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LeAnn Rimes has reportedly stepped away from The Voice UK after just one season as a coach, with sources claiming the Grammy-winning singer is shifting her focus back to her career in the United States. The surprise departure comes less than a year after the American star joined the ITV talent show, following a major shake-up in the coaching panel that saw longtime favourites Olly Murs and Anne-Marie axed.
Rimes, 42, was brought in alongside McFly bandmates Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, joining returning coaches Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am for the 2023 season. The revamped panel brought fresh energy to the show, and their season ultimately ended in victory for Ava, coached by Fletcher and Jones. Despite the success, it seems LeAnn is ready to bow out.
According to a source quoted by The Sun, Rimes “loved her time on the UK show,” but she’s decided to prioritise upcoming projects in the U.S., where she is set to appear as a mega mentor on The Voice USA, reportedly alongside country legend Sheryl Crow. “She was hugely popular with cast and crew, and everybody loved having her as part of the team,” the insider added.
The news marks another twist in the ever-evolving Voice UK line-up. Producers are now said to be hunting for a high-profile female artist to fill the void left by Rimes, with hopes of securing someone who can match the buzz previously brought by names like Anne-Marie and Olly Murs. “They want to bring in someone who will cause a lot of excitement and bring a new energy to the show,” the source explained.
Credit: ITV/ Rachel Joseph/ Shutterstock
Filming for the show’s 14th season is expected to begin later this summer, and Danny Jones is reportedly confirmed to return, despite recently making headlines over his behaviour in the wake of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, after being photographed kissing fellow contestant Maura Higgins.
Rimes, who shot to fame as a teenager and has sold over 48 million records worldwide, had spoken previously about why she chose to join The Voice UK, citing its “kindness” over harsher talent shows of the past. “You want to give people creative criticism, not shatter their hopes and dreams,” she told Metro last year.
She also served as a coach on The Voice Australia, winning the competition with her act Reuben De Melo, but was not asked back for the following season. At the time, a TV insider said she was considered a “one and done coach.”
Credit: Channel Seven
Rimes recently teased new chapters in her career on Instagram, writing: “May, I am SO ready for you and the exciting new journey I am about to embark on! Stay tuned…”
As for The Voice UK, viewers can now expect yet another shift in the coaching line-up, as producers race to find a replacement worthy of keeping the show’s momentum going into its 14th year.
