In what the Seven Network has described as the 'biggest shake-up in Voice history', Australian chart-topper Tones and I has been confirmed as the fifth judge on the hit reality singing competition The Voice for its 15th season.
The 33-year-old singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, rose to fame with her viral hit Dance Monkey, which topped charts in more than 30 countries. She will helm Team Tones in the upcoming season, joining returning judges Ronan Keating, Melanie C (Sporty Spice), Kate Miller-Heidke, and Richard Marx.
A New Era for The Voice
The Voice Australia launched in 2012 and has featured a stellar panel of judges over the years, including Delta Goodrem, Seal, Kylie Minogue, and Kelly Rowland. The addition of Tones and I marks a new chapter for the show, with the network calling it the 'biggest shake-up in Voice history'.
In a promo posted to The Voice AU's TikTok and shared on the singer's Instagram story, Tones and I is seen walking towards the iconic Voice stage as Dance Monkey plays. The returning judges appear stunned as she takes a seat in the show's infamous red chair. 'In the biggest shake-up in The Voice's history, Tones and I join The Voice,' the promo announces. The singer can't hide her excitement as she stomps on the red button and screams, 'Let's go! I love this.'
From Busker to Global Superstar
Tones and I's journey from busking on the streets of Melbourne to international stardom is remarkable. She broke into the mainstream music industry in 2019 with her debut hit Johnny Run Away, quickly gaining traction before releasing Dance Monkey. She has since undertaken multiple international tours and collaborated with high-profile artists such as Macklemore, David Guetta, Teddy Swims, and Pink.
The Never Seen the Rain singer has had a transformative year, which saw her split from her husband of six years, Jimmy Bedford. Fans also noticed her weight-loss transformation in an Instagram post earlier this year. In an interview with Cosmopolitan Australia, she opened up about her struggles with body image and self-confidence. 'I've lost weight, so apparently that's the biggest thing that's ever happened to me in my life,' she said. 'Everything is up for discussion. My body shape, my music, my livelihood, my relationship. I wish I could say that I could be someone who doesn't let that affect me.' She added that her signature tomboy style, which included baggy pants and oversized T-shirts, veered far from her true self. 'I'm not a tomboy, I'm a girly girl, and I always have been. But I didn't feel comfortable in myself and my body, so I covered myself up.'
What to Expect in Season 15
The exact release date for The Voice's 15th season has yet to be officially announced, but it is expected to air in the second half of 2026. With Tones and I joining the panel, fans can expect a fresh dynamic and exciting performances. The show promises to deliver the biggest shake-up in its history, and viewers are eagerly awaiting the new season.
