The Voice is a reality television singing competition franchise. It is based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, which was originally created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. Many other countries have adapted the format and began airing their own versions since 2011. It has become a rival to the Idols franchise and The X Factor.
History
John de Mol, creator of Big Brother, first created The Voice concept with Dutch singer Roel van Velzen. The show distinguishes itself as different from The X Factor and Idols as The Voice primarily focuses on singing ability and prowess of an artist alone.
On September 17, 2010, The Voice of Holland began to air on RTL 4 with Angela Groothuizen, Roel van Velzen, Nick & Simon, and Jeroen van der Boom as the mentor-judges (dubbed as "coaches") of the show. The show proved to be an instant success in the Netherlands.
The format was later sold to different countries.
Format
Contestants are aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. The show's format features four stages of competition. The first is the blind auditions, in which the four coaches, all noteworthy recording artists, listen to the contestants in chairs facing away from the stage so as to avoid seeing them. If a coach likes what they hear from that contestant, they press a button to rotate their chairs to signify that they are interested in working with that contestant. If more than one coach presses their button, the contestant chooses the coach he or she wants to work with. The blind auditions end when each coach has a set number of contestants to work with. Coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their singers mentally, musically and in some cases physically, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success.
The Voice TV is a network of music television channels that is owned by ProSiebenSat.1 Media (formally SBS Broadcasting Group). Previously broadcast in Finland (2004-2012), Denmark (2004-2012), Norway (2004-2012) and Sweden (2004-2008). In October 2006 the channel began broadcasting in Bulgaria.
See also
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The Voice TV Bulgaria (usually known as simply The Voice) is a Bulgarian music channel. It currently airs music videos during most of the day, but it is probable that it will start producing more local shows in the future.
The channel was formerly known as Veselina TV (named after Radio Veselina). In 2006, the Luxembourg-based SBS Broadcasting Group acquired Radio Veselina, and in October 2006, Veselina TV was rebranded as The Voice TV, after the music channels in the Nordic countries.
On November 10, 2011 ProSiebenSat.1 Group sells all Bulgarian radio stations and the music channel the Voice TV to A.E. Best Success Services Bulgaria EOOD.