ITV has axed The Voice Kids, according to reports. The singing contest, judged by Danny Jones, Pixie Lott, Ronan Keating and Will.i.am won’t be returning to TV screens next year.
The show, which is open to aspiring singers from the age of seven to 14, first premiered in June 2017 and there have been seven series since. Other celebrity judges in the show’s history include Jessie J, Paloma Faith and Spice Girls star Melanie C, The Mirror reports.
An ITV spokesperson told the Mirror on Saturday evening: “After seven fantastic series on ITV1 and ITVX, The Voice Kids is taking a break in 2024. We’re working with Lifted Entertainment on The Voice UK for 2024 and development of The Voice branded specials.”
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It’s claimed that the decision was made as talent shows are struggling in popularity. “The show had a good run and had its own fanbase, but execs are keen to free up scheduling space for other new programming to keep ideas as fresh as possible,” a source told The Sun. They added: “The cast have great memories from the series, but have plenty of other projects to keep them busy.”
The winners of the seven series of The Voice Kids have been: Jess Folley, Daniel Davies, Sam Wilkinson, Justine Afante, Torrin Cuthill, Israella Chris and Shanice & Andrea Nyandoro. The contestants received industry insight from the judges, while the lucky winners bagged a monetary prize and a family holiday.
Former Big Brother presenter Emma Willis was announced as the presenter of The Voice Kids in 2016, saying at the time: “Hosting The Voice Kids will be like being at my house on a Saturday night; lots of kids singing, with me trying to keep some kind of order. Thankfully, the musical genius that is will.i.am is there to bring some expertise to the table. It’s going to be pretty awesome.”
Singing duo Andrea and Shanice beat other young hopefuls to win the last series of The Voice Kids – giving their coach will.i.am his first win after seven series of the ITV show. After being crowned champions, the sisters said: “We’re feeling very good and excited – we can’t believe it.” The siblings bagged themselves a family holiday to Universal Orlando Resort Florida – as did all the other finalists.
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