Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Ghost' singers can't be heard on The Voice

 

Adam Sherwin
Friday 20 April 2012 14:07 BST
Comments
The BBC filmed 'ghost auditions' but didn't use them in The Voice shows
The BBC filmed 'ghost auditions' but didn't use them in The Voice shows (BBC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Some contestants on the talent show The Voice were told they could not be picked to go through to the finals before they performed for the judges, the BBC has disclosed.

A handful of hopefuls, who had already been selected to sing from thousands who auditioned, performed a "ghost audition" in front of Jessie J and the other "coaches".

The acts agreed to sing and receive "feedback" despite knowing they would not be joining the performers selected for the live "battle rounds", which start tomorrow.

The BBC filmed the "ghost auditions" but didn't use them in the shows, which have attracted audiences of more than 10 million.

An anomaly in the show's format meant that some contestants took part in the "blind auditions" after the coaches had already filled their quota of 10 performers each. The BBC said this did not mean the format was weighted towards contestants selected to perform earlier for the coaches. A spokesman said: "The format was explained to everybody from the outset."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in