Witty Boy George revives The Voice
‘I’m the other queen of England”; “I’m more of a camper van than a coach”. Boy George always had a knack for a soundbite (remember his claim that he “prefers a nice cup of tea to sex”?), and his debut on The Voice proved that he hasn’t lost it. The former Culture Club singer stole the show with his waspish one-liners.
One of the singing contest’s spinning chairs is reserved for a vocal veteran and, after Sir Tom Jones left last summer in acrimonious circumstances, the producers made an inspired choice with his replacement for this new (fifth) series.
Not only is Boy George charismatic and musically credible, but he brings with him a deep well of public affection. In his heyday, mums loved him as much as their teen offspring. His turbulent life since – taking in drug addiction, legal battles and a spell in prison – only seems to have intensified the warmth felt for him.
The Voice has a tendency towards worthiness – it has “coaches” rather than “judges”, and primly insists on prioritising vocals above image – so Boy George added some much-needed irreverence. Hatted, tatted and sharptongued, he could be just the boot up the backside the show needs.
His fellow new recruit – taking the “token female” chair formerly occupied by Jessie J, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora – was pop-soul chipmunk Paloma Faith. Frank, funny and opinionated, she also looks a smart appointment.
There were rumours last week that Will.i.am – the only coach to last all five series – was annoyed about the inclusion of “joke” contestants. He had a point. What were singing vicar John Barron and “elderly ostrich jockey” Bernie Clifton if not novelty acts?
And flaws in the format remain. The contest goes flat after the Blind Auditions phase and has yet to unearth a breakout star. There was talent here – catsuited diva Beth Morris, fishmonger Tom Rickels, punky Cody Frost – but can the show guide it?
Its earnestness also means the pace is snail-like – we got through just 12 hopefuls in 95 minutes here. Thanks to its new recruits, though, The Voice has just become essential viewing.