The Voice

I don't think it's the judges that are causing the drop in audience numbers on the Voice. As far as I am aware, none of the winners has gone on to be a successful recording artist, which I think is a shame as several of them were, in my opinion, pretty talented. I recollect that Tom Jones was the mentor of (at least) two winners - a young woman called Lia or Leanne (I think) and a much older lady (who I thought was great). Neither of them has ever been seen again so although I enjoy the programme I think it hasn't lived up to expectations so far as the winning acts have been concerned.

If it is true, it does seem rather unfair the way TJ was dumped and I think his voice and career has been a good deal more notable than Boy George but I still think that unless at least some of the winners go on to great things the show will ultimately lose its appeal.

I agree that the X Factor can be very cruel and I don't like the early rounds where people are brought on just to look ridiculous. I also don't like all the hype about the judges - as if they are some sort of gods. Oh, and the sob stories.. But at least some of the winners (and losers) have gone on to forge successful careers in singing, acting or presenting.

I think the BBC are right to decide not to renew TJ's contract, which is how it works - contracted for a year/season/whatever. I think he had become a bit too complacent and a bit too sitting back on his laurels accepting the plaudits (of which there were many) from both his fellow judges and the contestants. He is great - not my cup of tea - but every dog has his day and his day is over on "The Voice". My sympathies do not lie with him. Agreed, the BBC could have told him a bit earlier - which could have allowed him to say he was withdrawing from the show - but sometimes decisions are left till the last minute for various reasons. Perhaps Boy George needed some persuading??? Or perhaps it was all done to gain maximum exposure for the upcoming show - who knows? Call me cynical and I will agree wholeheartedly with you. Might watch it just to see how the others handle Boy George!