The Voice Kids
Singer-songwriter Paloma Faith joins as a coach and reveals the joys of mentoring pint-sized pop stars…
SATURDAY 11 July, 7.25pm ITV Entertainment
Backstage nerves will be jangling as the latest series kicks off with new coach Paloma Faith taking over from Jessie J in the big, swivelling red chair. She’s joining will.i.am, Pixie Lott and Danny Jones in the hunt for the next child singing sensation. Paloma’s no stranger to the show’s format, having been a coach on the adult version back in 2016.
Q Why did you want to join as a coach on this new series of The Voice Kids? A 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. So I’d go into my mum’s school to help out or, as I was trained as a contemporary dancer, hold dance workshops with kids who were deaf or blind.
Q You were a coach on The Voice UK in 2016. How does The Voice Kids compare? A I prefer it. I feel like the main show gave me a lot of anxiety but this just gives me joy. You feel like you’re helping these kids, who come in with this pure talent that knocks the spots off us. They are infinitely more talented than us… and we’re probably more immature!
Q Do we see competition among you and your fellow coaches Danny Jones, Pixie
Lott and will.i.am as the blind auditions start this week?
A Oh, they’ve been so nice – there’s no competition. We’re all just so happy for the children. We’re all in agreement they’re all brilliant and really brave. I wouldn’t have done something like this when I was their age!
Q Are you sad you can’t turn your red chair every time? A I am but they take it really well, and if they don’t get a turn, they’re like: ‘Well, thanks for this opportunity anyway, I’m just happy to be here.’ I’m thinking, ‘I wish I could be more like that.’
Q Is it important to teach these kids about rejection, especially in show business? A Yeah, but we keep telling them, ‘It’s not rejection, it’s just not today.’ They’ve got their whole lives ahead of them. It’s meant to be a fun experience, it’s not supposed to be a defining moment for any of them.
Q Do you think you might struggle when it comes to whittling your team down for the battle rounds and the final? A I’m more annoyed with myself for not just choosing one really good singer, so that I can say: ‘It’s definitely that one!’ It’s really hard; there are so many good ones. I just 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!