The world’s biggest singing competition and Australia’s #1 entertainment program of 2021, The Voice, is back on Channel 7 and 7plus returning 7.00pm next Monday, 18 April.
Reclaiming their iconic spinning red chairs and ready to unearth Australia’s next singing sensation are ARIA and GRAMMY Award winner Keith Urban, UK hit machine Rita Ora, mega-selling, singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian and singing and acting phenom Jessica Mauboy.
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is a world-renowned musician, producer, songwriter and singer, He released his 10th studio album The Speed of Now Part 1, in September 2020 with a #1 debut in Australia, the US and Canada. Keith is a five-time ARIA and four-time GRAMMY Award winner and has also won the coveted ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year. Between stage and studio, Keith has collaborated with a diverse list of some of the world’s most influential artists including Taylor Swift, Nile Rodgers, John Mayer, Post Malone, Eric Church, Keith Richards and Julia Michaels.
What are you listening for when an artist steps on The Voice stage?
There are so many things that can get me to turn my chair. It might be the sound of their voice or a unique vibrato. It might be an interesting song choice or even what they’ve done with the song. But as much as I’m listening for all of that, I think the #1 thing that will get me to turn my chair is when I feel something; when there’s a truth in their voice that speaks to me beyond the sound of just their vocal and I’m able to feel it deeply.
What are you hoping to discover on this season on The Voice?
Originality and uniqueness. I’m looking for someone who has blended some interesting things to form something quite distinctive in their artistry.
What’s your one piece of advice to artists stepping on stage for their Blind Audition?
You’ve got one shot to get our attention and make a chair, or chairs, turn, so song choice is really important. Know your strength and make sure that strength is showcased front and centre in your performance.
Rita Ora
Rita Ora is an international critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who holds the record for the most UK Top 10 singles for a British female artist, with four #1 and 13 top 10s. Rita is one of the most played female artists of the 21st century in the UK. Her debut album, Ora, premiered at #1 on the UK charts and was certified platinum. Rita is a multi-talented industry leader across TV, culture and fashion. Her film credits include the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, Fast & Furious, Southpaw, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu and Twist.
What are you listening for when an artist steps on The Voice stage?
I’m listening for passion. I want to hear how much the person loves to sing and their passion for their artistry.
What is the most fulfilling part about being a coach and mentor on The Voice?
For me, it’s all about working one-on-one with the artist. It’s about helping them develop their vision for themselves and working with them to achieve their creative goals. I’m so privileged to do what I love for a living, and being a part of The Voice as a coach and mentor allows me to give back to a new generation and provide a platform for them to share their art.
What makes the chemistry special with your fellow coaches?
What makes it special is that we think of each other like family. We might tease each other like siblings, but we genuinely care about one another and I think the audience really feels that connection.
Guy Sebastian
Singer, songwriter and producer Guy Sebastian is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most popular and successful male artists. Guy boasts six #1 ARIA singles, the most by any Australian male Artist in ARIA history, three #1 albums and has been awarded seven ARIA awards. Guy’s ninth record, T.R.U.T.H., rocketed to the top of the ARIA Albums Chart in 2021 to become his third #1 record, spawning the mega-hits Choir, Before I Go, Standing With You and Love On Display, as well as a sold-out national arena tour in 2022. He has shifted well over seven million combined units worldwide, and has 725 million streams worldwide while attaining 69 Platinum certifications and eight Gold certification awards.
What are you listening for when an artist steps on The Voice stage?
Firstly, the obvious foundations of what makes a voice “great” need to be there. For me, a great voice is simply one that is trustworthy. The singer hears something in their head and has put in the work to execute it vocally with confidence. There are a lot of “great” and very few “special” voices. Although it’s difficult to describe exactly what makes a voice special, I feel it comes down to the perfect marriage between comprehension, translation and execution.
What’s your one piece of advice to artists stepping on stage for their Blind Audition?
You’re not going to be miraculously better than what you are capable of, so just be the best version of yourself. That means getting rid of the things that will get in your way. Singing is hugely mental. Block out negativity. Stay in your lane, don’t be put off by someone else’s ability because you may reach for things outside your limits. In music, it’s simple; you are at your best when you are in a place where you are loving what you do. Of course, that’s all easier said than done! We all get nervous, me included. But a strong mental process is key to stopping those nerves making your lips shake and your breathing wobble.
Who was your biggest musical influence in the early stages of your career?
Very broad. I went through stages as I grew up. Early on it was all R&B, soul and gospel. In my teens, I loved softer rock like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day and U2. Then I discovered The Beatles later in life. R&B was the thread throughout, though. Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Eric Benet, Whitney Houston, Az Yet, Babyface. Far out, such good music!
Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Mauboy is an accomplished songwriter and pianist with serious acting chops and multiple accolades. Jess first burst onto screens in 2006 and has been a fixture on radio, television, and film ever since. Jess is not only a fan favourite, but she’s also earned the respect of her industry peers, as an ARIA Award winner for Best Female in 2013 and an AACTA Award winner for her breakout role in The Sapphires. Jess has an impressive body of work, including six Top 10 Albums, 16 Top 20 Singles, over 200 million+ streams globally, two ARIA Awards, 21 Platinum and nine Gold accreditations, and is the first indigenous Australian Artist to debut at #1 on the ARIA Album Chart.
What are you listening for when an artist steps on The Voice stage?
I’m listening to the tone, their connection with the song, and how they tell their own story within the performance. I want them to make me jump out of my chair and turn it to learn more about them as an artist.
What is the most fulfilling part about being a coach and mentor on The Voice?
Being able to help discover, nurture and support an artist and give them the resources and platform to explore their true potential. It’s always a proud moment to watch an artist grow and blossom into a talented musician and support them where I can.
What was your most memorable moment from The Voice last year?
Too many to mention! Every day you get to meet inspiring musicians and hear their beautiful stories. To be part of their Voice journey is always inspiring.
The eleventh season of The Voice premieres 7.00pm Monday, 18 April on Channel 7 and 7plus Continues 7.30pm Tuesday and Wednesday.