Calling all Devon singers!

The Voice UK is back and looking in Devon for talented singers and groups to audition for their next series. The Voice UK is a British television singing competition that debuted on BBC One in 2012 and later moved to ITV in 2017. Based on the original Dutch format, The Voice of Holland, the show is part of the global Voice franchise and stands out for its unique "blind audition" format, where contestants sing for a panel of celebrity coaches who initially only hear (and not see) the contestant perform. This format means the judges look for vocal talent over appearance, making it distinctive among talent shows.

The competition consists of several stages:

1. Blind Auditions: Contestants perform for the coaches, who are seated with their backs to the stage. If a coach likes what they hear, they hit a button to turn their chair around and see the contestant. If more than one coach turns around, the contestant chooses which coach they want to work with.

2. Battle Rounds: Contestants within each coach’s team are paired to sing a duet, and the coach decides who advances to the next round. Coaches also have the opportunity to "steal" a contestant eliminated by another coach.

3. Knockouts: The remaining contestants perform individual songs, and each coach selects which singers will advance to the live shows.

4. Live Shows: Contestants perform live, with the audience voting to determine who moves forward each week. The final decision in the closing rounds is a combination of coach and audience votes.

5. Final: The last few contestants face off, with the winner being decided by the public vote. The winner receives a cash prize and a recording contract.

Over the years, The Voice UK has featured a rotating panel of high-profile musicians as coaches, including:

• Will.i.am – Known for his work with The Black Eyed Peas, has been a staple on the show since its beginning.

• Sir Tom Jones – Legendary Welsh singer, known for classics like “It’s Not Unusual,” has also been a long-running coach.

• Olly Murs – A popular pop singer and former X Factor contestant.

• Jennifer Hudson, Meghan Trainor, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Wilson, Rita Ora, Boy George, and Anne-Marie – have all served as coaches in various seasons, bringing their own musical insights and styles to the panel.

While The Voice UK hasn't consistently produced chart-topping superstars, it has been instrumental in showcasing raw vocal talent and giving performers a significant platform. Artists like Becky Hill (who was on the show in 2012) have found considerable success, with Hill becoming one of the most successful alumni of The Voice franchise worldwide.

Thw show's emphasis on talent over image has resonated with audiences who enjoy seeing underdog stories and vocal talent shine. While it faced competition from other talent shows like The X Factor, The Voice UK has carved out its own niche by providing an inclusive and supportive environment for contestants.

Do you have what it takes? Applications are open now. If you're looking for a great cash prize and a record deal, head over to https://www.itv.com/beontv/articles/thevoice2024 to apply.