The Voice Australia is struggling to keep pace with Nine’s The Block this year, and television insiders believe Channel Seven’s only hope lies in one man – Guy Sebastian.
Once one of the network’s flagship programs, the singing competition has seen audiences drift away, with fans online claiming it hasn’t felt the same since the ARIA winner walked away from his red chair.
Industry sources have claimed that Seven executives are under pressure to win back viewers.
‘The ratings against The Block aren’t where the network needs the show to be,’ one insider told Pedestrian on Wednesday.
‘And the feedback Seven keeps getting is simple: viewers want Guy Sebastian back.’
The Australian Idol winner was initially a controversial choice when he joined the coaching panel, but over time he became a fan favourite and was widely credited with giving the program genuine industry credibility.
The Voice Australia is struggling to keep pace with Nine’s The Block this year, and television insiders believe Channel Seven’s only hope lies in one man – Guy Sebastian (pictured)
Once one of the network’s flagship programs, the singing competition has seen audiences drift away, with fans online claiming it hasn’t felt the same since the ARIA winner walked away from his red chair. (Pictured L-R: Adam Lambert, LeAnn Rimes, Guy, Kate Miller-Heidke)
Rumours have since circulated that Sebastian was reluctant to return if it meant working again with fellow coach Kate Miller-Heidke, with whispers of tension between the pair on set.
Sebastian, however, has strongly denied any animosity, insisting the speculation is unfounded.
‘All I’ll say is that these rumoured sources are always so weird to me and they couldn’t be any further from the truth,’ he told the outlet.
‘I’ve never had anything but love for Kate.’
He went on to praise Miller-Heidke, recalling their first meeting early in her career and describing her as a rare talent.
‘We have always been mates when we’ve bumped into each other and musically/creatively/vocally, I think she’s a weapon,’ he said.
Sebastian explained that his departure was simply to clear his schedule, finish his album and focus on touring commitments, not because of behind-the-scenes drama.
He admitted he would ‘absolutely return if I was in the right headspace,’ but added that 2025 is already locked in for touring and personal commitments.
Rumours have since circulated that Sebastian was reluctant to return if it meant working again with fellow coach Kate Miller-Heidke, with whispers of tension between the pair on set
Meanwhile, tensions on the current coaching panel have continued to make headlines, with industry talk pointing to friction between Kate Miller-Heidke and Richard Marx.
Sources allege that heated clashes during the blind auditions prompted Marx to walk out on multiple occasions.
According to insiders, producers had hoped the international line-up featuring Marx, Mel C and Ronan Keating would deliver fresh energy to the franchise.
But the rumoured feuds have left some questioning whether the panel can be brought back together for another season.
