Meet the new Voice coaches: Seven ‘dumps international stars in favour of local singers’ and adopts a new ‘cost-effective streamlined production’
Channel Seven has confirmed that its version of The Voice Australia will be a ‘more efficient and cost-effective production’ than the show produced by Nine.
And rumours are swirling that next year’s season will not feature any international stars, and will instead consist solely of local musicians.
‘Seven are going for local coaches only, which means no more Kelly Rowland or Boy George, or overseas celebrities Zooming in,’ an industry insider told New Idea.
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Meet the new Voice coaches? Rumours are swirling that next year’s season will not feature any international stars, and will instead consist solely of local musicians. Pictured: Delta Goodrem
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions, Kelly and George recorded the second half of this year’s season remotely via Zoom.
But there won’t be any visiting celebrities in 2021, with Aussie stars Jessica Mauboy and The Veronicas’ Lisa and Jess Origliasso tipped for Seven’s new panel.
It wouldn’t be a new gig for Lisa and Jess, who were guest mentors for George’s team on the most recent season.
Jessica Mauboy also appeared as a guest mentor alongside Ricky Martin in 2013.
Another candidate is singer and YouTube star Troye Sivan, who producers hope will attract a younger demographic.
Trial run? In Nine’s recent season, The Veronicas’ twins Lisa and Jessica Origliasso (pictured) became guest mentors for Boy George’s team
Homegrown talent: Jessica Mauboy (pictured on The Project) is also reportedly being considered as a replacement
The future of incumbent Aussie judges Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem is unclear – but it’s likely they will have to take a pay cut to stay on the show.
Delta, 35, is the longest-serving coach on The Voice Australia, having joined the line-up for its debut season in 2012.
It was reported last month that Nine had ‘failed to renew its contract’ for the 2021 season of The Voice, and Seven jumped on the licence ‘very quickly’.
My, My, My! The secret spy also claimed singer and actor Troye Sivan (pictured) was being approached to cater to the show’s younger demographic
Outraged! Delta Goodrem (pictured) fans threatened to boycott The Voice Australia if the singer is dumped from the Channel Seven line-up in 2021
End of an era! The Voice found a new home at Channel Seven last month after Nine ‘failed to renew the contract in time’. Pictured: coach Kelly Rowland
Channel Seven’s CEO, James Warburton, described the acquisition as ‘a coup’.
Warburton already has big changes in mind for the show, including cutting the number of episodes and having a tighter production schedule.
‘We have a whole new more efficient and cost-effective streamlined production and roll-out schedule which will concentrate the format over less episodes and shoot over a much shorter time frame,’ he said.
A Nine spokesperson said last month: ‘Unfortunately due to the age of the show and declining demographic profile, The Voice had become by far the poorest financial performer on our slate.
‘We wish Seven well in their quest to revive yet another Nine show.’
Will they return? Contracts for coaches Delta (centre), Kelly Rowland and Boy George are reportedly yet to be signed. No mention has been made of Guy Sebastian (next to Kelly). Pictured on the right are co-hosts Renee Bargh and Darren McMullen
Meanwhile, Nine’s hosts Darren McMullen and Renee Bargh have been axed after just one season on the talent show.
They had replaced Sonia Kruger when she left the Nine Network, but now she is employed by Seven she’s taking back the hosting role.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Confirmed: Big Brother’s Sonia Kruger (pictured) announced she will be taking over from hosts Darren McMullen and Renee Bargh and returning to the program when it moves to Channel Seven next year