playing a part, but I can tell you this, it’s not a game for any of us.” he says. “We talk about it off camera. We know that each of these people, this is their life, their destiny, their dream. And we know that we’re a big part of this journey. And while it isn’t the beginning or end of their journey, we know that we’re a part of it and we take that responsibility really seriously.”

The Voice newcomers find themselves eager to support their teams and provide positive mentorship. “I think I can speak for Snoop when I say this: We are not judges. Who are we to judge? We are coaches and we hope that we can bring our experience and the love we have for music and the passion into making them better artists and helping them in this journey,” Bublé says. “I think we both really felt that being empathetic and being spiritually connected was even more important than trying to find a winner. It was trying to make sure that we could be a positive role model to any of these people.”

Michael Bublé on ‘The Voice’.Trae Patton/NBC

That’s not to say that the season is completely devoid of competition. From shocking one-chair turns for Team Reba and “double-edge sword” mentorship by Stefani to Snoop’s unexpected draw to country artists, viewers are in for a few shocking moments. “It was a big surprise this season. Snoop I thought would be completely different, but man, he loves country,” Bublé says.

Though fans shouldn’t wonder how that could pose a threat to country royalty’s Team Reba. Now on her third season, McEntire has gotten comfortable in her seat after scoring her first win as a coach last season.

“Reba McEntire has shocked us,” Bublé says. “There were two people she had on her team that were one-chair turns for her. We didn’t see it and we couldn’t believe it. None of us. Snoop, myself and Gwen looked at each other and went, ‘How did we not turn to these people?’ So there’s something in Reba’s experience that allows her to hear and see things that we just didn’t.”

So, who could lead one of their team members to victory? According to Bublé, it could be anyone.

“I don’t think there’s a frontrunner. I think each of us have put together a really solid team.” he says. “There’d be no surprise if Snoop has the winner on his team or if Reba does or if Gwen does. And as a matter of fact, I mean they might’ve just stolen that winner from me and vice versa.”

The Voice season 26 premieres Monday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.