The Voice Australia beats MasterChef, Lego Masters in TV ratings

The major free-to-air networks have gone head-to-head in the first big TV ratings battle of the year. Find out who came out on top.

The Voice Australia has triumphed in what is the first big TV ratings test of the year.

Seven’s juggernaut reality singing series went head-to-head against Nine’s Lego Masters and Ten’s MasterChef on Monday night.

The first round of ratings, not taking into account catch-up figures, peg The Voice well ahead with a five city metro audience of 843,000 and a national figure of 1.26 million.

Lego Masters came in with a five city metro viewership of 672,000 and 929,000 including regional markets while MasterChef trailed behind at 545,000 metro and 637,000 with regional.

It is a big win for Seven, which nabbed The Voice format from rival Nine two years ago.

The Voice Australia coaches Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy, Rita Ora and Guy Sebastian.

Executives revamped the format and mixed up the coaching panel by bringing in Rita Ora, Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian on the panel.

“After being crowned the number one entertainment program of 2021, The Voice is back with the same winning panel of superstar coaches Australia loves and an unbelievable line-up of world-class artists,” Seven head of content Angus Ross said.

“We can’t wait to show you what’s to come and continue Seven’s streak as the number one network nationally in 2022.”

Another industry executive noted: “Last night was the most competitive TV night so far in 2022, with three huge shows going head to head. The ratings are a very good indication of where everything sits and where viewers tastes lie.”

MasterChef judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo.

The latest season of MasterChef meanwhile is named Fans & Favourites with familiar faces from previous seasons returning to the fold against new faces. Among them are Julie Goodwin, Billie McKay and Sashi Cheliah.

Ten programming executive Daniel Monaghan said: “MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites returned with a delicious combination of Australia’s Favourite veterans and a formidable team of Fans. This years’ premiere proves that MasterChef Australia holds a special place in viewer’s hearts, despite strong competition.

“MasterChef Australia paved the way for prime-time cooking shows, and in its 14th season it continues to transform, inspire the nation and impress the world’s best chefs. This season’s recipe has something for everyone.”