If there was any question NBC’s The Voice made a less-than-phenomenal impression, the show’s recent contract with Australia’s Nine Network should adequately quell them. Shine Australia and Talpa Productions have announced they are doing a Nine Network version that will feature the same format as NBC’s The Voice, which ran its first season this spring. While knowledge of an overseas show doesn’t particularly inform Cinema Blend’s mostly American/Canadian fanbase, it does prove The Voice has made a cultural impact and will return with a vengeance. Which chiefly means The Voice will pour money into an advertising and production budget that rivals last season, if not exceeds it.
The American version of The Voice wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. Its episodes averaged 10 million viewers, and its finale hit nearly 11 million. If you haven’t watched the program, NBC has the entire season currently available online or, if you want a quickie recap, you can watch the winner get crowned.
There’s really no question The Voice has nearly as enchanting of a format as American Idol. However, a show is only as good as its cast, and the Australian version of The Voice will need to rival Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and co. to match in success. There’s no official word on who might judge the Australian version of the series, only that Mel B. is likely out (she’s judging Australia’s version of The X Factor). According to THR there are rumors producers want to hire Christina Aguilera for the Australian version, as well. Nothing is set in stone for the Australian production, yet, but here’s to hoping they find a host who is more Ryan Seacrest-y than Carson Daly-y.
