The Voice Australia is back for its 13th season with new talent under the direction of Director Guy Sebastian and a new team of coaches. The Channel 7 singing competition will feature international stars Adam Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and Australian icon Kate Miller-Heidke to help up-and-coming performers realise their full potential and win a $100,000 prize.
Though only two episodes have aired so far, some viewers have already taken issue with Kate's style, with many criticizing the famous singer for coming across as “mean.” A production source told Yahoo Lifestyle that Kate was sensitive about the editing and “it feels like it was engineered to cause a stir.”
“After watching this week's episode, I think Kate is only now realising the role she plays amongst the coaches,” the source said.
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“Kate would have liked to have been informed ahead of time during filming in Sydney earlier this year,” they continued, “and producers would no doubt have crafted a storyline to accommodate her judging style.”
Sources say Kate Miller-Heidke was uneasy about The Voice's editing. Credit: Channel Seven
Coaches fight over Tia Barnes
In fact, Kate's way of selecting performers for her team put some people off, such as the way she fought so hard for Tia Barnes, whose inspiring history and incredible singing voice meant all four coaches vied for her on the team. The 25-year-old Queenslander brought everyone to tears when she sang Ed Sheeran and Luke Combs' “Life Goes On” and revealed that her biggest supporter is her father, who is battling a rare and terminal brain cancer.
When the coaches began to advocate for Tia, Kate told her to “not listen to any bullshit they tell her” and suggested that if she went with Adam, he would “make her do rock songs that she wouldn't be into at all.” When Adam reminded Kate that she was doing more than just rock, she replied, “I'm working hard for this, OK?”
She then told Guy and Lianne that she wanted to end their parts with a disdainful gesture and stood next to Tia on stage.
While the exchange was likely meant as a joke, her comments upset some viewers, with several taking to social media to comment on her behavior.
Viewers slam Kate Miller-Heidke
“I love Kate but I found her to be a bitchy commenter tonight,” one person wrote. “I don't know if she realizes how it will be received. I know it's competitive but this is just not right.”
“I agree, she really pisses me off, her attitude is really mean,” said another.
“I was disappointed with Kate's comments,” wrote another viewer. “She is so competitive… but I have to say the talent performed really well this year.”
Kate fought hard for Tia Barnes, who ultimately chose her as her coach. Photo credit: Channel Seven
“I didn't know who Kate was before and her actions don't make me want to know more about her,” said one commenter.
The classically trained singer made waves again later in the show when he pitted Adam against 18-year-old Ruby Rafferty from Sydney, who bonded over both being bullied when they were younger but finding strength in being different.
Adam Lambert and Kate Miller-Heidke clash
“Yes there is pain and you've been through that, but what I loved about what I just saw is when I saw you sing I didn't feel any pain, I only felt light,” Adam said. “So you're taking all of that and saying, 'Fuck you, I don't care, I'm going to hold onto my light and I'm not going to let anybody touch it.'
Kate continues, “But light only exists in contrast to darkness, and what I love is this depth that you have. To me, that song is not only about you shining light, it's about feeling like you've transcended something, that you've won the battle, and that's the darkness I'm talking about.”
“You said the same thing I just said,” Adam replied.
“But in a better way,” Kate retorted.
Adam and Kate had an awkward clash on the second night of the blind auditions. Photo credit: Channel Seven
“I don't like Kate at all,” someone wrote on social media.
“Kate MH seems like a bit of a snob,” said a second viewer.
“I Googled her too and she doesn't seem like a very nice person,” said another.
“It was a bad idea for Kate to be on this show. She came off really badly and I've never had an opinion of her before,” someone wrote to X.
A source told Yahoo Lifestyle, “If she had asked a 'reasonable friend', they might have told her she was 'a bit pretentious.' Kate definitely has a lot of credibility in the industry, but singing on a reality TV show can be a pretty dangerous platform for famous artists if they're not careful.”
They continued, “We can see Kate getting defensive and taking the other coaches' comments personally. This is a pitfall that could have been avoided. The show is light-hearted and high-spirited. It didn't need to get so serious.”
Fans defend Kate Miller-Heidke
However, many fans were happy to have Kate on the coaching team, with viewers praising her candid approach.
Other fans have said they think Kate is doing a great job. Credit: Channel Seven
“Love Kate from #thevoiceau! She's so warm and generous, yet gives such constructive feedback,” one person said.
“Kate is so amazing!!!” another wrote.
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“Kate is absolutely amazing on this show,” added another fan.
“She's Australian! And doesn't seem to be putting on any pretense of being 'politically correct,'” defended another fan. “I've actually got more respect for her 'authenticity'. Keep it up, Kate.”
“Nothing Kate said was wrong,” another argued. “She's amazing.”
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