The Voice UK 2017: the intense new twist, Jennifer Hudson’s voice, a Diamond from McDonald's – everything to know about Episode 1

The singing competition is back on a new home for 2017
High note: Jennifer Hudson impresses in the opening episode of The Voice UK 2017
ITV
Ben Travis7 January 2017

The start of a new year means the return of singing competition The Voice UK – but there are some changes this time around.

The show has moved to ITV and has some new faces on board in coaches Jennifer Hudson and Gavin Rossdale.

Here are our tips of what to look out for in Episode 1.

1) The seriously awkward new twist

This year there’s a new rule, where if no coach decides to turn around for a singer they won’t receive any feedback – and just have to leave the stage.

The Voice 2017 Launch - In pictures

1/10

On the one hand it makes for fewer glib ‘sorry we didn’t pick you’ exchanges, but also creates some pretty awkward moments for unsuccessful contestants.

“That’s gotta be tough,” says Jennifer Hudson. “Singing your heart out, hoping someone turns around.”

In short: it is.

2) Jennifer Hudson’s incredible voice

One of the new coaches makes a huge impact in the new episode. US R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, who rose to fame through American Idol in 2004, makes for great TV – and her voice is incredible.

In the opening judge number and later in the episode, she shows exactly why she’s on the panel, belting out huge notes with pure ease.

3) Gavin Rossdale vs Tom Jones

Elsewhere on the coaching panel, it seems that two of the mentors have very similar tastes – Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones, and new face Gavin Rossdale.

The pair are often competing for the same acts – so expect some good bargaining between them through the series.

4) A Diamond who shines brightly

No spoilers here on tonight’s acts – but keen an eye out for McDonald's worker Diamond, who surely won’t be flipping burgers for much longer. Oh, and the mention of her job sets Will.I.Am off on a bizarre rant about Nando's for some reason.

ITV, 8pm, Saturday

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

MORE ABOUT