will.i.am: ‘Kids bring the fun’
He loves to joke around - so no wonder will.i.am is enjoying the return to his big red seat on The Voice Kids
Entertaining as ever, will.i.am is back on the new series of junior singing show The Voice Kids, alongside returning judges Pixie Lott and Danny Jones, newbie Paloma Faith and host, Emma Willis. And we’re loving him already – the former Black Eyed Peas star always manages to bring real heart and a quirky sense of fun to the show. He even had a go on the bagpipes the other week, with disastrous results (when kilt-clad Scottish teen Mark performed with them, the American couldn’t help but have a try)…
So, how does it feel to be back?
Good. I love the kids’ show. They bring fun. They know how to play. When was the last time as an adult you were like ‘ Yo, let’s go out and play’?
What kind of variety do you have this year?
The most variety I’ve ever had from nine years of doing this show, in any of the adult competitions or the kids. From a grime rapper to a soul singer, and everything in between!
How is new recruit Paloma on the panel?
Oh, awesome. I loved working with her when we were on The Voice together, and I think this is the best environment for her because she is a child at heart – and being around kids a joy.
Who’s the most competitive then?!
Pixie is the most adorable, competitive, threat/ non-threat! She has this energy about her that pretty much everybody wants to see her win! She’s competitive but too adorable for me to be like, ‘I’m gonna keep my eye on Pixie!’
The kids learn a lot, but what do they teach you?
They remind us of what our first steps were in our journey. Of how pure and innocent the first attempts of singing were, the whole purpose of what we’re doing. I love being in the environment of big hearts and no financial agendas!
It’s very brave of them. Would you have done this show, at their age?
I was a go-getter… but you know what? I don’t think so. It probably would have intimidated me at the age of nine!
● The Voice Kids continues Saturday, 7.25pm on ITV.
‘Pixie Lott is competitive but also totally adorable’