US music superstar LeAnn Rimes joining The Voice Australia as a new coach in major panel shake-up

READ MORE: Olly Murs reveals he's 'sad' to be leaving The Voice UK after being axed from the show

LeAnn Rimes has been confirmed as the newest member of the coaching panel on The Voice Australia in a major show shake-up.

The American country music star, 41, is one of three new faces joining as mentors, with only Guy Sebastian returning from the previous line-up.

Last year, Guy, 42, was joined by Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo in the iconic red chairs, but Seven has recruited a string of new coaches this year.

LeAnn will be joined on the coaching panel by Grammy-nominated singer Adam Lambert, Australian songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and returning mentor Guy.

On joining the panel, LeAnn Rimes said: ‘I am incredibly honoured and excited to embrace the opportunity of coaching on The Voice.

LeAnn Rimes (pictured in April) is reportedly in the running to join The Voice UK as a coach following Olly Murs’ shock axing from the panel

‘This special chance to mentor and discover new voices throughout Australia is a reflection of the love and support I’ve received from my Australian fans throughout my career.

‘I look forward to returning the love, sharing my experiences, and hearing fresh, promising talent.’

LeAnn, real name Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, has had more than 40 charting singles since rising to fame as a country music star at the age of 13 with her 1996 single Blue.

LeAnn has collaborated with huge A-list names including Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joss Stone, and sold more than 48million units worldwide.

The Grammy-award winning singer is now gearing up for an epic performance at London’s O2 Arena to close her The Story So Far… tour on May 8.

She will be joined on the Australian coaching panel to mentor the country’s next singing sensations by American singer Adam – best known for collaborating with legendary rock band Queen.

He said of the venture: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the panel of The Voice this season. I have such great memories in Australia and can’t wait to spend some time down under!

‘Australia has contributed some iconic talents and artists to pop culture, it’ll be fun to coach the next generation of talent. You can expect some killer song selections, fashion fashion fashion, and of course, a win for Team Adam!’

Country music singer LeAnn has collaborated with huge A-list names including Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joss Stone, and sold more than 48million units worldwide

Country music singer LeAnn has collaborated with huge A-list names including Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joss Stone, and sold more than 48million units worldwide

The American country music star, 41, is one of three new faces joining as mentors, as Queen frontman Adam Lambert will also be among this year’s coaches

The news of Adam joining the line-up comes just days after it was confirmed that he would be headlining the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Party.

While alternative pop singer Kate – known for her tracks The Last Day on Earth and Zero Gravity, among others – added: ‘I am so excited to be joining The Voice, and to sit on the panel alongside these incredible singers.

‘The art and craft of singing has been at the centre of my life and I feel like I have learned some things that might be of help to young or inexperienced performers.

‘I’ll be looking for people with the soul of an artist; people with something to say; who make you lean in and want to know more about them. And I’m really looking forward to getting to know the other coaches. Bring it on!’

Guy said of returning to the panel for his sixth year: ‘It’s so good to be back on The Voice! It is always very special to be a part of a show that continues to not only uncover fresh Aussie talent but also shine a bright, well-deserved light on so many talented singers.

‘Adding the insane talent of LeAnn, Kate and Adam on the show this year is going to be killer!! They’re all such amazing, world-class artists who I know will bring something fresh and incredible to the season. Let’s go!’

Sonia Kruger will also be back as host, presiding over the competition as a new group of aspiring artists take to The Voice stage hoping to turn their singing dreams into reality.

The judging panel mix-up comes after the UK version of the hit talent competition has also undergone major changes after Olly Murs’ shock axing.

Kate Miller-Heidke – known for her tracks The Last Day on Earth and Zero Gravity, among many others – is also newly joining the coaching panel

Last year, Guy, 42, was joined by Jessica Mauboy, Rita Ora and Jason Derulo (all pictured) in the iconic red chairs, but he is the only star returning this time around

Last year, Guy, 42, was joined by Jessica Mauboy, Rita Ora and Jason Derulo (all pictured) in the iconic red chairs, but he is the only star returning this time around

Olly recently revealed he had been dropped from the show after six years on the star-studded panel.

In September, the star admitted he was left ‘gutted and shocked’ by the decision and vowed not to ‘bulls***’ fans by saying the choice was his.

He told The Sun: ‘I’m gutted. I got the call last week to say I won’t be back on the show, and it’s a bit of a shock, to be honest. I didn’t really expect that to come…

‘I don’t want to bulls**t my fans or bulls**t people who watch the show, and say, ‘Oh, it was an amicable decision to leave — I’ve got lots of things on next year, I can’t do it any more’.

He added: ‘Did I want to leave? No. Will I still watch the show? Of course, but it’ll be sore thinking that could have been me.’

During his stint on the show, Olly won the competition twice after successfully mentoring his chosen artists.

Since joining in 2017, he has appeared on the panel alongside Will.I.Am, Sir Tom Jones, Jennifer Hudson, Meghan Trainor and Anne-Marie.

Soon after Olly’s axing, it was reported that The Voice had also cut ties with Anne-Marie, 32, ahead of the 2024 series to give the show a ‘refresh’.

It was claimed that bosses wanted to bring in new stars from the industry to appeal to a younger audience.

The UK version of the hit talent competition is also set for a major panel shake-up after Olly Murs' shock axing after six years on the show

The UK version of the hit talent competition is also set for a major panel shake-up after Olly Murs’ shock axing after six years on the show

Soon after Olly's axing, it was reported that The Voice had also cut ties with Anne-Marie, 32, ahead of the 2024 series to give the show a 'refresh'

Soon after Olly’s axing, it was reported that The Voice had also cut ties with Anne-Marie, 32, ahead of the 2024 series to give the show a ‘refresh’

A source told the The Sun: ‘Anne-Marie has loved being part of the show but producers want to give the series a refresh.

‘ITV wants to ensure that the show pulls in teens, so they are always looking at who is hot in the music world.’

When approached by MailOnline at the time, ITV did not deny Anne-Marie had been axed from The Voice.

A spokesperson said: ‘The Voice UK returns to ITV1 and ITVX for a brand new series on Saturday 4th November at 8:25pm featuring coaches will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Anne-Marie and Olly Murs. Details of the 2024 series will be confirmed in due course.’

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