Will.i.am has publicly endorsed a campaign demanding Sir Tom Jones’ return to ITV’s The Voice, following the legend’s departure from the judging panel. The petition, initiated by superfan Aaron Howlett, has garnered more than 63,000 signatures globally.
Sir Tom, now 86, announced earlier this month that he had been “fired” as a coach after negotiating a reduced role. In a social media post, the Treforest-born singer expressed his disappointment, stating, “They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that.”
He added: “So the only thing I know right now is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
Howlett, a 50-year-old from Kingston-upon-Hull, launched the Change.org petition after feeling uncertain if anyone would support it. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, he described Jones as “one of the last living legends” whose voice resonates with audiences across generations.
“If he stopped singing and performing, then he wouldn’t be Sir Tom anymore,” Howlett said. “I think singing is Tom. He resonates from the inside and he becomes alive on stage.”
The campaign gained significant momentum when Will.i.am, who previously served alongside Jones on the show, collaborated on an Instagram post sharing the petition on September 15. Howlett described being “overwhelmed” by the international response.
Fans have echoed their support online. Alison from Peterborough wrote that she watches The Voice specifically for Jones and would stop tuning in if he were absent. Meanwhile, Carmela from Montreal shared that she and her late mother attended three of his concerts before her passing three years ago.
In response to the controversy, an ITV spokesperson thanked Jones for “countless incredible and unforgettable moments” provided during his nine-year tenure. A representative for The Voice added that while Jones would not be a full-time coach for series 15, the production team remains in discussions with him regarding future involvement.
Jones originally joined The Voice UK when it premiered in 2012, making him an on-and-off coach throughout its history. He has appeared alongside various artists including Kelly Rowland, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora. Under his mentorship, three contestants have gone on to win the competition.
The next series of The Voice UK is scheduled to begin production soon in 2027.
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