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Entertainment • Television

The Voice (TV series)

The Voice is an American singing reality competition television series that premiered on NBC in 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Voice is an American singing reality competition television series that premiered on NBC in 2011. Based on the Dutch format The Voice of Holland, it features coaches mentoring singers through blind auditions, battle rounds, and live shows, with viewers helping decide the winner. The series is part of an international franchise that broadcasts in many countries, including Canada.

Format

The series begins with blind auditions, in which coaches cannot see the performers while choosing team members. Contestants then compete in later elimination rounds before viewers vote during the live shows.

Origins and franchise

The Voice is based on the Dutch series The Voice of Holland and belongs to a larger international franchise. The format has been adapted in multiple countries.

Production and broadcast

The American version premiered on NBC on April 26, 2011, and is filmed at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California. Carson Daly has served as host for the series.

Prizes and eligibility

The winner receives US$100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Music Group. Contestants must be at least 13 years old to audition.

Key facts

  • The Voice is part of the international The Voice franchise.
  • It is centered on four coaches selecting artists during blind auditions based on vocal ability.
  • Contestants advance through battles, knockouts, playoffs, and live performance shows.
  • Audience voting helps determine the winner in the final stages.
  • Winners receive a cash prize and a Universal Music Group recording contract.
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Canadian context

The Voice airs internationally and is part of a global reality-television franchise that also has Canadian audience interest through cross-border broadcast and local franchise awareness.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Voice?
The Voice is an American television singing competition where coaches mentor contestants and viewers help choose the winner.
When did The Voice premiere?
It premiered on NBC on April 26, 2011.
What is The Voice based on?
It is based on the Dutch television format The Voice of Holland.
How does the competition work?
Contestants are selected in blind auditions, then advance through battles, knockouts, playoffs, and live shows.
What do winners receive?
Winners receive US$100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.
How old must contestants be?
Contestants must be at least 13 years old.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voice_(American_TV_series)
    Supports: Premiere date, NBC broadcast, format, prize, age requirement, and franchise origin for the American series
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voice_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise origin, creators, and international adaptation context
  3. NBC — https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/how-does-the-voice-work-everything-to-know-about-the-format
    Supports: Competition structure, minimum audition age, and filming location
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-voice/1000031290/
    Supports: NBC listing, genre classification, season count, and ongoing series status