The Voice Australia fans slam the new hosts of the show - including one very iconic musician and a Spice Girl: 'Is this an April Fools' joke?'
Fans of Channel Seven's The Voice Australia have given a mixed reaction to the announcement of this year's judges, with some slamming the new lineup.
Only one returning coach is back for season 14 of the hit singing show, while three global music stars will also sit in the iconic red chairs.
Mel C, aka The Spice Girls' Sporty Spice, is on the panel searching for Australia's next singing sensation, alongside Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Richard Marx and multi-platinum hitmaker Ronan Keating.
Fan favourite Kate Miller-Heidke returns after making her coaching debut last season.
'I just know the network scrambled when Guy [Sebastian] announced his departure,' one user commented on Instagram.
Fans of Channel Seven's The Voice Australia have been left stunned after this year's brand new coaches were announced. Pictured: Coach Kate Miller-Heidke
International chart-topping artist Melanie C will be searching for Australia's next singing sensation alongside Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Richard Marx and multi-platinum selling hitmaker Ronan Keating. Fan favourite Kate Miller-Heidke is also back
'And the death of Voice Australia is complete,' added another.
'This is the most random panel ever. I guess April Fools came early?' one viewer remarked.
'Must have been some serious budget cuts this year,' someone else wrote.
However, some viewers are looking forward to seeing international stars judging Australia's local talent.
'I might actually watch this year now that there is a Spice Girl for a judge,' one person wrote.
'Mel C that's big. Looking forward to her!' another added.
'OMG. Richard Marx is my all time favourite. Can't wait,' a fan exclaimed.
'Great to see Ronan back,' said one.
Ronan Keating was a coach on The Voice Australia in 2016
'I've always thought @therichardmarx would make a great coach on The Voice,' someone penned.
All four coaches are looking forward to the shakeup, with the show set to air later this year.
'I have always cherished my trips down under over the years, so to be there with such a super line up of coaches in one of my favourite countries is a real honour,' Melanie C said.
'Also very happy to be missing some of the British winter! Very much looking forward to unearthing some brilliant talent to join Team Melanie.'
Meanwhile, Richard Marx said: 'I'm excited to have the opportunity to meet and nurture some truly talented singers. But I'm also just very happy to be coming to stay in Australia for an extended time. My love affair with Oz began in 1977 when I was 13 and my parents brought me with them for a month-long trip. After many more visits on tour playing to thousands and thousands of Aussie fans, it's become a home away from home.'
Ronan Keating said: 'I've had a love affair with Australia since I first set foot on Aussie shores nearly three decades ago, so I can't wait to get back to the country where I also met and fell in love with my wife; a country that I now have family and feel right at home in.
Guy Sebastian (pictured) resigned from The Voice Australia last year after six years
Kate Miller-Heidke said: 'I'm absolutely stoked to be coming back to The Singing Olympics aka The Voice this year.
'Singing is an endlessly fascinating art form with the mystical power of connecting people. I'm excited to meet the new coaches, all of whom are incredible artists, and to uncover some brand-new artists to join Team Kate.'
It comes after Guy Sebastian quit The Voice Australia last year.
The Australian Idol winner shared the announcement to Instagram across several black and white slides.
He began by congratulating the show's 2024 winner Reuben De Melo, before detailing how he came to his decision.
Guy was a judge on the show alongside Kate, LeAnn Rimes and Adam Lambert in 2024
'I have nothing but good things to say about the show itself, and sharing the panel with such amazing coaches has been a pleasure.'
'For me right now, it's time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music.
'I am busy planning shows in Australia and worldwide and I am really looking forward to getting out and connecting with you all there.'
The Battle Scars singer also said he fully intended to return.
'Whoever has the audacity to take my chair, don't get too comfortable… I will wrestle for it back with zero dignity when I'm ready to return,' he wrote.
Channel Seven let him go with their blessing.
'Guy has been a powerhouse coach for The Voice on Seven. His mentorship and command of artistry has been inspirational to our Voice artists and viewers alike, as well as the production team and all at Seven,' commented Seven Network Chief Content Officer, Brook Hall.
'We thank Guy for his unwavering passion and positive energy on set, and wish him well for next year, the release of his new album and his live shows.'
