Meghan Trainor will take over from Jennifer Hudson as the new coach on The Voice UK.
The American singer, whose hits include All About That Bass, will join returning coaches Sir Tom Jones, Black Eyed Peas singer Will.i.am and former X Factor contestant Olly Murs.
She said: “I am so excited and honoured to join Sir Tom, Will.i.am and Olly Murs as the new Coach on The Voice UK!
“It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait to sit in the chair with my own button and listen to some incredible new talent!”.
The 25-year-old has been a judge on singing show The Four: Battle For Stardom, an American reality series airing on US channel Fox.
Hudson has been a coach on the UK series of The Voice since 2017 and will next be seen on the big screen in Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the musical, Cats.
Sir Tom said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to The Voice, I just love doing this show. I’ve had a fantastic summer touring and performing songs I enjoy and have a passion for, so now it’s time to discover some talented new singers to see what they can do!”
American musician Will.i.am said he is “seeking fresh sounds and unique voices that I want to work with and will compel me to push that button!”.
The last series of the show was won by Cornwall singer Molly Hocking, securing a first win for coach Murs.
He stripped off and posed for a photograph in his red judging chair from the series following the win, later telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “It has become a thing, I did it at Soccer Aid last year. Whenever I win something I always like to get naked for some reason.”
Murs said of returning this year: “I’m so excited to come back to The Voice this year with a new energy and even a new knee – ready to defend my title as the winning Coach.
“It’s fantastic to introduce a new Coach to the team as well and I look forward to getting to know Meghan.”
Also returning is the show’s host Emma Willis.
She said: “I can’t wait for the next series of The Voice, especially to hear all of the incredible talent that will no doubt be walking ont o that stage. I absolutely adore Jennifer and will massively miss her.
“However, Meghan is a fab choice to add to the coaching line up and it’s always exciting when a new coach arrives on the show”.
ITV’s head of entertainment Katie Rawcliffe said: “Meghan Trainor is such an exciting addition to The Voice UK. She has blown us away with her energy and enthusiasm and, although our youngest coach, an impressive career in music set to inspire all who join Team Meghan”.
She also extended a “heartfelt thanks” to Hudson, adding: “She has been a tremendous coach, loved by viewers and the singers she has worked with during her time on the show.”
The next series of The Voice UK will start filming in October and is set to air on ITV in the new year.
