The Voice UK

So, this weekend saw the live final of the Voice UK which signalled the end of series one. After much anticipation, the Voice debuted in March to exceptional viewing figures and the BBC saw it as a rival show to television juggernaut The X Factor. But upon reflection, was the Voice really any competition for The X Factor?

The American version of the show, which features Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton as coaches, proved a huge success when it premiered in America last year and when the BBC bought to rights to the show for a staggering £22 million, they hoped to replicate its success in the UK. However, simply purchasing the rights to a show that is majorly successful in various countries does not guarantee success elsewhere, as the BBC found out.

I, personally, love the concept of the show; to uncover a star with a killer voice, not taking into account looks, personality or styling - this is where the initial 'Blind Auditions' proved successful. With the judges facing away from the contestant, or 'artist' as they are referred to, if one or more coach likes what they hear, they press their 'I WANT YOU' button, revolving their chair so that they can face the artist. A very clever and unique idea. However, the concept is slightly deluded as the music industry today IS image dominated, but there are still artists today that have hugely successful careers because of their voice. artists such as Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

The superstar coaches for this version were frontman of the Script, Danny O'Donoghue, living legend and musical icon, Sir Tom Jones, US producer, rapper and founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am, and the fourth and final coach is global singing sensation, and my favourite artist, Jessie J. I feel that the BBC selected the perfect coaches. Each coach contributed something different to the dynamics of the panel, yet something just wasn't connecting with audience members.

Although I praise the concept of the show for providing aspiring musicians with the platform and liberation that a show like The X Factor may not give them, I do feel that the diversity that was constantly discussed regarding the show proved to be its downfall. The X Factor is a great entertainment show - it makes you laugh, cry, shout and cheer simultaneously and that is what a good entertainment show should make you do! I found myself becoming bored with the Voice as the coaches were far to constructive and never truly criticised the artists. Also, with the X Factor being such an established British television show, comparisons are inevitable and it soon became apparent that the Voice was no competition. But what the BBC must remember is that the success that The X Factor has achieved is almost ten years in the making and success must be worked for and cannot me gained immediately.

It's been confirmed that The Voice is returning for a second series next year and it's clear that it needs a lot of developing. Perhaps if the shows airs for longer than two months the British public will begin to love it the way they love The X Factor. But I'm not sure if it was worth the £22 million the BBC paid for it, and I bet the BBC are wondering the same thing right now.