THE VOICE - US Logo

After the surprise success that was The Voice in Holland and the US, an Irish version of the show, The Voice of Ireland, is coming to RTE in early 2012.

Many people would say, with TV3 screening both the UK & US XFactor shows this autumn, that it will be singing contest overload, however none of these shows are homegrown. There’s so much talent here in Ireland, it’s great to see that RTE is trying to discover Irish talent and give some people a break. I just hope RTE does it right and doesn’t make a boring/cringeworthy show that has people turning off in droves (see The All Ireland Talent Show).

The Voice of Ireland will follow the same format as the Holland and US versions. Four celebrity coaches (in the US the coaches were Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green & Blake Shelton) will have their backs to the auditioning contestants. If the coaches like what they hear they choose the contestant for their team.  Once the teams have been chosen, they all battle against each other until the voice is crowned. The winner of The Voice of Ireland will receive a recording contract with Universal Ireland.

The first positive step from RTE to make this show feel fresh came about with their host announcement. Kathryn Thomas will host the main show (finally RTE have found an appropriate show for Thomas. I only wish they would do the same for Lucy Kennedy. She is being wasted at RTE – bring her back to the telly!) and Eoghan McDermott, currently presenting on XFM in London and TG4, will be hosting the backstage show. It’s great to see that it’s not the same old RTE same old.

Now if only they can carry this through to the casting of their coaches. Nothing against Linda Martin or Dana, but someone different would be nice. What about the following making up the coaching panel (if their schedules allow)?

Nicky Byrne – one of the most likeable Westlife members and already has TV experience.

Imelda May – uber talented, sassy, likeable and will tell it as it is.

Sinead O’Connor – her unpredictability and natural talent could make for a great coach.

Declan O’Rourke – with his unique voice, and international success, he could be a great mentor and may even find a raw gem that the others may overlook.

RTE are going to unveil the celebrity coaches in the near future but in the meantime, RTE will announce the application process this week.

I really do hope this works and that an Irish success story comes from this show.

That’s Entertainment!
Sarina 🙂