Kelly Rowland has said she is looking for “an artist that makes you feel something” as she joins The Voice UK as a new judge.
The 45-year-old former Destiny’s Child singer will replace country star LeAnn Rimes, who left after one season, as a coach on the singing programme’s British edition. She previously appeared on the Australian version of the show between 2017 and 2020.
Coach’s philosophy
Rowland said: “I’m the coach who wants to get to know you, not just your voice. I’m not necessarily looking for the perfect voice.
“I’m looking for an artist that makes you feel something. There’s already so much negativity in the world so if I can be somebody who makes the contestants feel stronger, more confident and seen, that’s what I want to do.”
UK-US musical bond
Rowland said she was attracted to the UK edition due to the relationship between the British and American music industries.
She added: “I’ve been blessed to sit in that chair in different places around the world, but every version of The Voice has its own heartbeat.
“The musical relationship between the UK and the US is incredible, because it’s always been a two-way exchange, and the radio DJs here really champion the music.
“It’s always so exciting to be here. I love discovering somebody who walks on to that stage without anybody knowing their name and leaves with the whole room knowing exactly who they are.”
Rowland said British artists are “not afraid to mix influences” and have “a strong tradition of storytelling and musicality”.
New rewind button
A change for the new series is the rewind button, which will give each coach one chance during the blind auditions to change their mind about an act who has left the stage without a single chair turn.
If a coach thinks they have made a mistake, they can press rewind, bring the act back, and offer them a place on their team.
Emma Willis – who will host the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing – will also return to The Voice this season.
Career highlights
Rowland began her career in the 1990s with US girl group Destiny’s Child, alongside Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams, and has also achieved two UK number one solo singles: Dilemma with rapper Nelly and When Love Takes Over with DJ David Guetta.
She has also had four hit albums in the UK, including a number one in 2003’s Simply Deep.
The singer was a judge on the eighth season of The X Factor UK, and was credited with putting together British girl group Little Mix, who won the show in 2011.
The Voice UK will air on Saturdays from August 22 at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
