The
race is now on for a new judge to replace Keith Urban after he confirmed he was
leaving The Voice Australia. Picture: Channel 9 Source:
Supplied
Holly Byrnes, News Limited Network, reports
Will it be another Nashville twang, the laddish tone of a Brit or perhaps a hip-hop American sound?
Just who will replace Australian country star Keith Urban on The Voice Australia emerged a star search series in itself yesterday, after the Grammy winner pulled the plug on returning to the Channel 9 blockbuster and prepares to ink a deal on a revamped American Idol.
His exit was no surprise to the local and TV music industries, with Urban expected to confirm a new $4 million contract to star alongside Mariah Carey, Nicky Minaj and Randy Jackson on the rival US singing reboot.
While the Caboolture crooner's defection is a blow to Nine, the race has opened up for his replacements, with The Voice USA's Blake Shelton, Brit bad boy Robbie Williams and Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am believed to be early targets by producers.
With Seal, Delta Goodrem and Joel Madden reportedly locked in for season two, finding the right personality to balance the coaching ranks is the hottest casting challenge on Australian TV.
Production insiders yesterday ruled out Team Keith mentor Darren Hayes for any promotion to the main red chair, as well as bookmakers' favourite Shannon Noll.
Nine's Mornings co-host David Campbell won a massive Twitter following for his father Jimmy Barnes to score the gig, with the Cold Chisel frontman known to be up for the job.
Also believed to be on the wish list is Coldplay's Chris Martin, Kanye West and Foo Fighter Dave Grohl (although tour commitments and his public dislike of talent shows would make his signing the coup of the century).
Claiming honouring Aussie status and flying the femme flag, Pink was also among replacement whispers, with the original pop princess Kylie Minogue also linked.
The role proved a lucrative platform for Urban, who leveraged the popularity of the program into album sales - hitting number one in Australia for the first time, at the competition's on-air peak.
A grateful Urban said: "As much as I'd love to do it again, it's clear that the recording and promoting of a new album, a tour and other commitments, will keep me from being a part of the second season.
"To everyone who sang on the show, I thank you, you've inspired not just me, but countless others. To everyone behind the scenes and to my on-camera family Darren, Delta, Joel and Seal, thank you for making it so much fun. Keep watching Australia!''
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