THE SUPERSTAR COACHES LOOK AHEAD TO THIS WEEKEND’S GRAND FINAL – AND BEYOND…
It’s been a relatively smooth transition from BBC1 to ITV for The Voice UK, which is reassuring in these times where shows switching channels is more common than it used to be. This Saturday, the final four singers will compete in the grand final, hoping to win a contract with Polydor Records, so let’s catch up with superstar coaches Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones, Gavin Rossdale and will.i.am to find out what kind of series it’s been for them…
What have been your series highlights so far?
Jennifer This has been my first true coaching experience. It’s as new to me as it is the contestants, and we are sharing that experience.
I think the talent is amazing. So for me that has been the highlight – Team Jhud.
Tom For me it was the coaches’ number in the first show, Under Pressure. It was a big piece to get a hold of, so I’m glad it came off so well. I’d heard the song many times before, but never performed it!
What has been the hardest part of being a coach?
Gavin Saying goodbye to people who should have stayed, like Keziah [Rodell, who was eliminated in the
Live Knockouts].
Tom I don’t like the feeling when I have to let somebody go. I like to leave it until the night, once I have watched the performance, before I decide what to do. Things always change, people grow as the show goes on and can get better, or stay where they are. And nerves play a big part in whether somebody crumbles or shines.
Jennifer The most difficult part is knowing that you are in the driver’s seat for someone else’s destiny. That’s what makes me that much more connected, and invested, and careful.
What words of advice do you have for people who are looking to break into the music industry?
Jennifer Sing every way you can, and use experiences like this as a platform, but also a learning experience. Don’t look at it as ‘if you don’t make it once, you won’t make it at all’ – experiences can never be negative because you are always learning something. Use that to help you grow.
Will Don’t try to break into the industry, create a new industry!
What are your hopes for this year’s finalists – and for the winner?
Tom To get a hit record, which is what singers are always striving for, and to make a career out of it that they enjoy.
Will My hopes are that the winner has a hit too, and if they don’t get one straight away, that they remain hungry and have the tenacity and drive to go out and get a hit.
Jennifer I hope that the finalists use this experience as a launching pad, and I hope they are not discouraged by not winning. And I hope the winner becomes one of the biggest music stars today, which I think they will.
THINGS ALWAYS CHANGE, PEOPLE GROW AS THE SHOW GOES ON” TOM