S4C to broadcast Welsh language version of The Voice
S4C will broadcast a Welsh language version of the global, multi award-winning hit TV series The Voice which will air in 2025.
Y Llais as it is called in Welsh, will feature international opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel as one of the four Coaches from different musical backgrounds who will sit in the most iconic chairs on television.
Sir Bryn Terfel has been performing at Opera Houses and concert stages across the world for the last three decades.
He is also a successful recording artist, a Grammy, Classical Brit and Gramophone Award winner, and performed at the Coronation of the King last May.
Global phenomenon
S4C’s Welsh language version, which will be 8 x 90-minutes, is the 75th adaptation of the original format of The Voice, making it the biggest and most successful format brand in the non-scripted global marketplace to date.
Together with its six spin-off versions, the ITV Studios format was named by K7 Media last month as Franchise of the Year, as well as the format with the highest number of active versions in 2023.
The series will see contestants take part in blind auditions as the nation’s best vocalists try to impress four of Wales’ top recording artists.
Hopefuls looking for a shot at stardom will take to the stage in a bid to be crowned this series’ winner, securing an exciting 12 month mentoring scheme and opportunities to perform on S4C programmes.
This primetime format offers fun, feel-good entertainment for the whole family.
The series will be available to watch on S4C, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.
Sir Bryn Terfel said: “It’s great that the Land of Song is getting its own special version of the The Voice series – what better way to discover the next big star?
“If you are interested in taking part then make sure you register on the website www.s4c.cymru/yllais.
“This is the perfect opportunity to make your dream come true, to perform on S4C, and to be part of the most exciting series on television.”
Emerging talent
Y Llais will be presented by BBC Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri. “I’m delighted to be presenting one of the biggest shows in the world that is dedicated to finding and championing new, emerging talent.
“For it to be happening on home soil with S4C is next level! Bring on those rotating chairs!’
Geraint Evans S4C’s Interim Chief Content Officer said: “We are thrilled to be developing a Welsh language version of such an incredibly successful international brand.
“As we aim to attract a wider and more diverse audience, Y Llais will be a fantastic spectacle which will generate widespread interest and appeal.
“It will be a pleasure to have opera star Sir Bryn Terfel sitting in one of the famous red chairs. As a nation we have produced some of the most successful singers in the world, and with this format we’re looking forward to discovering the next big voice from Wales.”
“Voice from Wales”
Nia Thomas, Boom Cymru Managing Director said: “The Voice is an iconic global vocal competition, and the perfect platform to discover a magical voice from Wales.
“It’s a privilege to be working with Sir Bryn Terfel, and to be creating the 75th adaptation of this incredibly popular format for S4C.
“We encourage every aspiring singer here in Wales to apply for Y Llais so that we can shine a light on their talent and help them achieve their dreams.”
In order to participate in Y Llais an application form must be submitted by June 21st, 2024 by following this link www.s4c.cymru/yllais Auditions will be held on July 12th in north Wales and on July 15th in south Wales.
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So the Britons will have a version where British (Brythonic) is being spoken.
Eh??
The term British originates from the Latin and Greek translation of the native name for the island. Another words from the Brythonic language branch, the language we know as Welsh in English. Why do I have to teach you about the history of this island and the origins of the people who inhabit it? No Englishman or woman would have called themselves British prior to the late 1600s, most were still calling the people of Wales Britons or British. The term Welsh only became common place and spoken by the people of Wales or England after the English adopted the… Read more »
Chill mate. It’s only a TV show.
No it’s not, it’s a symptom of Cultural appropriation at best, and direct cultural identity theft at worst. Calling native Britons “Welsh”, meaning foreigners…directly goes against the reality of the people on this island. This is why the native language of Wales is so important, as its the language in which these terms originate from. So no matter how long the English incorrectly use the term British, we can prove its true origins.
I think you are perhaps choosing a rather silly hill to die on and I would humbly refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I scribbled some moments ago…
Protecting your culture against fraud and theft is “Silly”? Well, I wonder if Owain Glyndwr or Hywel Dda thought the same? Or maybe Charles De Gaulle? Admiral Shin? I’ll excuse your clear ignorance to your nations history but to call defending your culture silly goes beyond ridiculous.
Blinking heck Riki old chap. Calm down. Really. It’s only a television programme. Save your argument for a more worthy occasion when, perhaps, ‘the culture’ really IS under threat. The Voice ain’t gonna kill it, that’s for sure. No need to bring de Gaulle or Hywel Dda into it. I doubt Syr Bryn would press his button and turn for them anyway. (Terrible singers I’m told…)