The Voice UK returned for its 14th series on Saturday night and immediately sparked a backlash from viewers over a major format change. The ITV singing competition, which sees amateur singers perform in the hope of turning a coach's chair, kicked off without the traditional joint performance from the coaching panel – a staple of the show for the past 15 years.
This year's panel features former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland alongside returning coaches Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, and McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. However, within seconds of the show airing, fans took to social media to express their disappointment at the missing opening number.
Fans react to missing coaches' performance
One viewer wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "They got Kelly Rowland on the panel and for the first time in 15 years DIDN’T open the series with a coaches performance?! Fire the producers #TheVoiceUK." Another asked: "No coach performance?!? wtf #TheVoiceUK," while a third added: "Did they not film a coaches performance this year or what."
The change marks a significant departure from the show's established format, which has traditionally begun each series with the coaches performing a song together. The decision has left many long-time viewers questioning the production team's choices.
New Rewind Button introduced
It isn't the only change for the ITV show this year. The Voice has introduced a "Rewind Button" for the first time ever, giving judges the chance to give singers a second opportunity if they didn't initially turn their chairs around.
Speaking about the format change, Danny Jones said: "The Rewind Button is a total game-changer! It's brilliant because it gives that extra bit of power to right a wrong." The new feature adds a strategic element to the auditions, allowing coaches to revisit performances they may have initially passed on.
The Voice UK continues next Saturday on ITV, with episodes available to catch up on ITVX. The series is expected to maintain its usual schedule of blind auditions, battle rounds, and live shows, with the new Rewind Button set to influence the outcome of this year's competition.
