The Seven Network has commissioned a new season of The Voice for next year, taking the show from its current home on Nine. However, Nine has taken a swipe at Seven, wishing the network well in reviving “another Nine show”.
The singing competition, which has had nine seasons in Australia, will form part of Seven’s “content-led” growth strategy which kicked off with Big Brother, also previously on Nine, earlier this year.
“This is a coup for Seven. 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,” says James Warburton, Seven CEO and managing director.
“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.”
While the show has pulled in strong audiences over the year, the latest season finale of The Voice on Nine was down in ratings compared to last year, finishing with 911,000 metro viewers.
Nine has wished Seven well in its attempt to revive the show, saying The Voice was its poorest performer.
“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,” a Nine spokesperson says.
“We wish 7 well in their quest to revive yet another Nine show.
“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 focussed on our audience and the financial performance of Nine.”
Seven says it will revamp the show, as it did with Big Brother and Farmer Wants a Wife.
The new season, to be hosted by Sonia Kruger, will adopt a “tighter format” next year to match viewing trends.
“This is truly a significant day. It is the beginning of a new era of The Voice in Australia which is still the biggest entertainment brand globally,” says David Mott, CEO and managing director of ITV Studios Australia.
“Seven did not hesitate in securing the rights when this opportunity came up and we cannot wait to get cracking on the series for 2021….and to welcome Sonia back to the biggest entertainment stage on Australian television.”
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