The Voice UK returned to screens last night with a brand new lineup, but some viewers were less than impressed about a quirk with the new format of the show. 

Sir Tom Jones was joined on the judging panel by The Voice Will.i.am, McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, and LeAnn Rimes - with Tom and Danny sharing a chair. 

'I’m so against having a 2 person chair. Feels so pointless,' wrote one The Voice UK viewer on X (formerly Twitter). 

While another said, 'Two judges in one seat Why?? #TheVoice,' alongside a gif of Tom Hardy looking confused. 

But other The Voice UK viewers were much more complimentary, with some praising the new lineup of judges. 

'This line up of #TheVoice. Tom and Danny are 2 of my biggest inspirations and i simply love LeAnn, shes just lovely,' wrote another fan on X.

While another said, 'tom and danny from mcfly on the voice I’M SEATED.'

Meanwhile another said, 'Why have they got two of McFly as one judge on The Voice? it's weird..'

The pair opened up about how they've felt the pressure of being the first 'double-chair' judges on the show. 

"I very quickly realised, you know, this isn’t about us," Tom told Virgin Radio. 

"This is about the people who are coming on. And that was actually the most pressure, was sitting in the chair feeling like: 'This is someone’s career in life based on whether me and Danny, or us, pushing the button.'"

Meanwhile, Danny continued, "It’s tiring. We put a lot into it as well, it’s an emotional roller coaster. 

"You’re thinking, you’re trying to do the right thing at every point in the show. Because like Tom said, it’s someone’s career, someone’s livelihood."

Tune in next weekend to see what's next on The Voice UK. 

The 13th season of The Voice UK will continue on Saturday 7th September.

The Voice UK 2024 is coming to ITV1 - but eagle-eyed viewers will notice some new famous faces sitting in those big red spinning chairs. 

Here's everything we know about the singing show's 13th series...

The Voice UK 2024 release date

Hosted once again by Emma Willis, The Voice UK 2024 returns for its 13th series on Saturday, August 31 at 8 pm on ITV1.

How does The Voice UK 2024 work?

Singers take to the stage to show off their vocal talents to a panel of superstar coaches. But the twist is that all of the mentors are sitting in big red chairs facing the other way - unable to see who's performing, they must judge on voice alone. 

If they like what they hear, they can hit their button, spinning their chair around to reveal the singer. If multiple coaches turn, the singer then gets to decide who they'd like to mentor them.

Who are the new coaches for The Voice UK 2024?

Taking over from former coaches Olly Murs and Anne-Marie to join the show’s veteran mentors Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am in the search for the next singing star are Grammy award-winning US singer LeAnn Rimes, alongside McFly bandmates Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones who - in a show first - will be taking a seat in a specially constructed DOUBLE chair!

Danny certainly knows a thing or two about being a coach after seven successful stints on The Voice Kids - but are he and Tom about to cause double trouble for the other coaches?

"The biggest difference between this and The Voice Kids is that the kids come onto that show purely for their passion for singing, so there’s less pressure and it’s all about having fun," says Danny. "With the adults, there’s a record deal at the end of it, so you’ve got a lot more responsibility as a coach. The similarity is that all the talent is amazing and, of course, we’ve bought a lot of the fun from the kids' version!"

Do Tom and Danny have to agree in order to hit their button for a singer?

They do indeed. So have there been any major disagreements?

"There hasn’t really been any disagreements but we only get 90 seconds to make our choice. So we might second guess ourselves, while trying to figure out what each other is thinking," says Danny, with Tom adding. "There was one audition where Danny literally grabbed my hand to press the button because I was wavering and taking my time! But that’s part of being in the double chair - if Danny hears something I don’t, you have to trust your partner."

And it seems Danny wouldn't have it any other way...

"I've loved pitching with my mate. Pitching to the talent on your own is hard but pitching with your mate is amazing. You’ve got someone to bounce off - it’s really cool."

What do we know about LeAnn Rimes?

Finding fame as a country music artist aged just 13, LeAnn Rimes achieved global stardom throughout the Nineties and early Noughties, winning 17 music awards - including two Grammys - and selling over 37 million records worldwide, thanks to such hits as How Do I Live, and Can’t Fight the Moonlight from the film Coyote Ugly.

And now she’s adding ‘talent show coach’ to her list of achievements as she takes her seat in a big red spinning chair on The Voice UK. And as the Blind Auditions kick off, LeAnne knows what she wants…

"Mainly what I listen for is someone who can tell a story; it’s about creating that connection and conveying emotion in someone else. If you have all of that in one person, you have magic,’ enthuses LeAnne, who will appear as a coach on The Voice Australia simultaneously.

"As a coach, I’m really hands on. Constantly sending emails to my artists, checking in on them - working with them on calming their nerves, on the technicalities of their vocals, refining their inner dialogue and mental game… basically, I'm their biggest cheerleader!"

How does she feel about being the only woman on the panel?

Make no mistake, LeAnn is in it to win it and is confident she can give Sir Tom, will.i.am and the McFly boys a run for their money…

"All the coaches are competitive but in a good way; everyone has their own style in how they pitch to the singers - my style is to speak from my heart," enthuses LeAnn. "I’m competitive but I'm here for more than winning. I'm here to truly support my artists and help them grow. That's the real win!"

Is there a trailer for The Voice UK 2024? 

While we don't have an official trailer yet, we do have an opening show performance from the judges, and it's pretty epic! 

Filmed at Old Trafford stadium, the home of Manchester United Football Club, Sir Tom Jones, LeAnn Rimes, will.i.am and McFly boys Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones team up for a powerhouse rendition of Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus.

Complete with a full band, dancers, drummers and fireworks, it's a performance that wouldn't look out of place at the world-famous Superbowl half-time show. But don't take our word for it - see for yourselves...

Musician and TV legend Tom Jones has opened up about the upcoming season of The Voice UK, which is due to hit screens on Saturday 31st August 2024.

Sir Tom Jones will be joined on the judging panel by The Voice veteran Will.i.am, as well as McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, and '90s icon LeAnn Rimes.

When asked by the Mail Online if they had found the next Taylor Swift during the upcoming series, Tom Jones replied, "No. Who could beat Taylor Swift? 

"Nobody's like her, she's sensational."

The music producer also talked about why he thought that some talent shows "take it too far" and had some harsh words for fellow music producer, Simon Cowell. 

He told the publication, "Well those kinds of talent shows take it too far. 

"Simon Cowell has done that. You know, by saying, 'Why are you on this show? What makes you think you can sing? 

"Who told you you can sing'. I mean… Jesus."

Tom then explained why The Voice is a "different" kind of show, adding, "The difference between The Voice and other talent shows is, they can sing."

The music mogul has also discussed why he thinks his role is "the perfect job". 

On BBC's The One Show, he said, "I like listening to new voices and hopefully I can give some advice.

"So it’s the perfect job for me - well it’s not really a job - it’s something that I love to do. 

"I still feel the same way now because this is the 13th series, so I still feel the same way now as I did when we started because you get new voices all the time, new people coming on."

The 13th season of The Voice UK will premiere on August 31, 2024. 

The Voice UK returns for season 13 but some big changes are coming to the ITV singing competition this time around.

Former coaches Olly Murs and Anne-Marie have left the series, but in a show first, they will be replaced by three coaches rather than two thanks to the introduction of a new "double chair".

ITV has confirmed that Danny Jones, who was recently crowned winner of The Masked Singer UK 2024 as Piranha and his McFly bandmate Tom Fletcher will work together on the double chair and must both agree to turn around. 

Danny is already familiar with The Voice Kids, where he coached alongside Pixie Lott, Ronan Keating and will.i.am.

Speaking about the opportunity, Danny and Tom said in a joint statement: "To be making The Voice UK history as the first-ever double chair combo is going to be epic and we're both ready for the challenge. 

"And of course, we couldn't ask to be in greater company than our fellow Voice family members Emma, Will, Sir Tom and LeAnn. Roll on the talent!"

Meanwhile, country music legend LeAnn Rimes has joined the series as Anne-Marie's replacement and will join will.i.am and Tom Jones.

Speaking about joining the show, LeAnn said: "I'm truly excited and grateful to take on the role of coach on The Voice UK and to be joining an epic panel of coaches.

"Being able to work with and nurture emerging, vibrant talent in the UK represents a new chapter of my heartfelt connection with the wonderful fans I've had deep ties with for decades.

"I'm looking forward to offering my heart and guidance, sharing what I've learned through my own musical journey, and discovering the extraordinary talent that the UK is renowned for."

Speaking about the changes, long-running coach will.i.am said: "We are switching it up with three new Coaches and a twist to our Red Chair seating, welcoming the youngest-ever GRAMMY Award-winner LeAnn Rimes, and the amazing Danny Jones and his McFly bandmate Tom Fletcher."

He added: "And it's an honour to be teaming up for the 12th time with national treasure and musician extraordinaire Sir Tom Jones."

The new season is set to air on ITV1 at the end of the year, but we don't have a confirmed date just yet.

The Voice UK airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Get ready for those big, red chairs to start spinning once more aspiring singing stars take to the stage for the 12th series of The Voice UK. Here's everything we know about The Voice UK 2023...

The Voice UK 2023 release date

The Voice UK returns on Saturday November 4 at 8.25pm on ITV1.

The Voice UK: Are all four superstar coaches back?

Yes indeed! Tom Jones, will.i.am, Olly Murs and Anne-Marie will once again be taking their seats in those big, red, spinning chairs to listen out for those vocalists who motivate them enough to hit their button and turn around.

However, this 12th outing marks something of an end of an era because, yes, the reports are true: after six series, superstar coach Olly Murs will be vacating his big, red spinning chair at the end of this run.

"I feel so proud of this show and never imagined I’d be here for six series," says the Dance With Me Tonight hitmaker. "I'm sad to leave but so happy to have been a part of the show. I’m hoping this series will be the best yet!"

The Voice UK: What's new this series?

After allowing duos to audition previously, in a show first, groups are also now welcome to take to the stage.

"It adds another dynamic to the show," says Olly. "Other shows have been able to unearth big bands, maybe it’s that time for The Voice UK? It's been wicked seeing dancing, rapping, singing and harmonies - with more people on stage it can go in any direction!"

The Voice UK: Any other surprises?

Olly reckons there's a few shocks in store for viewers...

"We usually have around six-to-eight four-chair turns but, this series, we’ve had 11 - the most ever," he reveals. "And a big secret this year is someone else presses a chair button - and it’s not a coach!"

The Voice UK: Who's on hosting duties?

As the Blind Auditions begin, Emma Willis is back as host, as hopefuls take to the stage in a bid to impress the coaches for the chance to win a recording contract with Universal Records, £50,000 cash prize and a luxury holiday. And all our coaches are listening out for something that little bit different.

"I wanted characters and entertainers; people with good energy and positivity, who are going to get the crowd up dancing," says Olly. "If you’ve got people on their feet having the best time and the energy of the room is incredible, then I’ll press my button and turn every time."

The Voice UK: Is Olly the most competitive of the coaches?

Well, Sir Tom Jones and Anne-Marie have said so...

"I knew they would," says Olly. "It's because I’m open and say I want to win. They’re just as competitive and all want to win - they just don’t show it! I guess I take it more to heart because that was once me. I came from The X Factor [2009] so I know how the contestants are feeling, and now I’m very lucky to be able to give other people advice. And, who knows, they might just achieve that impossible dream."

The Voice UK returns on Saturday November 4 at 8.25pm on ITV1.

Get ready for those big, red chairs to start spinning around again as The Voice UK 2022 is back with a bang! 

With Autumn TV kicking off in style, part of the new season lineup on ITV is The Voice UK 2022. Emma Willis is back once again as host for the much-loved singing show, and here is everything we know about the new season as the Blind Auditions begin...

The Voice UK 2022: When does it start?

The Voice UK returns on Saturday, September 3 at 8 pm on ITV. The show will air straight after The Masked Dancer UK 2022 on ITV.

The Voice UK 2022: Are all the coaches back?

They are indeed! In the first of the Blind Auditions, aspiring recording artists will be singing their hearts out to impress the show's superstar coaches Olly Murs, Sir Tom Jones, Anne-Marie and will.i.am in the hope they like what they hear enough to make those famous chairs turn. 

The Voice UK 2022: We hear the audience is back, too!

That's right. After being dropped in favor of a virtual audience throughout the pandemic, the live studio audience is back. And, Olly, for one, is delighted.

"I enjoyed doing The Voice UK last year but, having a crowd again, it feels like the show has got its missing piece back," he says. "It's just so lovely to have people in a room smiling and enjoying themselves. It feels fun again and more alive. I thrive off an audience, I love the energy they bring. We made it work last year but, this year, we're back with a bang!"

As the show's unofficial fifth 'coach', the audience can give our superstar coaches a little encouragement in their decision-making.

"The audience is seeing what we as coaches don't see with our backs to the singers," explains Olly. "So if they're on their feet throughout the entire performance, you think: ‘I’m missing something here, I’d better press my button’. So it helps to have the audience back, definitely."

The Voice UK 2022: What's new for this series?

This 11th series also sees a fresh new addition to the usual format. The hopefuls who make it through the Blind Auditions will be invited to The Callbacks to determine who makes it through to the semi-final — meaning the Battles have been knocked out!

"Having The Callbacks round might help me out because I found the battles really tough last year; having to look at the singers’ faces after they've just given it their all was so hard," says Anne-Marie. "So I’m hoping The Callbacks are gonna make things a little bit easier on me."

The Voice UK 2022: Are the coaches feeling competitive?

Yes, you could say that! Anne-Marie won in her coaching debut last year with Scottish singer-songwriter Craig Eddie, scuppering Olly’s chances of making it three victories in a row. So the competition is DEFINITELY on! 

"Hats off to Anne-Marie, she came in, found some great talent and pitched well, so she deserved to win and Craig was a worthy winner," says Olly, who won with Molly Hocking in 2019 and Blessing Chitapa in 2020. "At the first blind auditions show of this series, Anne-Marie came out wearing a tiara and giving a little queen's wave and me, Tom and will.i.am were like her royal servants!"

But Olly fully intends to take back his crown.

"Anne-Marie is the Queen of The Voice at the moment but we're just going to have to see what happens," he says. "All the coaches have come back fresh and ready to go and there's some amazing talent again."

The Voice UK 2022: How many spots does each coach have on their team?

The coaches have just 10 spots on their teams this series, so choosing their singers is tougher than ever before. 

"The hardest thing is when the audience is screaming for us to turn around for every singer that comes out but we only have 10 spaces. It's so stressful," admits Anne-Marie. "I always think: ‘Maybe better singers are coming’. I overthink things, don’t press my button then get annoyed with myself that I should have turned around. This series, I’m trying to step outside my comfort zone a bit and choose singers from every corner of music."

The Voice UK 2022: We love the banter between the coaches. Is there more this series?

We enjoy watching and listening to new talent, of course. But we also love the bits in-between the Blind Auditions, when the coaches share personal stories - or often burst into impromptu song. And Olly just loves sitting beside the king of the singers, Sir Tom Jones.

"Tom has inspired me a lot since I joined this show and has made me look at my career very differently," says Olly. "He’s like the godfather of this industry; he’s given me lots of advice and I’ve been like a sponge, soaking it all up. Just being sat next to the great man and listening to his stories and the enthusiasm he has, at the age he is and with the career he's got right now, you can't help but be inspired."

Is there a trailer for The Voice UK 2022? 

Yes, a short teaser trailer has been released and it shows the coaches back in their famous red chairs... but while Anne-Marie is feeling very smug about last year's win, her fellow coaches seem to be playing a little trick on her... 

Adding some zig-a-zig-ah to your Christmas, Spice Girl Melanie C joins Danny Jones, Pixie Lott, and will.i.am as a coach for The Voice Kids Christmas special 2021 as the show makes a welcome return to ITV as a Christmas TV highlight. 

The show begins with a special performance from our superstar coaches (where Mel makes quite the entrance!) then it’s into the blind auditions where pint-sized performers aged seven to 14 will sing their hearts out to get those coaches’ big red chairs turning. 

The chosen ones will progress to Tuesday night’s semi-final for a chance of getting to Wednesday’s final, where they’ll be crowned Voice Kids 2021 champion. Here Mel, 47, tells us more… 

What made you want to join 'The Voice Kids'?

"I’m a huge fan of both The Voice UK and The Voice Kids, and I’ve always wanted to get my bum in one of those big, red, spinning chairs. So when this opportunity came up for The Voice Kids, I was so excited because there is something very magical about the young people that we see on this show. So I absolutely jumped at the chance."

What kind of coach did you hope to be?

“I feel through my career, I’ve been so lucky. I've had a lot of experience in lots of different environments, so I kind of feel a little bit maternal towards younger artists when I see them. The Voice Kids felt like the perfect opportunity to become a bit of a mentor to some young people who have similar aspirations to the ones I had growing up. I wanted to be nurturing. I wanted to be fair, I wanted to be inspiring. And I just wanted to really try and help people find their potential and set them on that road."

What was it like joining an established panel?

“Danny, Pixie, and Will welcomed me with open arms, they were so helpful and so generous because I was the new girl. They talked me the tough bits, they talked me the fun bits and they really held my hand through the process. And they were very, very respectful to me as well. Pixie was a big Spice Girls fan growing up so she was super excited to work with a Spice Girl!”

Is it competitive on the panel?

“It is competitive, so there were moments, but it was all in good humor. With the kid’s show, it's much lighter, you know, we want to keep a really lovely experience for everybody involved. So even if there's competition it’s definitely friendly competition.”

What’s the most challenging thing about being a coach?

“The toughest thing is not turning around for kids, who are so courageous and so brilliant. There are kids who are really good, who you don’t turn for either because you think they’re more suited to another coach, or you think maybe they wouldn’t be ready. Or simply it’s not to your taste. Of course, the big difference between the adults and the kids is, even if you get no chair turns, the coaches’ chairs still turn around in order to give the performer some really constructive help and offer some reasons as to why maybe this isn't the right time for them. So that was a challenge because you totally want to turn for everyone.”

What’s the talent like on Team Mel?

“I was so impressed with the level of talent throughout and I was so happy with how things worked out for me and my team. I had beautiful singers, and so diverse as well, it was amazing. And getting to know the kids as well. You know, their voices are one thing, but their personalities and how they work together. It was such a joyous experience.”

What makes 'The Voice Kids' really Christmassy?

This show is so magical. Every opportunity we had to add sparkle, and Christmasness – is that a word? - we did. We arrive on sleighs and somebody, I won't reveal any names, is Father Christmas. I think it added so much more magic to the proceedings. I just can't wait for the whole world to see the show and to see these incredible kids in action.”

It’s always so impressive how confident these kids are. Can you remember what you were like at that age? 

“I absolutely do. I remember as a kid, I was really ambitious. I don't know if I would have handled the competition as well as these children do. We were really taken aback this season, because the kids just seem so wise and so grounded in so many ways. And we all felt like we were learning from them.”

What advice would you give your younger self, based on what you know now about the music business?

"I think what's really important is to keep that dream alive, you know, to not let any of the knockbacks set you back. Because everything is a learning process. I think I've probably only got a lot of my insecurities through becoming successful. And I think it's really important to hold on to who you are, before anything begins. Because the essence of you never changes. And sometimes the industry can push you, pull you and drag you into different directions. So I would just say always be strong, remain true to yourself, and keep those people close who know you; your family and your friends. You can have lots of exciting adventures but, really, the people who knew you before are the important people to help keep you grounded.”

It’s 25 years since the Spice Girls. What are your highlights from that time?

“Oh, there are those iconic moments like The Brits and the Union Jack dress, the Olympics, and even looking back more recently to the stadium shows in 2019. That was one of my proudest moments being on stage, I think, because we'd had enough time away, that we could really fully appreciate it. And it was the first time it hit home for all of us girls, the impact that we've had on a generation of young people and how that was continuing. So yeah, there's definitely these little punctuation marks where I think my head goes to immediately. And then I just think back to the beginning and achieving those dreams that we all set out to and the funny times behind the scenes before anybody knew who we were. There’s a book in that answer!"

The Voice Kids starts on Monday, Dec. 27, airing each night at 7.30pm until Wednesday on ITV.

The Voice UK will return to ITV in 2022, as filming has officially commenced on the eleventh season of the singing competition.

Anne-Marie, Olly Murs, Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am will return as superstar coaches, once again taking their place on the iconic Voice chairs. In addition to the coaches, Emma Willis is reprising her role as host of the series.

This new series will also see a fresh new addition to the format called The Callbacks, and this is where hopeful contestants that made it through the Blind Auditions will battle it out to earn their place in the Semi-Final. So the stakes are very high this time around.

Once again, contestants will be hopeful that they can secure a recording contract with Universal’s label UMOD. Previous winners of The Voice UK are Leanne Mitchell, Andrea Begley, Jermain Jackman, Stevie McCrorie, Kevin Simm, Mo Adeniran, Ruti Olajugbagbe, Molly Hocking, Blessing Chitapa and Craig Eddie.

It was Craig Eddie and Team Anne-Marie who won the 2021 season, and she has spoken about joining the line-up again. 

Anne-Marie said: "It feels so good to be back! I had the most amazing time last series, and I am so excited to be returning to my big red chair. Winning with Craig last series was a special moment and I am determined to keep a hold of my crown!"

Speaking about the return of the competition, Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning, ITV said: "The Voice UK is one of our most successful and loved formats here at ITV.  

"With music's finest; Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Anne-Marie, and Olly Murs we expect this new series to be bursting with incredible talent, stunning performances, and lots of laughter. We can't wait to bring audiences all the warmth and heart that The Voice has to offer."

The Voice returns to ITV in 2022. Previous episodes are also available on ITV Hub.

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Our aspiring singers have sung their way through the blinds, the battles and the semis — and now just four acts remain as the stage is set for the grand final of ITV’s The Voice UK. 

At the end of last week’s second semi-final, our four superstar coaches — Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Anne-Marie and Olly Murs — had two acts each, destined for Saturday’s final. 

However, in a twist, the viewers at home voted for their favourite singer on each team — and it’s ONLY those four acts who will get to compete for the chance to be crowned winner of The Voice UK 2021, and follow in the footsteps of last year’s champ, Blessing Chitapa, in securing a coveted recording contract with Universal’s label UMOD.

With two consecutive wins under his belt, Olly is looking to make it a hat-trick — but the other coaches are hot on his tail. Especially Welsh singing legend Sir Tom Jones, 80, who jokingly tells us that he may need to take drastic action to steal Olly’s crown… 

How confident are you going into this week’s final?

"Well, from the two singers we each chose at the semis, the public has voted for which one of those acts they want to see in the final. So that decision was out of our hands. But we all feel we’ve got the strongest team and we all just want to try and do the best we can with our final singer."

How competitive are the coaches? How much do you want to win?

"I’d say we’re all competitive but Olly always feels really confident because he’s won for the last two series, so he’s looking for a third win. Often it’s myself and Olly who are the final two coaches at the very end. But let’s not count our chickens, as they say. How can I stop Olly winning? I’ll have to step on his foot!"

What impact do you think having no live studio audience might have on the final?

"There’s definitely a different atmosphere when there’s a crowd in the studio itself — it’s a different dynamic — and I do think a lot of the singers would perform differently if there was a live audience. It affects the singers more than it affects us. But that’s the way things are, so you go along with it, try to make the most out of it and I think it works."

What keeps you coming back as a coach on The Voice UK year after year?

"Honestly, I really love doing this show. If people come up to me and say: ‘I’m a singer, what do you think?’ even if I’ve never heard them sing before, I’ll try and give them some advice. That’s been an ongoing thing throughout my life and is why I love doing The Voice so much. I genuinely love to listen to new singers and I like to give the singers on this show as much of my knowledge as I can. I like to pass it on."

Having been in the music business for over six decades, what advice do you give them?

"That you need a few knocks before you can carry on. It’s all part of life, it’s all part of learning. You’ve got to stay determined, no matter what, that’s a very important thing. It shouldn’t be too easy. I like to help these singers understand what they’re letting themselves in for, so they’re prepared for it. That’s a big deal as far as I’m concerned."

You know lots of people in the entertainment industry. Who is the The Voice UK’s most famous fan?

"There’s a lot of people in the business that I talk to and they’re all really interested in The Voice. Entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck is a friend of mine and I know he talks about the show with his golfing pals. Kelly Jones from rock band Stereophonics is also a fan. I talk to him regularly and he says how much he enjoys the show and how he likes the singers I pick. They all get into it — it’s amazing!"

The grand final of The Voice UK can be seen on Saturday March 20 at 8.30pm on ITV.

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Following the first nail-biting semi-final last week, the pressure is on for our remaining vocalists to sing their hearts out as the stage is set for the second semi-final of The Voice UK. 

Each teams’ acts will, once again, perform together in groups of three and, by the end of this Saturday’s show, each of our superstar coaches — Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Anne-Marie and Olly Murs — will have chosen the two acts they want to continue in the contest. 

But there’s a twist, as the public will then get to vote for their favourite act for each coach — and it’s THOSE four acts that will go through to next week’s LIVE Grand Final, where the winner of The Voice UK 2021 will be revealed.

It was 10 years ago that the show’s newest coach, Anne-Marie, started making her way in the music business, so she’s loving every minute of helping the next generation of artists fulfil their dream. 

Here the singer-songwriter, 29, considers how her past can shape someone else’s future… 

It’s the second-semi final this week. Are you still feeling confident about your team?

"To be honest, yeah. I feel like my team is good. I did think I was going to have the best team this year — but everyone’s team at the semis is SO good!"

Which coach do you see as your biggest competition? And who’s the most competitive?

"Well, I thought it would be Will, as we tended to go for the same people at the Blind Auditions, but Sir Tom just has this ear for someone's capability and what makes a really good singer. So Tom's team is worrying me a little bit now. As for who’s the most competitive, I’m very competitive and I’d love to win. But I know Olly really wants to win again — hopefully it ain’t gonna happen!"

How have you found having to whittle your team down at the various stages?

"That’s been really hard for me. You turn around for a singer at the Blind Auditions because you believe in them and want them to be on your team and show the world what they can do. So to then have to let them go is really tough. These artists see this competition as the biggest moment of their life, the ultimate thing, so I always try to remind them it’s literally just a stepping stone; just the moment before the next bigger thing. Also, because we have to socially distance, not being able to hug them when they leave is a big deal for me because I'm a real hugger!"

What advice would you give these singers about how to handle a career in the music business?

"I’d say always have really supportive people around you that have got your back, and always be strong-minded and have your own opinions on things. There's so much advice I could give but the one thing I would say is to try and enjoy it. There have been so many points in my career where I haven’t enjoyed it and now I think: ‘God, if only I’d let go a little bit’. So I just try and drum that into them really. That’s certainly what I’ve worked on the most over the years…"

Do you think you’re well-placed to mentally prepare them for what might lie ahead?

"Oh yes! I'm massively into promoting good mental health and I wanted to make that a big thing with all the singers I’ve worked with on this show, as poor mental health is something I've suffered with and dealt with. Throughout this process, I’ve always stressed to my team that, if you ever feel uncomfortable with something, don’t be scared to say ‘No’ because I feel, as soon as you get into the music industry, you have to say ‘Yes’ to everything. I’ve wanted to make sure my singers are comfortable during every decision they make — even down to the clothes they wear. It’s a massive thing for me to make sure they're OK." 

What have you learnt about yourself from mentoring these acts? What will keep you coming back to The Voice UK as a coach?

"I’ve learnt to not be too humble, I guess. I’ve been in this industry 10 years but I never really feel good enough and always a bit out of place. Even at the Blind Auditions I was like: ‘How the hell am I supposed to get someone to choose me over will.i.am or Tom Jones’? But I’ve learnt, during this process, that I have actually got stuff in me that people can learn from. I was singing for a long time and then drum and bass group Rudimental took me under their wing and lifted me into a new place. Everyone needs someone to believe in them. If I can be the person that hears someone on a show like this and be able to do for them what Rudimental did for me, that’s really exciting for me."

The Voice UK continues on Saturday at 8.30pm on ITV.

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