‘WE WANT EQUAL PAY’
As pay negotiations unfold, so too does the threat of a mass walkout!
With The Voice still proving to be a hit with audiences in its second year with Seven, plans are already underway to secure the same superstar coaches’ panel, including Keith Urban, Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian, for next year.
But in a shock twist, instead of negotiations stalling over a battle for the biggest salary, a TV insider spills to Woman’s Day that the coaches have banded together and for the first time ever they all want the same pay!
Spearheaded by Guy, 40, the newly formed union of coaches believe that the pay disparity between the four of them is unjust and unless they all receive the same money next season, they’ll walk away from their red chairs.
“All four coaches are currently on very different pay terms and all of them, particularly Guy, think it’s unfair and unsustainable,” says the source, who explains that Guy is really leading the charge with contract negotiations. “After being on the series for some time, he knows it survives on the dynamic and chemistry of the coaches. He’s quietly confident their demands will be met.”
The coaches are asking for “in excess of a million each”, the insider reveals, adding that the infamous Friends salary negotiations served as inspiration for them.
In 2002, at the height of the iconic sitcom’s popularity, all six actors rallied together to ensure they were paid equally for each episode in the last two seasons, with star Lisa Kudrow admitting years later it “got rid of bitterness” within the cast.
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Despite Keith, 54, Rita, 31, and Guy’s current salaries making up most of the budget allocated for talent, the trio’s main standpoint is Jess, 32.
The popstar has long been rumoured to receive the lowest salary and all four of her supportive co-stars are working hard to make sure she gets the amount they
believe she deserves. “They all love Jess. They think she’s the heart and soul of the show,” says the insider. “In fact, they all love working together and are happy to keep going for as long as there’s an audience, however they believe it’s time to close that pay gap.”
As admirable as their negotiations are, executives are said to be scrambling behind the scenes after they believed a rejuvenated format and stellar ratings would have led to a “quick re-sign”.
The pay chatter is said to have put a spanner in the works as it’s thrown next season’s budget out the window. Thankfully, the reality juggernaut’s continued success, which has seen it beat out its competitors Lego Masters and Masterchef, is working in the coaches’ favour.
“Australia loves these four together and so they’ll do all they can to assure Keith, Rita, Guy and Jess are locked in for next season.”
‘Keith, Rita, Guy and Jess love working together’