The Voice UK returns to ITV this weekend after a year-long hiatus, introducing a new coach and a format twist described as game-changing. The 14th series airs tonight (August 22) at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Kelly Rowland Joins the Coaching Panel
Kelly Rowland, 45, joins the iconic red chairs as a coach, replacing country singer LeAnn Rimes, who left after one season. The Destiny's Child singer sits alongside Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, and duo Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
Emma Willis, recently announced as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, returns to present. ITV teased she will be “steering the show through every emotional high note, electrifying performance, and dramatic chair turn.”
Format Shake-Up with Rewind Button
This year introduces a rewind button, giving each coach one chance to change their mind during the blind auditions. Coaches can use it on an act who has left the stage without a single chair turn, bringing them back to offer a place on their team. With only eight places per team, coaches must choose carefully.
Rowland, who previously appeared on the Australian version of the show between 2017 and 2020, 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.”
Rowland on UK Music and the Show's Return
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.”
The last series aired in 2024, won by AVA, who was coached by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. The new series begins tonight at 7pm.
