Bring on the magic!
Long-serving Voice SA mentor Lira is waxing lyrical about turning chairs for someone with “that special sparkle”.
The Voice SA Season 3 Sundays M-Net (*101) 17:30
Singing in your shower is one thing, standing in front of an audience and trying to sound good enough for an actual music star to like your voice and turn their chair is another. That’s the reality on talent search show The Voice South Africa (2016- current) and it’s not for sissies, explains singer and mentor Lira. She’s the only returning mentor this season and has been with the show since day 1 and empathises with the hopefuls. “I can imagine the nerves that they’re feeling, standing on that stage giving their best and then the coaches don’t turn around. It must feel terrible.” To stand out, you need that special something and that’s what Lira and her three fellow mentors – Francois Van Coke, Riky Rick and Riana Nel – are searching for.
EVERYBODY IS A SINGER
“It’s heartbreaking listening to someone perform and not have that sparkle to get me to turn around,” adds Lira. Everyone who auditions brings their own unique magic and sound to the reality show “and they are all great singers, but in the end you, as a coach, are looking for something that truly stands out”. The mentors are given a tough time by the audience too, who give them immediate feedback if they think the coaches have missed something special. “Oh we definitely get a lot of boos,” says Lira. “Some audience members get really upset with us.”
A BIG HIT
Having been through countless blind auditions in the first two seasons, Lira is adamant that the real magic lies in the contestants. “Viewers want to see everyday people take up the courage to pursue their dreams. People are inspired by what they see onscreen. It’s wonderful to see the incredible talent and it is an emotional rollercoaster for us as coaches as well.” Lira adds that one of the most enjoyable parts of the show is counter-pitching when two or more coaches turn for a performer. “It’s exciting when we have to beg the acts to choose us and we have to prove that we’re good enough for them after they prove that they’re good enough for us.”
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
The producers have adapted a couple of elements from seasons 1 and 2 to make season 3 not only more enjoyable for viewers, but trickier for contestants. “The Battle and the Knock- Out rounds have been swapped and twists have been added compared to the format of original series The Voice Holland [2010- current]. We’re letting half our teams go and that is heart wrenching,” says Lira with a sombre tone.
LIFE CHANGER
The fun doesn’t just stop when the chairs turn though and that’s a drawcard for the show, says coach Lira. “We have something different to the other reality shows. We cater for people who can sing and who want to develop their careers. They have a selection of professional singers to help them grow and become better at performing music.”