By Sohaib Shams
The Voice UK winner Kevin Simm has described competing on the ITV talent show as “a waste of f***ing time,” despite winning the 2016 series.
From Liberty X to The Voice
Simm, 46, was originally a member of pop group Liberty X before auditioning for The Voice UK a decade ago. He joined coach Ricky Wilson’s team and went on to win the final against Jolan Gidney-Craigen.
Criticism of the show’s impact
Speaking to Closer magazine, Simm said his time on the show was brilliant but argued it never does anything for the winners. He questioned why the program remains on television.
Career after The Voice
After winning, Simm signed with Universal and released his second studio album in 2016. In 2018 he became lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, replacing Marti Pellow, and is set to rejoin Liberty X for a reunion tour later this year.
The Voice UK’s evolving lineup
The show moved from BBC One to ITV in 2017 and has seen 16 coaches come and go. Sir Tom Jones recently claimed he was fired after 13 series, though ITV said discussions about his future involvement continue.
Few winners achieve lasting success
Among the 13 winners, only a handful have built sustained music careers. Becky Hill won two Brit Awards after competing in the first series, and 2017 finalist Jamie Miller recently topped the UK charts with “Babydoll.”
