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Tones And I Joins 'The Voice Australia' As Surprise Fifth Coach

Mary Varvaris

Tones And I's surprise addition has been described as "the biggest shake-up in 'The Voice' history."

Tones And I at the Riverstage, Brisbane
Tones And I at the Riverstage, Brisbane(Credit: Bianca Hinton)

Tones And I – real name Toni Watson – has joined The Voice Australia as a secret coach, according to a video promo posted on social media on Monday night (8 June).

Described as “the biggest shake-up in The Voice history,” a new video revealed that the Dance Monkey hitmaker will lead ‘Team Tones’ alongside returning coaches: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Richard Marx, Spice Girl Melanie C, Irish crooner Ronan Keating, and Australian acclaimed performer, Kate Miller-Heidke.

“I love this,” Tones And I exclaimed in a TV advertisement that launched on Monday night, during the premiere episode of Farmer Wants A Wife on Seven. It was also shared on social media.

According to the teaser, the other judges seemingly have “no idea” that the Aussie singer is joining the cast. Watson added, “I’m so excited. The other Coaches have no idea that I’m even here!”

A voiceover notes, “the superstar coaches will never see it coming.”

Check out the video below.

The Daily Telegraph notes that speculation about Tones And I joining The Voice Australia as a coach has followed her for years, with rumours dating back to 2020.

The official description about Watson’s addition from Seven reads (per The Nightly), “One of Australia’s most successful contemporary artists, the inimitable vocalist, lyricist and producer is eager to make her mark on The Voice stage.

“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.”

This year’s season of The Voice Australia is reportedly coming “soon” to Seven and 7plus.

Watson has been performing as a musician since 2009, but burst onto the music scene in 2019 after her busking career led to a record deal with Sony Music Australia and the release of her second single, Dance Monkey.

The track was a viral sensation, topping charts around the world, and was certified as the most-streamed song by a female artist in 2023.

Tones And I’s most recent album, Beautifully Ordinary, arrived in August 2024 and became her second consecutive record to top the Australian charts.

Last year’s season of The Voice was won by Alyssa Delpopolo, a singer on Miller-Heidke’s team. She took home a $100,000 cash prize and an all-inclusive recording development package including production, recording, mixing, mastering and access to Australia’s leading A&R and label services.