From superstar coaches to some of the most iconic to-be-discovered artists in the country, The Voice returns with a blockbuster new season.
The world’s biggest singing competition and Australia’s #1 entertainment program of 2021, The Voice, is back on Channel 7 and 7plus.
The new season returns 7.00pm, 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.
From pop and rock to soul, country, R&B and every genre in between, The Voice will again see the nation’s greatest voices take to the biggest stage in Australia. Expect spine-tingling performances, epic chair-turning moments and standing ovations as music dreams become reality.
With over 60 talented artists ready to share their voice, what will it take to turn the coaches’ chairs this season?
MEET THE COACHES
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is a one-of-a-kind Artist: a world-renowned musician, producer, songwriter and singer whose music defies genre. 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 possesses an innate ability to connect with people both musically and personally, whether in an arena of 15,000 or outdoors in front of 50,000. A winner of scores of accolades, 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 is the most fulfilling part about being a coach and mentor on The Voice?
The most fulfilling part is getting the chance to mentor somebody who is on the path and could benefit from the guidance I can offer given my own journey. Even more fulfilling is to see that coaching applied and for growth to happen in the short space of time we film The Voice. I find it truly extraordinary when I see that progress and evolution from week to week.
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.
What makes the chemistry special with your fellow coaches?
Firstly, the chemistry is legitimate. I genuinely love being around Rita, Guy and Jess –everyone has a really good heart and we’re all here to have a great season and find some great artists. Secondly, we revel in the friendly competitive side of the show. We’re super competitive with one another, but in the way that siblings are.
What was your most memorable moment from The Voice last year?
There were many memorable moments; however, one of the highlights was the first time hearing Arlo’s voice. I remember there was just something so soulful and crystal clear in his voice that went right to the centre of me. I was so honoured that he picked me as a coach, and I was able to perform David Bowie’s Heroes with him.
Who was your biggest musical influence in the early stages of your career?
I’d like to shout out to the guys and girls playing in the local bands. Bands like the ones my mum and dad used to take me to see when I was growing up. There was one three-piece band called Country Fever that we used to go and watch at the Sherwood Aussie Rules Footy Club in Queensland. We’d see them play every Sunday afternoon. As a young kid, I remember feeling mesmerised by the incredible live music energy they’d bring to entertain that room of dancing locals. I was six years old and I have a recollection of people dancing and having a great time. The memory of that energy is probably deep in my DNA and I would say that’s a good example of a strong early influence for me.
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. In 2021, she co-wrote and produced the global collaboration Bang, the follow up to her album Phoenix, which has amassed over four billion streams worldwide, spawned three platinum singles and includes Lonely Together – her collaboration with Avicii – which won Best Dance VMA at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. 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 are you hoping to discover on this season on The Voice?
I’m looking forward to discovering artists who aren’t afraid to experiment and go outside their comfort zone.
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’s your one piece of advice to artists stepping on stage for their Blind Audition?
Take a deep breath, remind yourself that you’ve got this, and then go out there and kill it!
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.
What was your most memorable moment from The Voice last year?
There are too many. It’s impossible to choose! However, I will say that the Blind Auditions held some of my favourite moments. The anticipation of what I was about to hear and then seeing each reveal was epic.
What’s your favourite part about being in Australia when filming the show?
The people! Everyone here is so lovely, and they have always been welcoming. Working in Australia has been such an amazing experience.
Who was your biggest musical influence in the early stages of your career?
This is tough. Probably Prince and Cher. Both were huge musical influences when I was first starting out and they continue to be a source of inspiration whenever I’m creating.
What’s your favourite thing to do during your downtime?
It depends on how I’m feeling. Sometimes I have a lot of energy on days off and I’ll go for a hike or do some type of outdoor activity. Other times, I’ll just stay around the house, maybe do a face mask and binge-watch a new show.
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, has 725 million streams worldwide while attaining 69 Platinum certifications and eight Gold certification awards since he first exploded through TV sets and into hearts as the winner of the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2003. As the first-ever Australian contestant at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, which attracted 200 million viewers, Guy finished in fifth place. As one of Australia’s most loved Artists, Guy’s unwavering passion for music translates into consistently authentic, memorable performances.
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 are you hoping to discover on this season on The Voice?
Special voices are rare, and they’re worth fighting for as a coach when you hear them. However, sometimes you can hear the potential to turn “great” into “special.” If you can help an artist on that journey, it’s very rewarding.
What is the most fulfilling part about being a coach and mentor on The Voice?
The whole process. I love taking an artist who you have chosen simply by their voice; someone who you believe in and have fought for and then having the opportunity to impart what you have learned from your journey in the industry. I get to coach them on a technical level and mentally prepare them as best as I can for what’s ahead. It also takes more than just mentoring them vocally, it takes a plan to get their art out there, and that’s an aspect of coaching that I like to be a part of too.
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.
What makes the chemistry special with your fellow coaches?
We genuinely just love each other. It’s such a nice hang with so many fun, positive times together and we really want to have a good time. Everyone is on the same page as to why we are here to shine a light on the Artists we are mentoring and not take that light away. From that purpose, the chemistry flows. It’s really fun!
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!
Team Guy artist, Bella Taylor Smith, won The Voice 2021 and is joining you on tour. What does it mean to see Bella’s talent flourish?
She is what I call rare. She’s special, very special.
Jessica Mauboy
R&B/Pop icon, actress, musician and role model are all labels that apply to Australia’s own Jessica Mauboy – 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. Thanks to the juggernaut of the Eurovision Song Contest, the globe soon came to know the unique voice of this proudly Australian Indigenous woman. She has expertly made the mix of R&B, pop, funk, soul, hip hop and dance her infectious signature sound. 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. Jess’ many accolades include an APRA Award, Australian of the Year Award, MTV Europe Music Award and MTV Australia Music Award. She’s collaborated with the likes of Flo Rida, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jay Sean, and Pitbull, and has taken her hits on the road with three successful tours since 2012. Jess’ latest single Glow has spawned a national tour this year as she continues to inspire and is determined more than ever to extract the most positive and motivating elements of all that she has learned and infuse them into her new music and share it with the world.
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 are you hoping to discover on this season on The Voice?
Discovering new and emerging talent is always exciting. To be a part of The Voice again this year and have the opportunity to share my experiences, support these artists and learn from them is always an honour.
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’s your one piece of advice to artists stepping on stage for their Blind Audition?
Always try to find your connection with the song you sing and make it your own, whether that’s with the arrangement, performance, tone, or the way you tell the story. We want to hear the song through your voice.
What makes the chemistry special with your fellow coaches?
Keith, Rita and Guy are incredibly talented musicians and genuinely beautiful people. We all respect each other. Getting to work with them on The Voice again is really special. We all support each other and the artists, and make sure it’s a safe place for them to grow and learn while having lots of fun at the same time.
What is the most exciting part about returning to the coaches’ chair for you?
I love discovering and supporting new talent and sharing my experiences to help find their true potential.
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.
Who was your biggest musical influence in the early stages of your career?
The biggest musical influences that I grew up with and still inspire me today are my Mum, Mariah Carey and music teacher, Judy Weepers.
Sonia Kruger – Host
An accomplished presenter, actress, dancer, interviewer and entertainer, Sonia Kruger is one of Australia’s most recognised and loved faces. As one of the most sought-after television talents, Sonia hosts hit series including The Voice, Big Brother and Dancing With The Stars: All Stars. Her talent as one of the country’s foremost dancers saw Sonia land the coveted role of Tina Sparkle in the hugely successful Australian movie, Strictly Ballroom.
What can we look forward to in this season of The Voice?
Completely unexpected and extraordinary talent from every corner of the country.
You are in a prime position side of the stage with the artists’ family when they perform. What is the atmosphere like?
It’s nerve-wracking for the friends and families, but it’s also the most exhilarating experience when the audience gets behind an artist and they turn a chair. And if they turn all four, it’s off the charts!
What do you love most about hosting The Voice?
I’m so absorbed in the performances and coaches’ comments that I forget I have a job to do most of the time. It’s the jewel in the crown of Australian television entertainment and I’m grateful for the opportunity just to be part of it.
This year is bigger than ever with the return of The Battle rounds. How do you think this will change the competition?
The Battles are where the artists really need to bring it. The competition is intense and yet collegiate as many artists end up being friends for life.
Last year, Team Guy took the championship title with Bella Taylor Smith crowned the 2021 season winner. Can we expect some friendly fire from our coaches this season as they aim for the title?
For sure. Our coaches are passionate people, which is why they’ve been so successful in their own right. They want their artists to succeed and do anything they can to help. That gives me enormous respect for them.
Meet the Artists
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven) 
The Voice 2022 cast (images – Seven)
