A production insider has shared a major update on LeAnn Rimes’ future as a coach on the Australian version of The Voice after reports the country singer could be a “one and done”.
LeAnn Rimes is “100 per cent” welcome to return to The Voice Australia next year despite tabloid reports the country star “struggled” during production.
Rimes, 42, was in Australia for several months earlier this year to tape her role as “coach” on the singing competition series, which sees four celebrities mentor aspiring singers for a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract.
Seven, which picked up The Voice from Channel Nine in 2021, bet big and recruited American singers Adam Lambert and Rimes alongside Aussie icon Kate Miller-Heidke and mainstay Guy Sebastian this season.
However, on Monday New Idea magazine claimed Rimes could be a “one and done” coach after her lacklustre performance in the chair.
The Voice 2024 coaches: Adam Lambert, Kate Miller-Heidke, LeAnn Rimes, Guy Sebastian. Picture: Seven.
“She could well be a ‘one and done’ coach,” a TV insider told the tabloid.
“So far, she has struggled to find her voice on the show, as her fellow coaches Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke and Adam Lambert banter with one another – and snap up the most talented contestants.”
Rimes, who has sold about 50 million records worldwide, is arguably the most globally-successful of the current judges.
Seven is understood to have paid the “How Do I Live” hitmaker between $750,000 and $1.2 million for the season, which wrapped production in April but is currently airing on the broadcaster.
Adding to the confusion, Rimes has already left Australia for the United Kingdom where she is simultaneously appearing as a judge on the British version of The Voice.
On Tuesday, a Seven source responded to the claims in New Idea and said the network was pleased with Rimes’ performance and would “100 per cent” invite her back in 2025.
“The Australian experience is fantastic stomping grounds and the door is 100 per cent open for her to return next year,” a production source told the Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday.
Seven is “100 per cent” open to bringing LeAnn Rimes back in 2025. Picture: Seven.
The source also said that Voice veteran Guy Sebastian gave LeAnn “inspiration” as a coach and was “generous” with his knowledge from years in the swivel chair.
“There were some do’s and what not to do’s,” the source revealed.
One thing Leann learned, the source added, was not to take things too “personally”.
The Voice Australia continues on Tuesday night at 7:30pm on Seven
