Guy Sebastian announces shock exit from The Voice Australia after 6 years: 'It's high time'

The Voice Australia coach Guy Sebastian has shocked fans by announcing he will not be returning to the singing competition in 2025. The singer shared the news on Wednesday night with a lengthy post on Instagram in which he explained he was going to be taking "a break from the best red chair on the planet" in order to focus on writing and performing new music.

Sebastian has been a mainstay on The Voice for the past six years, most recently mentoring singer Skÿe into the grand finale of the series. Despite assuring his fans that he has "nothing but good things to say about the show itself," the ARIA winner explained that he has been working on his upcoming album for four years and needs to give it, and touring, the attention it deserves.

"Hey beautiful peeps!" he began the post. Firstly congrats to Reuben De Melo on his win on @thevoiceau this year, SO deserved! I have some news to share with you all regarding my role as a Voice coach. I have made the decision to take a break from the best red chair on the planet. It’s been six amazing years as a coach & it’s honestly been the best gig ever! I have nothing but good things to say about the show itself, & sharing the panel with such amazing coaches has been a pleasure."

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He continued, "It’s been a privilege to guide the next wave of Aussie talent alongside the wonderful teams & crew at @channel7 & @itvstudiosaus. The best thing about the show is how positive it is & how much care and passion goes into making it a safe place for artists.

"For me right now, it’s time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music. I am busy planning shows in Australia & worldwide & I am really looking forward to getting out and connecting with you all there. For too long now, I have been reading comments from you asking when I will be visiting your town/country & it’s high time I come and visit!"

The father of two ended his post with a tongue-in-cheek warning to his successor, writing, “Whoever has the audacity to take my chair, don’t get too comfortable…I will wrestle for it back with zero dignity when I’m ready to return."

Who will replace Guy Sebastian on The Voice Australia?

While it's hard to imagine the show without Sebastian, an industry source previously told Yahoo Lifestyle that an international star could have his eye on Guy's gig if the 'Like It Like That' singer decided to leave the show after this season.

Ronan Keating was only on the show for one season, before being replaced by Kelly Rowland, but he was recently spotted in Sydney in late September with his wife and kids, sparking rumours that he could be making a return to Australian TV.

"Ronan has a lot of ties to Australia and there are now rumoured to be a few irons in the fire," our source said. "There was some interest a few years back from Channel Seven to try The Voice spin-off series The Voice Australia Kids but that idea was scrapped to do The Voice Generations. I think ITV Studios Australia is still keen to bring back the 'kids' format and Ronan would be great on that."

With rumours of Sebastian's departure swirling before it was made official, Ronan was said to be "waiting in the wings to see if Channel Seven are looking for a replacement."

Would Keith Urban come back as coach on The Voice?

Another potential replacement could be Keith Urban, who performed his new single 'Mess Like Me' at The Voice 2024 grand finale last week.

Urban was a coach in the singing competition in 2012, 2021 and 2022, and a source has revealed to Yahoo Lifestyle that he wouldn't be opposed to reprising his role in a future season.

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When asked by The Voice's executive producer if Urban would return next year as a coach, the insider said that "the answer was not a 'no' and Keith revealed he "does miss coaching and being home in Australia."

They continued: "I would go as far as saying Keith has been the most relaxed and placid judge we have had. The door is always open for him and he knows that."

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