'The Voice UK' Renewed for Two More Seasons
Even though it seems like the reality singing competition craze is dying in America, what with the cancellation of The X Factor USA, the slow demise of American Idol, and an underwhelming sixth season of The Voice, the phenomenon is apparently alive and well across the pond.
The BBC has renewed The Voice UK for two more seasons. Naturally, this was a bit of a no-brainer, since the current third season is bringing in much stronger ratings, perhaps due in part to the addition of Kylie Minogue as a coach. If this actually is the case, one would think the network would try to lock her in for the next season. However, as of this moment, no contracts have been renewed for the individual talents. So we could be getting a whole new set of coaches next season, for all anyone knows.
Credit: BBC
But even if BBC wants Minogue, they might not be able to have her. She recently noted that she might be busy touring in the future, which is at least a better excuse than "I have to iron" in the Sorry But I'll Take A Rain Check On That Coffee department.
With that said, BBC has admitted it would be willing to accommodate her, so if the network is willing to reorient its season around one star, then that star must be a pretty big difference maker. I guess we'll see if Minogue is game for another go-around once this season comes to a close.
This renewal marks a tremendous comeback story for The Voice UK. BBC had originally committed to two seasons for the show back in 2011, but renewed it on a single-season basis from then on. In short, this third season was set to be the show's last chance to turn things around.
“It’s been fantastic to see The Voice return in top form to kick-start BBC One’s brilliant year so far," said BBC One controller Charlotte Moore.
Of course, things haven't been completely without issues. The first live show of the season drew the lowest audience of the season at the time. But the show still has a fairly big following, in spite of the ratings setback. If nothing else, fans of The Voice UK can now rest easy for the next two years. Which is more than can be said for fans of The X Factor USA. (Sigh. Oh X Factor USA, why couldn't you have been better?)