DECEMBER is usually Michael Buble’s time to shine. The singer – dubbed Mr Christmas – is synonymous with the season as his iconic festive album blares out in shops all around the world.

But behind the tinsel and crooning, the singer is in secret turmoil, constantly teetering on the edge of being cancelled. And as his role on The Voice is left in doubt, insiders tell us the dark fears that threaten to burst Buble’s bubble.

We can reveal that at the heart of the 50-year-old’s troubles lies his relationship with wife Luisana Lopilato, 38, and the years spent trying to dispel concerns of abusive and controlling behaviour.

Michael’s life was flipped upside down five years ago when his behaviour came under fire as horrified fans watched one of his many live streams during lockdown.

In one particular session he could be seen seeming to shove his wife with his elbow before draping his arms around her shoulders when she appeared to speak over him.

At another point, he could reportedly be heard telling her: “I’m going to kill you”.

Fans rushed to label his behaviour “abusive” and urged her to get help.

Luisana was quick to defend her husband and in both Spanish and English, she told fans: “I want you all to know that I have no doubts about who my husband is and that I would choose him again a thousand times over!!”

Her reassurance wasn’t enough for some fans though and for months afterwards, every move made by Michael was subjected to scrutiny.

An insider told us: “Michael has never really got over being accused of being abusive.

“He thinks it’s very clear to see how much he loves his wife. Since being on The Voice, he’s found the gaze tough and no matter how hard he tries, his behaviour has been brought up time and time again.”

His behaviour is in stark contrast to ten years ago when he seemed to be pushing a different image of himself – even boasting about having a darker side.

In 2013, he shocked fans in a bizarre interview when he spoke about his temper and hinted at childhood issues.

He said: “I swear, if I had to tell you under oath who I really am, you’d think I was schizophrenic. But all of us are. I think I’m a kind, generous, gentle soul who’s an egotistical, hard f***ing a****** with a temper.”

The star went on: “I was prone to violence as a kid, and I’ll tell you now, I’m not a big man – I’m about 5ft 10in and weigh about 160lb – but I could do it again, and probably will. And shouldn’t, and have every reason not to and everything to lose – but probably will do it again.”

VOICE ISSUES?

And this season, as The Voice US returned to TV and Micheal sat alongside Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Niall Horan, he didn’t seem like himself – with hints of that old anger pushing through.

It was his third series on the show, but viewers noticed that something felt off and questioned his tone at times. There was his heated exchange with one hopeful and then his bizarre remark to Niall Horan that left the One Direction singer clearly uncomfortable.

Were his comments in fact barbed with anger instead of his usual positivity?

An insider told us: “There has been a real shift with Michael this series and it’s really up in the air if he will return for another round.

“He was reluctant to do the show in the first place and now he’s wondering if his fears are justified. It’s not as if he needs the money. It’s more important to him that he leaves with a reputation intact. He has already nearly lost it all and he is terrified that one wrong move will have him cancelled.

“The fact people have clocked his different behaviour will be ringing alarm bells with bosses but also with Michael and his wife Louisa, who can’t risk having their characters questioned again.”

Michael was victorious in the last two seasons, winning first with his team member Sofronio Vasquez in December 2024 and with Adam David in May 2025.

However, as soon as the latest series got underway a shift was noticeable and in the first episode he ended up in a heated exchange with a contestant.

When he failed to turn around for a good singer, he told him: “Peyton, you sounded great. I don’t know what’s going on with me today.

“That’s okay. You watch,” Peyton replied, causing the room to erupt with cheers.

“Respectfully, respectfully,” he added.

However, Michael didn’t appear to be amused by Peyton’s response and snapped: “Peyton, let’s be careful with each other’s hearts right now, okay? Because my heart is tender, and let me tell you, you and I could end up together. So, let’s say nice things to each other.”

On another occasion he made an inappropriate joke about wearing tight boxers with Niall Horan’s face on them.

Niall later admitted – with a disgusted look on his face – that he found Michael’s comment “weird”.

And this week, Michael raised eyebrows with fans after delivering an unusual performance during the show’s finale.

“Is Michael Buble alright? He doesn’t sound right on #TheVoice Finale,” wondered one person.