You can be honest without being mean
Milkshake singer Kelis, 37, says Pitch Battle has allowed viewers to see a different side of her. MARION McMULLEN finds out why the Grammy winner would love to sign up for another clash of the choirs
Has being a judge on choir competition Pitch Battle changed people’s perception of you?
SOME people say I’m mysterious. I don’t think I am but some people think so. With this they get to know who I am, this shows a different side to me and I’m able to talk about music.
Do people think you and fellow judge Gareth Malone are an unusual match?
I THINK someone said we were an odd couple, but we get along amazingly. We are a good team. He is great to hang out with and is super talkative.
He is also really easygoing, which I love. I am really enjoying getting to know him. I would love to come back, if I get asked to.
Joe Jonas joins the panel tonight as a guest judge. Are you excited about the choirs performing in the live final next weekend for the £50,000 prize?
IT’S pretty epic. It doesn’t get much bigger. I love that they all want to sing. No-one wants to be anywhere else. I love that so much.
You started out singing in choirs before embarking on your successful music career. Is it one of the reasons you wanted to get involved with Pitch Battle?
I THOUGHT it would be really fun. I have hosted TV shows before but this is completely different for me. I have watched shows like this but never judged on them, only on food shows.
Have you been excited about being a judge?
DEFINITELY! There is so much energy among everyone, including the judges and the whole thing just feels really good. There is a real fun vibe of people wanting to have a good time and I think it’s an amazing opportunity for everyone taking part.
What kind of judge are you?
I’M NOT mean at all I promise! Everybody is looking to be a star but the great thing about Pitch Battle is that it is a team effort. Music is such a personal thing and so I think it’s important to just be very honest with everyone.
You can be honest without being mean. In terms of what I am looking for, I want people to sing technically well and also, from the heart. That is really important to me.
What advice would you give to the contestants hoping to reach the final?
THERE really is one thing that stands out above everything else and that is to listen. That, for me, is vital. A lot of people will be able to sing really well but that is not enough on a show like this. You have to be able to blend in well. So my advice is listen, listen, and listen!
Does it matter if the choir is all-male or all-female?
NO, it doesn’t matter to me at all. Men, women, older people, it really doesn’t make a difference so long as they can find a cohesive sound. That’s the key.
You’ve had an incredible career. What are you most proud of?
TO be completely honest with you, I never planned for this career. For me it all started with a choir when I was 17 and it’s been crazy ever since!
I love my career so much and I feel so grateful to have done the things I have done.
Now I am on an awesome new BBC singing show in the UK. That was never in the plan but I am having the best time here! Pitch Battle can be seen on BBC 1 tonight at 7.30pm.