Will.i.am Backs Petition to Reinstate Tom Jones on 'The Voice'
Musician joins fans in support of the Welsh singer's return to the ITV show after he was reportedly let go.
Will.i.am has publicly supported a petition urging ITV to reinstate Sir Tom Jones on the singing competition show, 'The Voice'. The 86-year-old Welsh singer announced earlier this month that he had been "fired" as a judge by the broadcaster. The petition, started by superfan Aaron Howlett, has garnered over 63,000 signatures globally.
Sir Tom, who has been a coach on the show intermittently since its 2012 premiere, expressed his displeasure with the decision. He stated in a social media post that he was not thrilled about a proposed reduced role where he would appear without being involved from the show's inception. "So the only thing I know right now is that there's never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who's still pretty good at his job," Sir Tom commented.
Howlett, a fan of Sir Tom for four decades, described the singer as "one of the last living legends" whose voice resonates with people of all ages. He emphasized that singing is central to Sir Tom's identity, stating, "If he stopped singing and performing, then he wouldn't be Sir Tom anymore." Howlett recounted a recent performance by Jones in Milwaukee where the singer received a standing ovation, showcasing his continued ability to captivate audiences.
Will.i.am, who has also served as a coach on 'The Voice', shared Howlett's petition on Instagram on September 15th. Howlett expressed being overwhelmed by the petition's reception, having initially doubted its potential reach.
ITV acknowledged Sir Tom's contributions, thanking him for his years on 'The Voice UK' and the "countless incredible and unforgettable moments" he provided. A spokesperson added, "He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him." The broadcaster also indicated ongoing discussions with Sir Tom and his team regarding his involvement in future series, despite him not being a full-time coach on the upcoming series 15.
Sir Tom has mentored three contestants who went on to win 'The Voice UK'. In the most recent series, he coached alongside McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, Will.i.am, and Kelly Rowland. Previous seasons saw him appear with artists such as Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora.
Fans from around the world have commented on the petition, sharing personal stories of their admiration for Sir Tom. One fan from Peterborough noted that they watch 'The Voice' specifically for Sir Tom and would cease watching if he were no longer on the show. Another fan from Montreal, Canada, recalled her late mother's deep affection for Sir Tom's music and their shared concert experiences.
