ITV The Voice UK fans disappointed in seconds as they have same complaint

The Voice UK returns with new coach, but viewers are quick to complain

The Voice UK returned to ITV on Saturday, August 22, for its 14th series, introducing former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland as a new coach alongside returning judges will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, and McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. Presenter Emma Willis was back to anchor the show, which sees amateur singers audition in the hope of turning the judges' chairs.

Rowland, who replaced LeAnn Rimes after a single season, expressed her excitement at joining the panel. In a statement, she said she was looking forward to working with the show's coaches and to "hear all the new talent." Fellow coaches offered warm welcomes, with Sir Tom praising her industry experience and will.i.am promising she would take the season "to the dopest level possible."

However, the show's return was not without controversy. Within minutes of the episode airing, viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to complain about a significant format change: the show did not open with the traditional performance by all the coaches singing together, a feature that has been a staple of the series. One viewer wrote, "They got Kelly Rowland on the panel and for the first time in 15 years DIDN'T open the series with a coaches performance?! Fire the producers #TheVoiceUK." Another asked, "No coach performance?!? wtf #TheVoiceUK," while a third added, "Did they not film a coaches performance this year or what."

Some viewers also expressed frustration with the number of adverts interrupting the show. One wrote, "Almost 30 mins in and only 2 acts so far. Too many ads! #TheVoiceUK," while another said, "There are more Ads Than The Actual Show." A third added, "So is the format singer advert singer advert. If that's the case we'll get five acts."

New 'Rewind Button' introduced

Alongside the new coach, the show introduced a new twist: the "Rewind Button." This feature gives each coach the chance to bring back an act they initially passed on during the blind auditions. Danny Jones praised the new element, saying, "The Rewind Button is a total game-changer! It's brilliant because it gives that extra bit of power to right a wrong."

This marks the first time the button has been used in the show's history, adding a new layer of strategy for the coaches as they build their teams, which are capped at eight members each.

Kelly Rowland's debut and fan reactions

Rowland's debut on the show was warmly received by many fans, who took to social media to celebrate her return to UK talent shows. One fan remarked, "Love seeing Kelly Rowland on The Voice UK - need to remember she basically created Little Mix on X Factor." Another said, "I remember when Kelly Rowland was an X Factor judge. She really is having her full circle moment."

The 45-year-old singer, who rose to fame in the late 1990s as a founding member of Destiny's Child, also drew comments about her youthful appearance. One viewer wrote, "Kelly Rowland. Not looking a day over 21!" while another said, "Kelly gets hotter as she ages #TheVoiceUK." Rowland admitted she was "slightly nervous" but excited about her new role.

As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether the format changes will settle well with viewers, but the initial reaction suggests a mixed reception to the show's new direction.