Fame-hungry South Africans have another shot at stardom with the announcement that The Voice is coming to our shores.
The Voice South Africa, the 60th version of the hit international series, will air early next year and speculation is rife about who the judges and presenters could be.
The Parlotones frontman Kahn Morbee appeared during DStv’s Showcase, where The Voice was announced on Wednesday, and performed Push Me to the Floor in front of the swivelling chair occupied by Voice judges.
Although not confirmed, he seems tipped to be a judge and vocal coach. The show works differently from other talent shows in that contestants go to a “blind audition” after open auditions.
There are four judges/coaches at this audition who listen to contestants without seeing them.
If a coach likes what he or she hears, they push a button and their chair swivels, allowing them to see the singer.
Judges on the US version include Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Carson Daly is the host.
Rihanna will join the judges as an advisor, joining Taylor Swift and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin who have also acted in an advisory capacity.
On Jacaranda FM’s Facebook page one listener suggested that Matthew Mole, Lira, Arno Carstens and Loyiso be judges and another suggested Hugh Masekela, Toya Delazy, Jeremy Loops and Claire Johnston.
On Twitter @TwheetyBird tweeted “anyone but Patricia Lewis” and @FrankieNigel suggested Steve Hofmeyr.
The Voice SA is the 60th version of the contest since The Voice of Holland debuted in The Netherlands in 2010.
The series was created by John de Mol who created Big Brother and Fear Factor.
M-Net chief executive Yolisa Phahle said the channel was “very excited to confirm that The Voice South Africa will be our big attraction for 2016… To top it off, The Voice South Africa will be giving local singers the opportunity of a lifetime – to be coached by the absolute best in the local music business.
“A show of this magnitude is also a fantastic platform for some of our biggest local recording artists. Apart from the panel of four local coaches, several guest coaches will also make guest appearances to hone our talent.”
This hints at the idea that we may see a few international faces.
Harrie Linders of production company AMPN said: “Instead of judging someone on his/her looks or personality, it’s all about the voice and it doesn’t matter what your musical background is. The Voice encompasses a wide variety of music genres.
”The names of the four South African coaches who will dedicate themselves to developing the singers mentally, musically and technically will be announced later this year.”
l Follow @thevoicemnet
Weekend Argus