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Winning a major singing competition can be a fast track route to career success. But how does it work and what’s involved? Find out how to apply for The Voice UK auditions . It may be the first step toward a recording contract and national fame. There’s much competition for that winning spot, so it’s important you understand what you’ll need to do and how to succeed in a contest.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about entering, the application process, and the audition stages.
How to apply for the Voice UK auditions
The Voice UK is a British television talent show on ITV. There are two stages to The Voice UK auditions: the producers’ auditions and the blind auditions – we’ll go into more details on this shortly. Before you think about auditioning for the Voice, you need to get prepared. The first step is choosing a song that makes you stand out and impress the judges. There’s much at stake as the overall winning act receives a record deal with Polydor Records.
The judges at this contest also become the contestant’s coaches. They are made up of top music industry performers including included:
- Olly Murs
- Kylie Minogue
- Ricky Wilson
- Will.I.Am
- Sir Tom Jones
- Jennifer Hudson
The Voice UK auditions and application forms
There are two stages to the audition process.
- The first audition stage is the producers’ auditions. These are not shown on television. Solo artists and duos can participate. You must fill in an application form (there’s a link further along in the article) with all of your act details to secure your place.
- If you are successful in the producers’ auditions you will go onto the blind auditions. This is the bit where you get to be on TV and it’s very exciting. During The Voice UK’s blind auditions the celebrity coaches sit in their chairs facing away from the stage, so they can’t see the artist during the performance.
Should you make it to the blind auditions you’ve come far and you stand the chance of being picked up by a label or manager (if you’re good enough). When a coach is impressed by what they hear and wants you in their team, they hit their red button, at which point their chair rotates and they can finally see you.
However, if more than one coach turns their chair, the contestant can choose which coach they want to work with. If one or more of the coaches turns for you, you will then go on to The Voice UK’s Battles.
The Voice Kids auditions 2020
ITV are always looking for talented children to apply for The Voice Kids 2020. And breaking news – the TV network has said that the 2020 show will include not just solo singers, but also kid duos. If you think you have what it takes to be a successful singer, you can find out how to apply for The Voice Kids on the official ITV website.
Last year’s winner was Sam Wilkinson. Danny Jones from McFly was his coach, making it the first victory for him in the show. The other finalists included Lil Shan Shan from Team Will, Keira Laver from Team Jessie and Gracie-Jayne Fitzgerald from Team Pixie.
The voice age limit UK
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to go on The Voice UK. If you are old enough to enter The Voice, but you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by an adult. Some venues for The Voice open auditions may require singers to be over the age of 18, so check first with the venue before turning up. There is no upper age limit. To take part in The Voice Kids, you must be between the age of 7 and 14.
How to audition for the voice
Talent scouts across the UK search for singers to attend The Voice UK’s auditions. Here are the ways they do this:
- Word of mouth – hearing about upcoming talent
- Checking out open mic nights
- Keeping an eye on emerging artists on YouTube
- Spotting singers at other competitions and contests
But you don’t have to be asked to get a place on the show. If you’re confident that you’ve got a genuinely great singing voice, you can apply for The Voice auditions on the ITV website: Apply for The Voice UK Auditions .
Just fill out The Voice Application form. The website will let you know if and when applications are open for each year.
The Voice application
Before you attend The Voice UK auditions, you need to prepare 1 or 2 songs with a backing track or with a musical instrument. Backing tracks will need to be on an electronic device. Be sure to choose carefully. Your song choice and audition will be ‘make or break’, as you only get one shot at it per year.
Other singing competitions in 2020 UK
The Voice isn’t the only singing competition in the UK, far from it, there are others you can enter in 2020. Gracie Jayne, who made it to the final on The Voice Kids and semi-finalist Liam Price both competed in TeenStar beforehand. If you’re over the age limit for TeenStar, you can enter Open Mic UK .
Competitions like TeenStar and Open Mic UK give contestants a great experience performing in a competition on a smaller scale. This can be the perfect step before jumping onto a competition like The Voice, Britain’s Got Talent or X-Factor.
Singing competitions near me in 2020
Or check out local contests in your area. Keep an eye on music Facebook groups, noticeboards and venues for possible opportunities. Your school or college may have a talent show too – if not consider starting one yourself. Attending open mic nights is a good way to find out what’s happening nearby.
Related Questions
- How does the voice audition process work?
Like most talent contests, this TV competition has a process of rounds. You must get through these before getting on the telly.
- How many people audition for The Voice?
Many thousands of people try their luck for a place on the TV talent show. Competition is fierce, so you must do all you can to stand out from the very large crowds. Expect to be in a waiting area with a lot of other people.
- What does the winner of The Voice UK get?
The winner of The Voice UK gets a recording contract with Polydor Records. There is no cash prize, but, straight after the show, the winner of the Voice UK also releases their debut single as part of the prize. Those who do well get huge media attention and are seen by top Artists and Repertoire.
Have you been to The Voice UK auditions? How did you get on? Perhaps you made it to the next stage. Let us know about your experiences in the comments below.