The Voice UK
Thinter Voicein UK season 3 has been pulling in millions of viewers. What producers realised was that Simon Cowell's little secretyou wasn't that we want to see the next big artist or karaoke renditions of pop songs.
The Voice UK has got a diverse range of judges that appeal to different age groups and fans of Ms Minogue, an icon that brings a down to earth family quality to television, is the right ingredient.
The Minogue Factor
Minogue has been around for decades. She has a loyal fan base. Minogue captures the hearts of those that grew up with her. As one contestant said, she has been an inspiration. She is the girl next door who achieved success, but remains one of us. If you haven't guessed, I am a fan.
In 2013, she signed on to Jay Z's label. The Voice brings her back into the limelight, following sister Danii's footsteps. It's a brilliant move by Minogue to go back to television. That's where she became a star. That's where she has an edge over artists. An audience of 10 million tuning in to see you every week and getting paid for it, with a new album on the way, she will be singing I should be so lucky all the way to the bank.
I was at Earls Court at one of her concerts shortly before her cancer diagnosis. Through her ups and downs in love and acting, trying to make it in the US, the little pop princess has kept her head held high and a smile on her face. Is it any wonder that the contestants all want her, even those who might be better fitted with other judges?
The Contestants
The contestants, though they lack the wow factor, are not so painful to watch and there is a certain genuine integrity that you feel this might be wholesome and undemanding viewing.
The Voice UK might not make one hit wonders. They don't have the money and marketing to make it happen. But its audience doesn't feel it is being manipulated to call and vote for their favourite. It gives some new talent the opportunity to make their dreams come true. It is a show about hope and simply tries to make you feel good. Three cheers for going back to basics.
The Voice - looking forward
Minogue brings a fresh fun vibe to a show which was becoming a little tired. She can tone down her enthusiasm a little. The dynamic with the other judges works and that too is important.
The contestants have room to grow and they are a good mix. The Voice UK is not compelling viewing yet. Bring in a few dynamite voices and personalities to shake it up.
This season is on its way to becoming massively big. Well done BBC. We love The Voice UK and Kylie Minogue so far - the ratings prove it.
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