The Voice Kids, Channel 9, Sunday, 6.30pm; Live Shows, Monday, 7.30pm
WHEN you’re on a good thing stick to it, right? That seems to be the motto of the commercial networks at the moment as they unveil yet another talent-type show.
This time we are about to get a junior version of The Voice – Channel Nine’s current ratings hit. But is it a step too far and will it work?
Or are we ready to see the Under 14s bring out their musical talent for the country to see?
Of course the younger acts are proving popular on things like Australia’s got talent – we all ooh and aah when they come on and belt out a tune in a voice that seems unlikely to be coming from such a small frame. But a whole show of it?
And will it sustain itself all the way through – because I don’t know about you, but where The Voice is concerned I tend to dip in and watch the battles and then don’t watch again until the very end.
Of course it’s not the first time that an incredibly popular reality show has spawned a pup – a “junior version”. We all remember Masterchef Kids, right? But it didn’t really prove the ratings hit the network (Ten in this case) had hoped for and, thank goodness, we have never had to suffer its like again.
So will this be a one-hit wonder for Nine? Mmm, maybe – though it might be interesting to see The Voice (the grown-up edition) coach Joel Madden and his brother and musical partner Benji head up Team Madden against the girl power of Delta Goodrem and the Spicy Mel B (might not, too).
Joining host Darren McMullen will be season one The Voice artist and Team Joel favourite, Prinnie Stevens. As a seasoned performer and young mother, Prinnie will be backstage with the kids offering final words of encouragement and advice as they take their first step onto the stage.
The show will feature youngsters aged eight-14, vying for a $50,000 music scholarship with the public making the final decision.
– Tania Phillips
