Keith, Rita, Guy & Jess all set to return to The Voice next year

All four judges from this year’s season of The Voice Australia will be back for the 2022 season.

Channel 7 picked up the show for this year’s content slate from Channel 9, and brought former judge Keith Urban back, as well as keeping Guy Sebastian on the panel. It also recruited international singer Rita Ora and local star Jessica Mauboy to complete the lineup.

Other former judges from the show’s run on Channel 9 include Delta Goodrem, Joe Jonas, Boy George, Kelly Rowland, Ronan Keating, Jessie J, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Seal, will.i.am, Ricky Martin and Kylie Minogue.

Seven’s network director of programming, Angus Ross, said that the 2021 season of The Voice proved that Australia cannot get enough of the current four judges.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome their unique and diverse expertise back to The Voice as we set out again to find the nation’s next favourite artist,” he said.

“The Voice captured audiences with unforgettable moments and heart-warming tales of triumph. Its phenomenal ratings success is in no small way due to the incredible chemistry and passion of our coaching panel and we can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves in 2022.”

Ora said she can’t wait to return to the show.

“I absolutely love Australia, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a life-changing show,” she said. “The phenomenal artists this year blew my mind, especially Team Rita. The other coaches are like extended family and I’m really looking forward to getting back to discover the next The Voice superstar.”

Mauboy said she was excited to be invited back in 2022 alongside the other incredible coaches.

“We had such a great time this year. The talent in this country is exceptional and to be able to continue to support and showcase upcoming musicians is always an honour.”

Urban, meanwhile, said he’d be coming back next year “ready to play”.

“The Voice just sent me a photo of an empty spinning red chair and said ‘This has your name on it’ – and it literally did. So I RSVP’d ‘Yes’.”

Sebastian’s team member Bella Taylor Smith took out the competition this year, something he couldn’t help but slip into his quote about returning next year.

“Last season was one of the best times I’ve ever had making television. The vibe was great, the fun was real and, yet again, we uncovered some insane Aussie talent. I can’t wait to be back again next season with Keith, Rita, Jess and the incredible team of producers and musicians to make some more magic happen,” he said.

“Oh, and Team Guy won. Bella, you really raised the standards for all of us.”

The final moments of this year’s show, when Taylor Smith was declared winner, were watched by 1.383 million overnight viewers in the five capital cities, easily beating the competition.

In today’s announcement, Seven said the show had captured a national average audience, including the regions, of 2.11 million, an increase of 49% on last year. It was the most successful series of The Voice since 2015 and was the only series to deliver over 1 million metro viewers for every episode.

David Mott, CEO and managing director of ITV Studios, said he’s delighted to confirm the return of the show and its coaches.

“Our coaches won the hearts of all Australians this year, and with the extraordinary ratings for the 2021 season on Seven, we cannot wait to do it all again next year, bringing the highest-quality talent, performances, and incredible moments synonymous with The Voice. We are truly excited to kick-start the next season with Keith, Rita, Guy and Jess.”

Host Sonia Kruger will also return next year.