Interview with Ricky Wilson on the set of The Voice UK

We talk to new judge Ricky Wilson as he joins The Voice UK

Ricky Wilson is the frontman of British band Kaiser Chiefs, who have topped the charts with “Ruby” and held Top 10 chart positions with songs including “I Predict A Riot”, “Every Day I Love You Less and Less” and “Oh My God”. Among their many achievements, Kaiser Chiefs have won three Brit Awards, been nominated for a Mercury Prize, an Ivor Novello Award and have had four Top 10 albums. In 2012 they performed at the Olympic Closing Ceremony in London.

What was your reaction when you were first offered the role of coach on The Voice UK?

It happened pretty late in the day, as it was only a few weeks before we went to film. But I threw myself into it all. I have spent the last ten years of my life not making any decisions at all. And then suddenly this thing came along and it felt like a big decision. I am really enjoying it.

So what are you enjoying?

It is incredible watching the contestants’ development. They make each other learn. It’s good to learn stuff and I didn’t think I wanted to learn more but Kylie, Will and Tom have all taught me loads. It has been really inspiring.

What have you learned from them then?

They work really hard. They are all really famous and massive stars but they work long hours. Tom has been great and he has really helped me a lot. He has given me a lot of advice. We went out for a Chinese the other night and it was lovely. It doesn’t feel like there is any competition (between us all). It feels like you want the best for the whole thing.

What kind of coach are you?

As head coach - Tom, Will and Kylie will all agree that I hold the team together. Without me, it would fall apart! I am just kidding!

Do the contestants pull at your heartstrings?

At the time, no they didn’t. It is only when I got back to the hotel and started thinking about everything that you realise it is tough. When you get to know them, learn about their story and you see stuff in them that you recognise in yourself, it can get tough. I had my big break 10 years ago but I still recognise their drive and determination.

Are you pleased with your team?

Of course - I think I can win! I know them now and I have a connection with them. Even if they weren’t any good, I would feel the same - but they are good.

Would you have done a show like this?

It is an impossible question to answer. I would have done everything. Times have changed and so I don’t know. There was nothing like this back then. But maybe I would have if there were.

Why do you think The Voice UK is a good show?

It is different. Each stage has got a part to play. I am learning as I go along. I have been a fan of Saturday night TV since I was a kid. You realise how important it all is. It’s a real launch pad for the contestants. At first it is all about the best voice, but then other things start to creep in once you get to the next stage.

Does image play a part?

Yes it does. Image and personality both do. Some people who don’t have as good voices as others can trounce them in their personality. They look scared and think ‘how can we beat them?’ but they light up the room with their personality. Barbara Streisand has got one of the greatest voices in the world but her personality is so important too.

You have had an incredible career...

I don’t think I have had yet. Ambition does not stop. You can’t turn it off. You just want to get bigger and bigger - there's no off switch as far as ambition is concerned.

What advice have you been giving your team?

To try to be in the right place at the right time. To do that, you have to be in as many places as many times as you can. You should never sit around waiting for it to bite you.

What has surprised you the most about doing The Voice UK?

How emotionally attached you get to the people. I thought it was just TV. But it’s real. You do care about them, you care about everybody else’s team and you care about all the coaches.

Summing up, it sounds like it is an interesting experience for you?

Yes definitely. I will look back on it and think it has been crazy and surreal. But that’s what life is about. Everything has to change. I don’t like staying still.

Many thanks to Ricky and the BBC

Interview with Kylie Minogue at rehearsals for The Voice UK

We talk to Kylie Minogue about her role as coach on the new series of BBC One's The Voice UK.

Grammy award-winner and undisputed pop icon Kylie exploded onto the music scene in 1987 and has not only become a chart-topping, multi-award-winning global artist, but also a fashion icon, designer, entrepreneur, actress and philanthropist. With over 68 million records sold worldwide, 10 world tours, successful albums and over 50 hit singles internationally, she is one of the world’s most loved artists.

What was your reaction when you were offered the role as coach on The Voice UK?

I watched the first two series and I really got into the show. I did think about it for a while, as it was such a big commitment for me. I have never done anything like this before – but it feels like the right time and now I am doing it, the overall experience has been amazing.

How did you find the blind auditions?

They were really nerve-wracking as to when you should press the button. So many things were going through my mind. Even though Tom has done the show before, he still said it was nerve-wracking, too, because you are still dealing with a fresh batch of people.

What have you enjoyed the most?

I have found it really amazing that the landscape changes all the time. You analyse it and think you have the right answers but then it changes again.

What have you been looking for in the talent?

I thought I would be looking for voices I could relate to but actually, I turned for voices that are nothing to do with me. I was a just a fan of that voice. It has been an amazing experience to hear some of their voices.

Did you find it strange not being able to see them sing?

Definitely - and I wish everyone could experience this. It is not as simple as watching it at home! You think it is a guy and then it is a girl. You just don’t know. You form a picture in your mind from your set of life experiences about what the voice says to you, and then you turn around and it is very different. The hardest thing I have found is saying no to people.

Are you pleased with your team?

Yes I am. Again, it is like a horse race. You think one is in front and then someone else overtakes them. Your decision is turned again.

What kind of coach are you?

I am strict if I have to be. I want them to feel they have the support from me. I have been advising them on things that I have learned as a performer like light and shade, delivering the song in a certain way or showing them how to use the stage in a certain way.

What do you expect in return?

I would be disappointed if they didn’t take it seriously. The public want to know they have got someone who is giving it their best shot. This is an amazing opportunity for them all.

Is image important?

Of course it is. You need the whole package. If it were just solely about the voice, then you would not need a stage, hair, make-up or lights. I could just sit in a dark room and I wouldn’t have to get ready!

Will has said it is warmer on the show now you have joined. What do you think?

I feel like I have struck gold with three great guys. It is nice to feel we are all in the same boat and I like having the three of them around with me. It feels like a great team.

Has the competitive spirit in you come out yet?

She has come out already! She has shown her face! I do care about it a lot and even when I go home, I find myself thinking about what is the best thing to do.

What would it mean to you if you won?

It would be the cherry on the top. I actually think, however, it is more about the experience of doing it. It has to be – that is what you are aiming for of course.

What has surprised you the most about doing this show?

How it keeps changing. The stuff happening behind the scenes is really interesting. Sometimes it is incredibly interesting and sometimes it feels close to painful when you have to say no!

Your career speaks for itself but would you have gone on a show like The Voice UK?

I get asked this all the time but I think as a teenager, I probably would have loved to have gone on it. I think I would have daydreamed about going on it. Would I have made it through? I have no idea. I did make a demo when I was 17. I was already acting by then but I did have the bravery and guts to do that.

And finally, do you feel like you are going on an exciting journey right now with The Voice UK?

Definitely. It is like a lot of life experience – there are ups and downs. I console myself by reminding myself that the contestants do know the rules of the show and so it can’t be a happy ending for everyone. But hopefully they will learn from it and come back another year.

Our thanks to Kylie and the BBC