PALOMA’S MUSICAL YOUTH
PALOMA FAITH joins the coaches to find the next pint-sized pop star
WHEN The Voice Kids returns this week, there’s a familiar face sitting in one of those big, spinning red chairs as Paloma Faith joins the ITV talent show as its newest coach.
Having carried out coaching duties on The Voice UK in 2016 when the show was on BBC1, the singersongwriter and actor now takes her seat alongside resident panellists Pixie Lott, Danny Jones and will.i.am as the search kicks off once more to find the next young pop star.
As the pre-recorded blind audition shows begin, we chatted to Faith, 38, to find out more about the joys of mentoring talented tots…
WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN AS A COACH ON The Voice Kids? I just love children.
My mum was a primaryschool teacher and, from the age of 14 until I was about 25, I’d do voluntary work. I’d either go into my mum’s school to help out or, as I was trained as a contemporary dancer, I’d hold dance workshops with kids who were deaf or blind.
AS A COACH, HOW DOES The Voice Kids COMPARE TO The Voice UK?
I prefer it. I feel like the main show gave me a lot of anxiety, but this just gives me joy. You genuinely feel like you’re helping these kids. They come in with this pure talent that knocks the spots off us coaches. They are infinitely more talented than us – and probably more mature, too!
WITH SO MUCH TALENT TO CHOOSE FROM IN THE SHOW, WOULD YOU
LIKE TO TURN YOUR CHAIR FOR EVERY SINGER? I would, but happily they take the outcome really well and, if they don’t get a turn, they tend to be like, ‘Well, thanks for this opportunity anyway. I’m just happy to be here.’ They’re really enjoying the experience. I find myself sitting there and thinking, ‘I wish I could be more like that.’ I’m learning more from these kids than I do from adults.
WILL WE SEE ANY FIERCE COMPETITION BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR FELLOW COACHES AS THE BLIND AUDITIONS START?
Oh, no, they’ve been so nice.
It’s just good vibes and there’s no competition. We’re so happy for the children. We’re in agreement that they’re all brilliant and really brave. I wouldn’t have done something like this when I was their age.
DO YOU THINK YOU’LL STRUGGLE WHEN IT COMES TO WHITTLING YOUR TEAM DOWN FOR THE BATTLE ROUNDS AND FINAL [WHICH LOOK LIKELY TO AIR LATER THIS YEAR]? It’s really hard – there are so many good performers. I just have to consider who’s going to get the most out of this show… Or whoever’s mum or dad gives you the cash! Ha, ha! Just kidding.