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Ronan Keating replaces Ricky Martin on The Voice

Jessie J, Delta Goodrem and The Madden Brothers all confirmed to return.

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Former X Factor judge Ronan Keating is joining The Voice in 2016, replacing Ricky Martin.

Keating, who recently married Aussie producer Storm Uechtritz, did not appear on the Seven talent show this year but will re-appear on Nine’s.

“I’m so excited to join the coaching lineup for The Voice this year. Australia is my second home and over the years I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible talent across the country. I really can’t wait to get back to Sydney to try out my new red chair,” he said.

Jessie J, Delta Goodrem and The Madden Brothers are all confirmed to return. Sonia Kruger is back as host, but there is no word of Darren McMullen’s return.

Jessie J said: “I really enjoy coaching and teaching. And I love sharing my experiences and knowledge with hungry, aspiring, talented people. So being a Coach on The Voice combines those two things perfectly. Ellie (Drennan) winning was a highlight for me. To be front row watching such a lovely young woman have such a moment was inspiring. And to be there to hold her hand was great.

“I can’t wait to be back and bring what I’ve learnt during the break to the show and meet new singers who want to work hard.”

Delta Goodrem said: “I’m thrilled to be starting the new year with my fellow Coaches on a show that I’m very proud of being a part of, and looking forward to discovering great Australian talent.”

The Madden Brothers said: “The Voice 2015 was a huge show for us, taking Joe and Nathan all the way to the Grand Final, and also rocking the double chair. We can’t wait to get back to Oz and work with Jessie, Delta and Ronan on discovering some more amazing new talent, and hopefully take home the win this time.”

Ronan Keating’s music career started with Boyzone in the early 1990s and his first taste of success came in 1994 with their first hit, Love Me For A Reason. Since then he has not looked back. In five years with one of the biggest pop bands ever, he enjoyed success with 16 top five singles, six of which hit the No 1 spot. In 1999, he had his first solo No 1 hit with When You Say Nothing At All from the hit movie, Notting Hill.

In 22 years in the music industry, his impressive achievements include duetting with Elton John at Madison Square Garden, singing for the Pope, and hosting everything from Miss World and the Eurovision Song Contest to the MTV Europe Awards.

He has recorded with Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), written an autobiography, starred in his first movie, Goddess, guided Westlife to stardom, won a prestigious BMI European Songwriting Award, an Ivor Novello Award (also for songwriting) and been appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. In addition to his string of hits and numerous awards, in 2014 he added a new string to his bow by making his theatre debut to fabulous reviews in London for the lead role in Once. Today his prolific, varied and highly successful career shows no sign of slowing.

25 Responses

  1. So basically more of the same same for 2016? When are these networks going to realise that these type of shows are never going to retain or grow their audiences again while they keep copying each other and serving up the same shit. This is an Australian show produced locally, showcasing emerging Australian artists.. let’s celebrate our own successful musicians who have done well both here & overseas and have them mentor and coach the next round of participants lucky enough to make it on the show. I for one won’t be watching.

  2. Ronan was a genuinely nurturing mentor on The X factor and had a lot of great ideas and advice, if all 4 chairs turn the contestants would be mad not to chose him. its just a shame he is replacing Ricky instead of The Maddens who are getting more and more dull by the year.

  3. Ronan hasn’t been on The X-Factor for years. He was hardly poached. This season should start with all four judges signing a pledge that they won’t release or promote any new material during the course of the show. At the end of one season two of the judges pitted new singles against the winner.

    1. How has Ronan not been on The X Factor in years? It was only this year he wasn’t a judge and I believe it was due to conflicts with ‘Once’ a musical which he starred in. Besides that though he did still somewhat appear on this year’s series, as when he came to Australia he invited a few of the contestants to perform at something he was involved with. Forgot what it was actually but they showed him and a few pieces from the event considering he’d been a big part of The X Factor in Australia.

      So it seems a bit strange him now involving himself with The Voice, and the promotion for him totally avoiding the large role he played on The X Factor and what many know him for in Australia.

  4. That’s a shame. I think Ricky Martin really brought something unique to the show rather than just being another pop musician. He seemed to really care about the singers. While Ronan Keating is arguably a bigger name this decade, for me he doesn’t hold the same lustre. The show hasn’t been the same since the charismatic Seal left either.

  5. I like RIcky and Ronan…but I really like Ronan’s music….so I am glad he is there…
    I just watch the red chair bit in the beginning…but may watch more now…

  6. this smells of Mel B joining Australia’s Got Talent before her contract for X factor was officially over…cheeky nine stealing seven’s talent…i know his contract is over at x factor…i was joking!!

    1. Always going to happen when you have coaches who are current recording artists. Their schedules just won’t permit them to do it every year. The old Idol format in various countries had has-beens and producers as their judges (mostly, until the last few seasons of American Idol) so they could do it each year consistently.

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