Michael Bublé knows how to make his musical heroes proud, effortlessly slipping into their styles with uncanny accuracy. From the velvet croon of Sinatra to the unmistakable vibrato of Elvis, Bublé’s talent for mimicking legends is more than a party trick—it’s been a cornerstone of his artistic journey.
Back in 2016, Bublé sat down with Dan Rather on AXS-TV and showcased these impressions while reflecting on how deeply he studied the greats. “You have a reputation for being a good mimic. Can you do a few?” Rather asked. With a smile, Bublé recalled advice he once received from Tony Bennett: “Michael, you steal from everybody, and it’s research. You steal from one, you’re just a thief.” Bublé explained that by absorbing what he admired from his idols, he collected the essence of their techniques, slowly shaping it into his own voice.
He noted how Sinatra would “sing hard on his vowels” before offering a quick, lively snippet of “You Make Me Feel So Young,” a track Bublé would later cover on his To Be Loved album in 2013. He described Dean Martin’s relaxed, open-throated delivery as something he loved, noting that Elvis shared a similar style but with a richer depth and a quick vibrato, which Bublé demonstrated with a heartfelt line from “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
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Rather was visibly impressed, telling Bublé, “You could make a living just doing that.” Laughing, Bublé replied, “There’s been times in my life when I feel like I have.”
Fast forward to 2024, and Bublé was reflecting on this journey during The Voice Season 26, explaining how these early imitations became the path to discovering his own sound. “I just wanted to make it mine, and I did,” he shared. It wasn’t an overnight transformation; Bublé admitted that it took years to evolve from a young man mimicking his heroes to finding the “Michael Bublé thing” that audiences around the world recognize today.
His inspirations weren’t limited to jazz and swing icons, either. “I was as into the Beastie Boys and Michael Jackson as I was into Dean Martin or Bobby Darin,” Bublé shared. This wide-ranging love for music allowed him to blend elements of modern pop with the classic American songbook, creating a unique style that felt both timeless and fresh—one that audiences connected with immediately.
By learning from the best, Michael Bublé didn’t just copy; he crafted a sound that carries the spirit of the greats while leaving space for his own voice to shine. And in doing so, he’s found a place where old-school cool and contemporary energy meet, reminding us that even the finest artists started by being fans first.z
