The Voice UK coach replacing LeAnn Rimes revealed as ITV hires US superstar who’s friends with Beyoncé for new series
KELLY Rowland has been announced as LeAnn Rimes’ replacement on The Voice UK.
ITV has signed up the Grammy-winning Destiny’s Child singer, 44, ahead of filming for the talent show’s 14th series, which begins this summer.
Kelly, who previously judged on The X Factor UK in 2011 and coached on The Voice Australia, said she is “excited” to be joining the panel.
LeAnn, 42, left the show earlier this year to refocus on her US career and is set to appear as a mentor on the American version of the format alongside Sheryl Crow.
Kelly said: “I am excited to join The Voice UK as a coach, and am looking forward to working with the excellent and passionate coaches the show is known for.
“I can’t wait to hear all the new talent and to go to battle for my team. Let’s go!”
Kelly will appear alongside returning coaches will.i.am, 50, Sir Tom Jones, 84, and McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, both 39.
Kelly said: “I am excited to join The Voice UK as a coach, and am looking forward to working with the excellent and passionate coaches the show is known for.
“I can’t wait to hear all the new talent and to go to battle for my team. Let’s go!”
The Sun revealed last month LeAnn had quit The Voice.
A source said: “LeAnn loved her time on the UK show, but wants to focus on her career in the States.
“She was hugely popular with cast and crew and everybody loved having her as part of the team.
“Bosses are currently on the lookout for another female singer to join the all-star line-up, they haven’t made a decision just yet but are having conversations.”
“The show will film for the 14th series later this summer,” they added.
“Producers know they’ve had some amazing names so far, from Olly Murs to Anne-Marie, so they want to secure someone who will cause a lot of excitement around the show and bring a new energy to the competition.”
An ITV spokeswoman declined to comment at the time.
Danny and Tom won the last series after mentoring up-and-coming singer Ava Manning.
She walked away with a recording deal with Universal, £50,000 cash prize, and a holiday to Universal Resort, Orlando.
They joined LeAnn as new judges and mentors for that series.