The Voice UK referred to as a "big, exciting and warm-hearted series"and a "new generation in its genre". The discomfort caused by the poor design of the chair, which weighs 19-stone, has drawn criticism from will.i.am, who claims that it makes him hunch his shoulders. There are five different stages: producers' auditions, Blind auditions, Battle phase, Knockout stage and live shows. "The Voice UK"s first stage is the producers' auditions, which are not shown on television. The first shown stage is the blind auditions, where they sing in front of the coaches. The coaches have their backs to the singer, and if they
The Voice UK the running for it. If the BBC got it—and managed to sign Cheryl—then it could snare loads of viewers away from "The X Factor"." ITV were planning to have "The Voice UK" as "'companion show'" for "The X Factor". On 18 June 2011, it was reported that the BBC had won the rights to "The Voice UK". In mid-2011 it was revealed that BBC would be broadcasting "The Voice" after paying £22 million. Danny Cohen, the controller of BBC One, said he wants the programme to emulate the success of "The Apprentice" and defended his decision to invest in it.