A new series of The Voice UK is coming next year and the show is losing one coach but gaining another.
ITV announced on Friday morning that US pop star Meghan Trainor is joining the show, replacing Jennifer Hudson, who departs the show after two years. Reigning champion Olly Murs, Sir Tom Jones, and will.i.am are all returning to the spinning red chairs. Emma Willis is also returning as host.
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Trainor is no stranger to judging talent, having appeared as a judge on the US singing show The Four alongside Sean Combs and DJ Khaled. The Grammy award winning artist will now slide into the spinning red chair for her U.K. debut.
“I am so excited and honoured to join Sir Tom, Will and Olly as a coach on The Voice UK,” Trainor said in a statement. “It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait to sit in the chair with my own button and listen to some incredible new talent.”
Thursday night, Jennifer announced her departure from the show on social media, citing her filming commitments in America. The 38-year-old is playing Aretha Franklin in a biopic about the iconic singer as well as finshing work on big screen version of the musical Cats.
Hey y’all! I’m sad to share that I won’t be able to join my friends in the red chair for @thevoiceuk this season due to filming commitments here in the States. I sure will miss my UK family, but I’ll be back soon for ‘Cats’ and ‘Respect’! Throw some shoes for me in the mean time.
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) September 26, 2019
“I absolutely adore Jennifer and will massively miss her,” Willis said. “However, Meghan is a fab choice to add to the coaching line up and it’s always exciting when a new coach arrives on the show.”
The Voice UK returns to ITV in 2020.
