The Voice announces shock twist as a lifeline gives viewers a say in who makes the semi-final
This year the judges are giving the public more control as the contestants go head to head
THE Voice UK have announced that they will be introducing a lifeline vote during this week's live show.
The quarter final shows will see the competition enter the knockout rounds and with each judge only allowed to select two acts each, 16 hopefuls will be sent home.
However, viewers will get the opportunity to save their favourite unselected act to go through to the semi final after the second knockout show on March 23.
Emma Willis will open the vote to the public via the official app during the show and fans will be able to cast a maximum of five votes free of charge.
However, they will only have until 11.30pm that night to vote for their favourites and will have to wait until the following week to find out the results.
Feeling hopeful of the new introduction, Jennifer Hudson said: "I'm happy about the addition of the Lifeline, I feel like it gives the contestants even more hope. It allows for a second chance."
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Sharing her upbeat attitude, Olly Murs admitted: "I think it’s great. It’s another glimmer of hope and I think it makes the contestants work that little bit harder to show the people at home watching the show – look, this is what I can do.
"Olly didn’t pick me but give me a chance! Of course, I hope I’ll have three in the final! It’s a great change this year."
While Sir Tom Jones revealed that he thought the lifeline offered a greater opportunity for contestants on The Voice UK.
He said: "The Lifeline is an exciting new addition this year. Saying goodbye to people at The Knockouts can be tough, it’s the biggest cut we see in the competition.
";Giving the singers a second shot, from a public vote, means there’s a great opportunity up for grabs."
Will.i.am added: "The Lifeline is good. I’ve felt the benefit of it before because we had it in Australia and then I had more people on my team go through to the final."
The Voice UK continues this Saturday on ITV at 7.30pm.
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