The Voice reveals new judge and ‘game-changing’ twist in series announcement
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ITV has confirmed the return of The Voice (Image: ITV)
ITV has dropped a first-look at The Voice’s return, including a “game-changing” twist. The beloved competition is on the hunt for the UK’s next champion, after a hiatus last year. In 2024, AVA was crowned the winner, coached by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
Danny and Tom are now returning alongside Sir Tom Jones, will.i.I am a new judge. Kelly Rowland is appearing on the competition for the first time, stepping into her red chair.
New Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis will also be reprising her role as presenter, with ITV teasing that she’ll be “steering the show through every emotional high note, electrifying performance, and dramatic chair turn”.
The broadcaster has also confirmed a new ‘game-changing’ twist, with an exciting addition as the competition introduces a ‘Rewind’ button. Now, one coach will be given the chance during the Blind Auditions to change their mind about an act that has left the stage without a single chair turn.
ITV went on to tease: “If a coach realises they have made a mistake, they can hit Rewind, bring the act back, and offer them a place on their team. However, with only one Rewind available to each coach, they must choose their moment wisely. For an act who thought their journey was over, it could change everything…”
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Kelly was confirmed as the new judge on The Voice UK last year, replacing LeAnn Rimes, who left the show after one season. The ITV reality series had also seen Olly Murs and Anne-Marie as coaches.
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Kelly Rowland has joined the panel(Image: Getty Images for dcp)
In a statement, Kelly said: “I am excited to join The Voice UK as a coach, and am looking forward to working with the excellent and passionate coaches the show is known for. I can’t wait to hear all the new talent and to go to battle for my team. Let’s go!”
The other coaches rushed to share their support, with Sir Tom saying Kelly was “an amazing artist with a huge amount of experience to share”, while will.i.am said she will “take this season to the dopest level possible”. ITV’s director of entertainment and daytime commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, also said Kelly would “bring fresh insights and even more energy to the panel”.
Kelly was previously a judge on The X Factor UK, The X Factor USA, and The Voice Australia. Viewers couldn’t contain their excitement when Kelly joined the panel, with one person writing: “Kelly!!! Now it’s time to watch The Voice.” Another said, “Can’t wait, great coaches,” as a third added, “Love Kelly Rowland, I’ll be watching this because of her.”
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LeAnn Rimes joined The Voice UK for its 13th season
LeAnn had joined The Voice UK for its 13th season, with sources later claiming she’d quit “to focus on her career in the States”, despite loving her time on the UK competition. She had earlier said, about appearing on the series for the first time: “I love connecting with all of the artists, finding songs they connect to, and creating these performances. For me, it’s not just about creating performances but creating moments that are really powerful.”
Though she hadn’t addressed her exit at the time, the Can’t Fight the Moonlight singer had shared a post on Instagram teasing her future projects. She said, “Thank you all for making April full of love, laughter, and connection. May, I am SO ready for you and the exciting new journey I am about to embark on! Stay tuned.” She also posted on X at the time: “Uh…. Making a very big life/career decision this morning. Something completely new and different. Something a bit scary and out of my comfort zone… I think I have to say yes! Maybe.”