The Voice UK coaches have been getting on famously so far on this series of ITV’s hugely-popular singing competition.
But the reality show is not without its awkward moments and Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am’s efforts to make a snappy joke during tonight’s show went awkwardly wrong.
The coach was excited following former X Factor star Olly’s act Molly Hocking, who blew the entire studio away with her performance of Christina Perri’s song Human.
Attempting a theatric impersonation of Olly being stunned over the contestant’s age, will.i.am suddenly tried to take on an Essex accent.
“She’s only eighteen!” he said, his voice slightly off-kilter.
Olly giggled at will.i.am’s efforts, but not quite for the right reasons.
“You sounded a bit Australian there,” Sir Tom Jones noted bluntly, and will.i.am began laughing uncontrollably.
“Yeah I did sound Australian,” he declared.
“I messed it up,” the embarrassed musician then noted.
Taking to Twitter, fans shared their thoughts on the performance and Will’s attempt.
“#TheVoiceUK Luv Will trying to do Essex accent,” one person posted.
Another wrote: “#mollyhocking still can’t believe she is so good and the comments are real. She is the one to beat today #TheVoiceUK.”
A third agreed: “@ollyofficial wow Molly has a great voice ! #TheVoiceUK #teamolly.”
“Molly has GOT to win she’s incredible #TheVoiceUK,” a fourth fan said.
While a fifth added: “Only eighteen as well, makes it that much better! #TheVoiceUK.”
“Crazy that this girl is only 18! The emotion in her voice #TheVoiceUK,” one fan gushed.
Others spotted the flaws in the song, as one person shared: “Molly has lots of potential just more vocal coaching I think #TheVoiceUK.”
“Bit controversial maybe but neither Georgia or Holly wowed me, I suspect it’s the song choices rather than the singers though. Shame. #TheVoiceUK,” another guessed.
The Voice continues Saturday at 8pm in the live semi-final on ITV.
