Jamelia to be new judge on The Voice of Ireland

The show’s line up of coaches was today confirmed by producers Screentime ShinAwiL and RTÉ. The Late Late Show viewers were introduced to Jamelia who joins Westlife’s Kian Egan, Sharon Corr and Bressie to complete the line up of four coaches. Due to prior commitments Brian Kennedy is unable to take to the chair.

"We had originally wanted to have 2 male and 2 female coaches in the show, with Jamelia in the mix for last series," said Larry Bass, executive producer of The Voice. "Due to scheduling Brian has been unable to commit to our filming dates so we were delighted that Jamelia was free this year. We loved working with Brian on the first series and look forward to working with him in the future."

Jamelia has won four MOBO Awards, a Q Award and has received nine BRIT Award nominations. She has released three studio albums, each of which has reached the Top 40 in the UK, which collectively have spawned eight UK top ten singles.

"I am really, really excited about being asked to be a coach on the show," she said. "I hope Ireland is ready for someone like me, I get very excited about things especially good talent! This is an amazing opportunity and I am especially looking forward to being part of someone else’s career and passing on the torch and I can’t wait to meet the other coaches."

Bill Malone, Commissioning Editor for Entertainment and Music was also hugely enthusiastic. “I’m thrilled that Jamelia is coming on board as a coach on The Voice of Ireland," he said. "Jameila is a talented singer-song writer, with a host of hits and the knowledge and expertise of what makes a real super-star. The other coaches better watch out, as Jamelia is a feisty and competitive individual and she’s in it to win!”

Contestants will audition in the Blind stages, battle against each other in the Battle Stages and finally take to the live stage in Dublin’s Helix for a chance to win a recording contract with Universal Music. Last series’ winner Pat Byrne has just finished recording his debut album due for release in November. "It's an amazing album," one insider told Hot Press. "There are times you'd swear it's Bruce Springsteen, it's that good."