It’s been a ratings smash in Australia since 2012, but top TV insiders have today confirmed that The Voice Australia looks ‘headed for the axe’.
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The show, which is about to begin its eighth season with top-line international judges including Boy George and Kelly Rowland, is entering the market with senior insiders predicting ratings will be low down on those achieved by the show during its glory days.
‘Ratings wise, they are expecting 800,000, max,’ says the very well-placed source, who adds that those in the know at the Nine network ‘concede it will be final year’.
Adding to the pressure of declining ratings expectations is the crushing expense of the superstar judges’ salaries, which amount to millions of dollars – all of which is worn by the network.
‘Obviously, the outrageous coaches’ salaries cannot justify the ratings numbers,’ says the source.
There is also reportedly some disquiet about the direction the show has taken as it desperately tries to maintain audience interest.
‘They have dumbed down the promos as a last-ditch effort,’ adds the perfectly placed source. ‘The coaches are not happy with the dumbed down, slapstick promos, but it’s not up to them.’
With tensions rising and expectations dropping, New Idea’s source says the only way is down – and this season can only end one way: ‘with the axe’.
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