Will.i.am Backs Petition to Reinstate Sir Tom Jones on ITV's The Voice
A petition on Change.org advocating for the reinstatement of Sir Tom Jones as a coach on ITV's The Voice has gathered over 63,000 signatures. On September 15, current coach Will.i.am promoted the initiative via Instagram. Earlier this month, the 86-year-old Sir Tom revealed he was "fired," having been offered a diminished role. Since the show's debut in 2012, he has coached three winners. The petition was initiated by superfan Aaron Howlett, 50, who referred to Sir Tom as "one of the last living legends." A representative from The Voice expressed their enjoyment in collaborating with him and mentioned ongoing discussions for series 15, while ITV acknowledged his contributions. Production for the 2027 series is expected to commence shortly.
Key facts
- Will.i.am collaborated on a Change.org Instagram post on 15 September sharing the petition to reinstate Sir Tom Jones on The Voice
- The petition, started by superfan Aaron Howlett, 50, from Kingston-upon-Hull, has received more than 63,000 signatures from around the world
- Sir Tom Jones, 86, said earlier this month that ITV had "fired" him and that he was offered a much-reduced role without being involved from the start
- Sir Tom, from Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has appeared as an on-off coach on The Voice since it premiered in 2012
- A spokesperson for The Voice said the show loved working with Sir Tom over the past nine years and continues talks about his involvement in series 15
- An ITV spokesperson thanked Sir Tom for his years on the show and the "countless incredible and unforgettable moments" he gave it
- In the most recent series, Sir Tom coached alongside Will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Kelly Rowland; he has also appeared with Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora
- Howlett cited a recent Sir Tom show in Milwaukee, USA, where the singer received a standing ovation at 86, and said he was "overwhelmed" by the petition response
Entities
Artists
- Will.i.am
- Sir Tom Jones
- Aaron Howlett
- Tom Fletcher
- Danny Jones
- Kelly Rowland
- Jessie J
- Olly Murs
- Kylie Minogue
- Rita Ora
- Alison
- Carmela
Institutions
- ITV
- The Voice
- The Voice UK
- Change.org
- BBC Radio Wales Breakfast
- McFly
- Destiny's Child
- Press Association
Locations
- Treforest
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Kingston-upon-Hull
- Milwaukee
- USA
- Peterborough
- Montreal
- Canada
- Wales
- Pontypridd
- United Kingdom