Sir Tom Jones, 84, has opened up about the one thing that gets him to turn his chair when listening to contestants that come onto the ITV reality show – hinting he feels he has the series winner.
The She’s A Lady hit-maker is gearing up for the talent show’s new series, set to air this weekend, alongside the likes of Will.i.am and new coahes Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and singer LeAnn Rimes.
Ahead of the show’s return, he gave some insight into what viewers can expect of the new series, and what he is looking for in the talent this year.
He explained: “I’m always listening for something that surprises me, something that is not run of the mill. Sometimes people want to sound like someone else, but I want someone individual and natural.
“What amazes me is the brilliant voices that we discover every single year. This year we have a fresh bunch of singers and that’s what we are looking for. I look at The Voice as being an amazing platform for our homegrown singers to showcase to the world.”
Giving advice to the contestants and what makes his chair spin, Jones added: “Be yourself. Don’t try to copy somebody – take advice from people but at the end of the day you have to make your own decisions.”
Last year, viewers and coaches Olly Murs and Anne-Marie were left stunned when it was announced the pair would not be returning for the upcoming series, with Murs being part of the show since 2014, and Anne-Marie since 2021.
ITV boss’s decision received major backlash, and left Jones to speak about the new judges, telling Metro: “Well, it’s interesting. Again, that’s an exciting part. If it was the same coaches all the time it would get boring for the viewers, I think.
“So, it’s nice to work with others. So far so good. Everybody who has come on has fit in and they haven’t taken away. Personalities always come through, which is needed.”
Fans will also be delighted to know that Jones has no intention of leaving the show and added: “Well as long as they want me (I will stay). I mean I love doing it because I like helping singers. I would do it anyway. When young singers come up to me and ask a question, I will give them an answer.
“If I have time, I will talk to them and share what I think they should do in order to go forward.”
The 83-year-old recently opened up about having no plans to retire from his decade-long singing career, telling The Daily Mirror: “Well, thank God my voice is still working. I am 83 years old.
“I mean I can’t believe it, but it is true. When I am singing I am like, ‘How the hell is this coming out of me?’ Honestly. If the voice was not there I am sure I would be going ‘Urgh, I don’t want to do so many shows’ but I love it as the voice is still working!”
Recalling some of the big names he’s rubbed shoulders with throughout the years, he told the publication: “When I finally got to the US, someone said to me, ‘Elvis is here. He would like to say hello’.
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“I had this ballad out at the time called With These Hands and there was Elvis walking to me singing it.
“All I can remember thinking was, ‘Jesus Christ. It was Elvis Presley walking towards me singing my song!’.”
