'Biggest shake-up' in the history of The Voice Australia as Tones and I joins the judging panel

1 week ago 17

By MARTA JARY, SHOWBUSINESS NIGHT EDITOR, AUSTRALIA

Published: 14:52 BST, 8 June 2026 | Updated: 14:54 BST, 8 June 2026

The Voice Australia is undergoing what the show has touted as its 'biggest shake-up' ever. 

The singing competition returns later this year with a new judge in the iconic red chair - none other than chart-topping pop superstar, Tones and I. 

It was revealed in a promo for the Channel Seven show on Monday that the Dance Monkey singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, is part of the upcoming line-up. 

Rather than replacing one of the existing four judges, Tones will become a fifth judge, marking a format change for the series.  

'One of Australia's most successful contemporary artists, the inimitable vocalist, lyricist and producer is eager to make her mark on The Voice stage,' the network announced in a press release. 

'With a powerhouse coaching line-up and a new generation of artists ready to take the stage, The Voice 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable season.'

The Voice Australia is undergoing what the show has touted as its 'biggest shake-up' ever. The singing competition returns later this year with a new judge in the iconic red chair - no other than chart-topping pop superstar, Tones and I (pictured) 

'The superstar coaches will never see it coming,' a voiceover in the clip is heard saying

The promo shows Tones taking her seat to join the panel, who will apparently be surprised to learn she's joining them.

'The superstar coaches will never see it coming,' a voiceover in the clip is heard saying. 

Tones will join the returning judges, including Spice Girls star Melanie C, American crooner Richard Marx and Irish pop icon Ronan Keating. 

Also coming back for the new season is Australian singer Kate Miller-Heidke. 

The hit reality show is set to return to Seven and 7Plus screens 'soon', the promo announced, however, an air date has not yet been revealed. 

Last year, there were calls for Guy Sebastian to return to the judging panel, after the Aussie pop star departed the show in 2024. 

Rumours have circulated that Sebastian was reluctant to return if it meant working again with fellow coach Miller-Heidke, with whispers of tension between the pair on set.

Sebastian, however, has strongly denied any animosity, insisting the speculation is unfounded.

Rather than replacing one of the existing four judges, Tones will become a fifth judge, marking a format change for the series. Tones will join the returning judges, including Spice Girls star Melanie C, American crooner Richard Marx and Irish pop icon Ronan Keating. All pictured 

Last year, there were concerns for the future of the series after it suffered a ratings collapse after the Blind Auditions.

A former EP warned that the show has failed to launch a single breakout chart star, calling it a 'huge red flag' for longevity.

With frequent coach changes - most recently Guy Sebastian's shock exit - and an overreliance on imported judges like Melanie C and Richard Marx, some fans say the format feels increasingly stale. 

The Voice has survived scandal after scandal - from Guy Sebastian's brother winning the show to Jason Derulo's outside legal troubles. 

Meanwhile, tensions on the current coaching panel have continued to make headlines, with industry talk pointing to friction between Miller-Heidke and Marx. 

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