When Seven announced it had bought the rights to The Voice, with Nine failing to renew its contract after nine years, the future of the four coaches were left hanging by a thread.
Now, Woman’s Day hears “there’s an all-out war” playing out between publicists and managers who are desperately trying to bag the coveted gig for their talent when it returns next year.
And there’s one name who is fighting harder than anyone else – Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Insiders insist the former Australian Idol star, 34, is making a play for the gig – and Seven is seriously interested.
“She’s a shoo-in for the role,” reveals a network insider, who says Ricki-Lee is a favourite of the show’s new executive producer, Michael Pell, who currently helms Sunrise.
“She would jump at the chance to join The Voice,” an insider dishes, adding, ”She’s long felt she belongs as a reality coach, but now that The Voice is at Seven she’s putting her best foot forward.”
Delta is reportedly fighting for her chair. Image: Instagram
But there’s one sizable problem – her competition, Delta Goodrem.
While the network is apparently undecided about whether to hang on to the current coaches – Delta, Guy Sebastian, Boy George and Kelly Rowland – one source says it’s “highly unlikely”.
However, Delta isn’t going to roll over easily!
“She no doubt wants to be at the helm of the show – she’s very passionate about it – but Ricki is in a good spot to replace someone like her,” says the insider.
“She’s already a Seven talent, thanks to her hosting gig on Australia’s Got Talent and she fits perfectly with the network’s push to make the show local and familiar.
Ricki-Lee has the inside running to nab Delta’s sought-after reality role Image: Instagram
“She knows this job will be a big move for her, and she’s ready to take on a coach role.”
Interestingly, it’s believed New Zealand hit maker Lorde, 23, has been approached for a coaching gig, as has ARIA winner Tones and I, 20.
“The network will likely splash out on one big name and keep everyone else local and more low-cost,” the source quips.
