Tech entrepreneur and record producer will.i.am has revealed what he thinks about Sir Tom Jones’ departure from The Voice saying it is ‘mayhem’ without him.
Earlier this year the Pontypridd-born singer was sensationally let go from the BBC talent show.
But it seems that Sir Tom Jones wasn’t the only one concerned by his departure, as current judge and mentor will.i.am has also taken his exit hard.
'Tom made me feel safe'
Speaking to John Arlidge for the Sunday Times Magazine, the 40-year-old singer said this series will be full of drama without the Welsh singer, who he described as the ‘parent’ of the show.
He said: “Tom made me feel safe. He’s wise and experienced. You can learn from him.
“Also, he had this ability to keep everybody in their place. You never want to act up around your elders.
“This season, it’s like the parent’s gone and then everybody acts up. It’s high drama, freakin’ mayhem.”
See also:The Voice leaves the BBC after next series as it is 'poached' by ITV
'Sub-standard behaviour'
In August BBC bosses decided to controversially axe Sir Tom from the show, giving him only one day’s notice before a new line-up featuring Boy George and Paloma Faith was announced.
The Welsh singer wrote on his Facebook page: “I was told yesterday, with no consultation or conversation of any kind, that I would not be returning.
“Having been through plenty of transformations throughout the years, I support and admire creative change.
“But being informed, as a matter of duty and respect, is an important part of creative relationships. This sub-standard behaviour from the executives is very disappointing.”
'No role was ever promised'
But speaking in August, a BBC spokesman said: “The final decision on the coaches’ line up for series five of The Voice was only taken on Wednesday and Tom’s team was informed early yesterday morning (Thursday).
“We then announced it to the press so that it didn’t leak. This has been the same every year and no role was ever promised.”
