This year’s blind auditions will kick off with an updated judging panel. Jennifer Hudson is trekking across the Atlantic and swapping her The Voice USA seat for a UK one. New boy Olly Murs pulling up a pew in place of predecessor Gavin Rossdale and legendary singer Sir Tom Jones is reclaiming his chair alongside the only coach to have made it through every season, Will.i.am.
Here are three must-see acts from episode one.
1. Donel Mangena
Hoping to steal the show in episode one was 16-year-old Donel Mangena from Southampton with a quirky twist on Major Lazer and Justin Bieber’s Cold Water inspired by his father’s passion for singing and his Zimbabwean heritage.
Mangena dreams of touring the world, but can his unique take on one of 2017’s biggest hits help bring him one step closer to achieving his goal?
2. Jake Benson
Benson was looking to wow the coaches with his stripped-back version of Julia Michaels’ Issues.
The London-based carpenter has swapped his tools for a microphone so that he can pursue his dream of performing and, he hopes, set an example for his son.
But will the rugged gym-goer’s singing skills be enough to win the coaches’ hearts?
3. Lauren Bannon
Dorset resident Bannon put her own unique twist on Major Lazer’s hit song Lean On. With a Lana Del Rey-esque twang to her voice and animated performance, Lauren said a chair turn would “make her life”.
So can this music student trade in her text books for another glamorous performance jacket by reaching the next stage of the competition?
The Voice UK airs Saturday, December 6 at 8pm on ITV.
