Rival Aussie TV Network Poaches 'The Voice' From Nine

After nine seasons, The Voice Australia is leaving the Nine network. 

It has been announced that the Seven network has commissioned the singing competition series from ITV Studios Australia and will screen the tenth season in 2021, with Sonia Kruger to host. 

"This is a coup for Seven," CEO and Managing Director James Warburton said.

"Adding The Voice to our 2021 program slate is another brick in the wall of our content-led growth strategy of using proven, power formats.

"The Voice is a television megabrand that will deliver on our promise of more tentpoles, audience growth and consistency across the year. It is a strong performer in BVOD and will give audiences what they want: the world’s best television.”

Director of Programming, Angus Ross, added, “The Voice remains the biggest entertainment show in Australia averaging over 1.5 million viewers each week – delivering on broadcast, demographics and streaming.

"We jumped at the opportunity to bring this juggernaut into Seven’s 2021 schedule. Our plans to supercharge the format are well underway.”

In a statement given to The Music today, Nine responded to the news. 

“Unfortunately due to the age of the show and declining demographic profile, The Voice had become by far the poorest financial performer on our slate. We wish 7 well in their quest to revive yet another Nine show," a Nine spokesperson said.

"We are very excited about the schedule we have now set for reinvigorating our slate and we will have announcements at our upfronts on September 16. We remain focused on our audience and the financial performance of Nine."

It is not yet known if the coaching panel of Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Boy George and Kelly Rowland will remain or be changed for the 2021 series. 

The news comes after the brother of Guy Sebastian, Chris Sebastian, was crowned this year's winner in controversial circumstances.

Hitting back at claims that the win was "rigged", Sebastian told The Music last month, "To the people who are upset, I’m really sorry you feel that way, but it’s not rigged, I can assure you.

"It’s a public vote through a third-party agency that has nothing to do with the network or the show and then lawyers oversee it and they pass on the details to the network."