The Voice Kids (British TV series)
The Voice Kids is a British television talent show created by John de Mol and its premiere was on 10 June 2017 on ITV. Presented by Emma Willis, the programme is a junior version of The Voice UK and is part of The Voice Kids' worldwide franchise. As of 2020, the coaches are will.i.am, Paloma Faith, Danny Jones and Pixie Lott. Episodes are repeated on CITV and ITV2. A fourth series began airing on 11 July 2020.
History
In early 2016, along with the announcement that The Voice UK would move to ITV under a three-year deal, it was announced that the network had ordered The Voice Kids, a junior spinoff featuring younger aspiring singers, for two series. After attaining high ratings, it was announced that the network had renewed The Voice Kids for three series.Selection process
The open auditions application for the first series closed on 2 September 2016, with the age limit being 7–14 years old. The show began staging producers' audition days in August 2016 across the United Kingdom, with the blind auditions beginning filming in December 2016.Format
There are four phases to the competition:- Stage 1: Blind Auditions
- Stage 2: Battle Rounds
- Stage 3: Semi-Final
- Stage 4: Live Final
In the third series, the winner received £30,000 and the four finalists received a trip to Walt Disney World, Florida on Norwegian Airlines. In the fourth series, the winner will receive the same £30K prize, and a family trip to Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, also via Norwegian Airlines.
Series overview
To date, three series have been broadcast as summarised below. A fourth series is currently in transmission.Coaches and presenters
Coaches
On 15 November 2016, it was announced Pixie Lott and Danny Jones from McFly would be coaches along with will.i.am. Of this announcement, Pixie Lott commented, "I can’t wait to join The Voice Kids and help discover the next big star. I have such a passion for talented young people and I know the UK will have lots – I can’t wait to hear them! I’m looking forward to getting started and working along the sides of my fellow coaches will.i.am and Danny Jones." Jones stated, "I'm pumped about joining The Voice Kids team. There are so many talented kids out there, they just need to be heard and this is a great platform for them. I’m looking forward to finding some fresh talent and coaching them. You never know, there might be a mini McFly out there!" and will.i.am said, "Doing The Voice Kids with Pixie and Danny is going to be dope and I'm really excited to discover just how talented British kids can be." In December 2018, it was announced that Jessie J would join will.i.am, Jones and Lott for the third series. Jessie J opted that she would not return to the show's 4th series. In November 2019, it was announced that Paloma Faith would replace Jessie J for the show's fourth season, alongside will.i.am, Lott and Jones.Timeline of coaches
Presenters
After the announcement that she would be staying with the adult show, Emma Willis announced in July 2016 that she would be presenting The Voice Kids, which boosted the show's popularity. Of this announcement, Willis commented, "Hosting The Voice Kids will be like being at my house on a Saturday night; lots of kids singing, with me trying to keep some kind of order. Thankfully, the musical genius that is will.i.am is there to bring some expertise to the table. It’s going to be pretty awesome."Timeline of presenters
; KeyRatings
| Series | Premiere | Premiere date viewing figurers | Finale | Finale viewing figurers | Episodes | Average ranking |
| 1 | 10 June 2017 | 4.71 | 16 July 2017 | 3.51 | 8 | 3.78 |
| 2 | 14 July 2018 | 3.33 | 21 July 2018 | 3.48 | 8 | 3.31 |
| 3 | 8 June 2019 | 3.78 | 27 July 2019 | 4.01 | 8 | 3.60 |
| 4 | 11 July 2020 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |