Big Voice Australia news as key judge Guy Sebastian steps away

Guy Sebastian has made a major announcement regarding his TV career, vacating his big red chair and walking away from The Voice Australia. Read all here.

Guy Sebastian will not return to The Voice red chair in 2025 after six years as a coach on the reality singing show.

The chart topping singer made the announcement on social media.

“I have some news to share with you all regarding my role as a Voice coach,” Sebastian wrote in the Instagram post.

“I have made the decision to take a break from the best red chair on the planet. It’s been six amazing years as a coach & it’s honestly been the best gig ever! I have nothing but good things to say about the show itself, & sharing the panel with such amazing coaches has been a pleasure.

“It’s been a privilege to guide the next wave of Aussie talent alongside the wonderful teams & crew.”

Guy Sebastian performs at the 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards at The Star on August 18, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie Awards)

Sebastian, who himself started as a contestant on Australian Idol, continued: “The best thing about the show is how positive it is & how much care and passion goes into making it a safe place for artists. For me right now, it’s time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music.”

The news comes days after Reuben de Melo, coached by fellow judge LeAnn Rimes, won the 2024 season.

The Voice Australia has had a revolving door, or red chair, of coaches since launching in 2012.

Sebastian was the longest-serving coach, and this year sat alongside Adam Lambert and Kate Miller-Heidke.

The Voice 2024 coaches: Adam Lambert, Kate Miller-Heidke, LeAnn Rimes and Guy Sebastian.

“I am busy planning shows in Australia & worldwide & I am really looking forward to getting out and connecting with you all there,” Sebastian’s post read.

“For too long now, I have been reading comments from you asking when I will be visiting your town/country & it’s high time I come and visit! I’ve worked on this upcoming album for four years & I’ve poured everything I have into it, so I need to pay respect to that effort & the art I’ve created. Whoever has the audacity to take my chair, don’t get too comfortable … I will wrestle for it back with zero dignity when I’m ready to return.”

He finished the post by encouraging all to continue supporting “fresh Aussie talent”.

Rumours suggest two former Voice Australia judges — Keith Urban and Ronan Keating — could be contenders to take Sebastian’s place.

Other former coaches on the show include Rita Ora, Joe Jonas, Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem and Seal.

A spokesperson for Channel 7 said: “Guy has been a powerhouse coach for The Voice on Seven. His mentorship and command of artistry has been inspirational to our Voice artists and viewers alike, as well as the production team and all at Seven. We thank Guy for his unwavering passion and positive energy on set, and wish him well for next year, the release of his new album and his live shows.”

The coaching lineup for 2025 will be announced over the coming months.