Kylie Minogue loves being 'only female coach on The Voice'

Kylie Minogue is revelling in the fact she is sharing coaching duties on the third series of The Voice with three men and rebuffs claims the show’s line-up is sexist.

In the debut episode of the new series – airing on BBC One on Saturday night – Minogue, 45, tempts a prospective contestant to join her team as she can help lead her in the male-dominated world of music.

‘I hope I am giving a voice to the girls and women who look up to me or anyone like me in the business. Maybe it is proportionate to what it is like in the industry,’ she pondered at the press launch of the show on Monday, before explaining the line-up of herself, Sir Tom Jones, Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am suits her just fine.

‘We work really well as one girl and three guys – just because it stops any stories about bitchiness or cattiness or any kind of competition,’ said Minogue.

Kylie is also glad she has her younger sister Dannii – who endured such claims of rivalry when she was a judge on The X Factor with Sharon Osbourne – on hand to offer advice if working on The Voice becomes too stressful.

‘Dannii has offered me advice but she didn’t actually have to say too much, because I have watched her experience [on The X Factor]. I can look back and fully relate to how invested you become in the show and the acts that you have. She thought I would enjoy the experience of being a mentor – and she was right.’

The Spinning Around singer also has nothing but the highest praise for former coach Jessie J, 25, whom she has replaced on the panel.

‘I think Jessie did a great job – especially for someone so young to be put in that position. I wouldn’t even get in the door if we were to talk about voices with Jessie because she has a phenomenal voice and talent – and spunk! I admire all of that.

‘I am a completely different character. If I really was trying to fill someone’s seat, you actually can’t and you have no option but to be yourself. I am proud to take the reins from her,’ Kylie added.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Tuesday 3 January 2014]