Kelly Rowland brings star power to The Voice UK as first-look images reveal new judging panel

Kelly Rowland is set to make her debut on The Voice UK, bringing a touch of glamour to the judging panel as the show returns for its 14th series.

The first-look images show the Destiny’s Child star posing alongside fellow coaches Will.i.am, Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Tom Jones, with Emma Willis returning as host.

Rowland, 45, joins the ITV talent show after replacing LeAnn Rimes, who left the series after one season.

For the promotional shoot, the singer wore a plunging blue satin peplum top with a matching pencil skirt as she posed with the rest of the cast ahead of Saturday’s launch.

Kelly Rowland reveals what she wants from contestants

Rowland said she wants to look beyond vocal ability when deciding which singers deserve a place on her team.

“I’m the coach who wants to get to know you, not just your voice,” she said. “I’m not necessarily looking for the perfect voice. I’m looking for an artist that makes you feel something.”

She added that she hopes to give contestants confidence during their time on the show.

“There’s so much negativity in the world so if I make the contestants feel stronger, more confident and seen, that’s what I will do.”

Rowland joins the UK panel with Will.i.am, Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Tom Jones.

Emma Willis, 50, said she was impressed by Rowland when she joined the team.

“We’re back. Kelly Rowland has joined us and she’s just incredible. She’s everything you’d want from a coach,” Willis said.

“I was in awe of her! Then we’ve got the other brilliant coaches who work so well together. I think every series we get more and more out of them and their dynamic.

“Then of course, we’ve got all the things that everyone knows and loves about The Voice UK.”

A long-awaited return to ITV

The new series will finally air on ITV after its launch was delayed several times.

The judges filmed the first part of the auditions in 2024. Last June, it was reported that the series had been pushed back until the beginning of this year, before the premiere was postponed again in February.

The Voice UK last aired in 2024, when McFly stars Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher led their contestant Ava Manning to victory.

Manning won a Universal record deal, £50,000 in prize money and a luxury holiday to Universal Resort in Orlando.

Kelly Rowland’s experience on talent shows

Rowland brings considerable experience to the judging role. She first became a global star in the late 1990s as a founding member of Destiny’s Child before establishing a successful solo career.

She has also appeared as a judge on The X Factor and spent several years working as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Her arrival marks a new chapter for The Voice UK as the series returns with its familiar judging line-up and a new addition to the red chairs.

The Voice UK airs Saturdays from August 22 at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.