The Voice Australia season 10 premiered Sunday on Channel 7. Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian is the only returning coach from last year. Joining him on the panel are Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Keith Urban.
Keith coached the very first season of The Voice AU back in 2012. But he departed the panel after only one season to become an American Idol judge. He served in that capacity for four seasons, until FOX cancelled the show. When ABC rebooted Idol in 2018, the network went with a brand new panel. Keith was free to join another singing show. He severed as a Battle Round mentor for Blake Shelton on The Voice season 15 in the fall of 2018.
“The Voice is first and foremost a TV show, not a record company”
The Voice in Australia hasn’t launched a big star. But Keith told The Binge Guide, “The Voice is first and foremost a TV show, not a record company.” Or, in other words, unlike American Idol or X Factor, The Voice does not have a subsidiary that signs, promotes and releases records for the show’s winners.
“Part of it is watching the journey from someone coming on as a diamond in the rough, to becoming quite polished by the end. A lot of the show’s appeal is in watching that growth. Whatever they do after that, it really is so much up to them to follow through and make things happen,” said Keith. “There are some people who come from The Voice who didn’t necessarily win the show, or they bailed after a few episodes and still go on to have good, solid careers.”
One of the buzziest contestants from The Voice AU premiere is a 23 year old singer, Bella Taylor-Smith who sang “Ave Maria” by Beyonce. All four judges quickly turned their chairs. But at the same time, Guy blocked rival coach, Jess and she wasn’t very pleased.
“I am just so mad right now. I’m so confused,” she said after noticing the block. “I am an awful person, Guy admitted. “Yes you are!” Jess shot back. “That’s alright. I forgive you. We’ll go fishing later.” But later she accuses Guy, “I thought we were friends!”
Bella Taylor Smith earns a 4 chair turn with Beyonce’s Ave Maria
But the block paid off for Guy. Bella ultimately chose his team, after they bonded over their church upbringing. Guy choked up.
Watch Guy Sebastian, Keith Urban, Rita Ora and perform “Fly Away” by Tones & I
The Voice AU continues 7.30pm Monday and Tuesday on Channel 7 and 7plus.
