The Voice UK returned to screens last night with a new lineup of hopeful contestants eager to impress the judges.
Sir Tom Jones was joined on the judging panel by The Voice veteran Will.i.am, as well as McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, and '90s icon LeAnn Rimes.
The launch episode saw plenty of talented singers perform for the judges, but one contestant has sparked some controversy online due to their previous experience.
Zalika Henry, who is known for her role in The Lion King on the West End, gave an incredible rendition of Daylight, leading to all four judges spinning their chairs.
The Voice viewers at home were clearly impressed, with some commenting on the 'amazing' performance.
'LOVED Zalika Henry. Saw her in 'LION KING' the theatre show! GREAT having her in the show,' wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
@thevoiceuk LOVED Zalika Henry. Saw her in 'LION KING' the theatre show ! GREAT having her in the show 😃👏👍Xx ❤️(UK).August 31, 2024
While another wrote, 'I love zalika Henry the fact she is a west end singer makes me so happy I love her! And she is singing harry styles!'
#TheVoiceUk I love zalika Henry the fact she is a west end singer makes me so happy I love her! And she is singing harry styles!August 31, 2024
But not everybody was in agreement over the singer's previous credentials, with some taking to the social media platform to show their anger.
'Aww this is all fixed,' wrote another viewer alongside an angry face.
Aww this is all fixed 🤬 #TheVoiceUKAugust 31, 2024
While another commented, 'Next up it's Zalika Henry who is a musical theatre performer.'
Next up it's Zalika Henry who is a musical theatre performer. #TheVoiceUKAugust 31, 2024
Meanwhile, another said in approval of the performance, 'Hi Zalika wow you were amazing on tonight’s first episode of the new series of #TheVoiceUK and congrats on getting all 4 chairs I still remember your Stars In Their Eyes performance 20 years ago as Jamelia!'
@ZalikaHenry Hi Zalika 👋🏾 wow you were amazing on tonight’s first episode of the new series of #TheVoiceUK and congrats on getting all 4 chairs I still remember your Stars In Their Eyes performance 20 years ago as Jamelia! :) Xxxxx 😊😀❤️🩷💛💜💙🙏🏾👏🏾👍🏾😘 pic.twitter.com/vhHLwwmgObAugust 31, 2024
Whatever Zalika's background is, it's clear she gave an incredible performance last night. Tune into next week's episode on ITV to see who the judges will be spinning around for next.
The 13th season of The Voice UK will continue on Saturday 7th September.
