To add to this, also that weekend on BBC One...
Saturday - The Voice UK Final
Sunday (presumably) - The Apprentice Final

Absolutely mammoth weekend on BBC One.

Then on Friday, the opening match of Euro 2012 - Poland vs Greece at 5pm.

Yeah he did, it seems that despite the competition from Graham Norton his show suits the Friday slot. I suspect last night's episode will have been boosted a bit by Tulisa giving her first TV interview since the sex tape too. Disappointing for the 9pm shows on C4 though - Cats and HIGNFY seemed to hurt each other quite a bit. VIP looks bad but I suppose it at least retained most of the lead-in. Not Going Out seems to be doing better this time and Life Stories is doing nicely in its new slot, I didn't expect it to do that well with Carol Vorderman.

It's a bit suspicious that BBC1 are running Planet Earth Live in the same week as the BGT Finals in the first place, rather than any other week of the year.

Nothing wrong with the BBC offering a big natural history alternative to Britains Got Talent. I seen special idents for Planet Earth Live and lots of trailers, it looks great. It can get a good audience for the launch for viewers who dont like BGT,.

I do hope these group performances from the judges aren't going to be a weekly feature - car crash stuff!

Set looks good though.

It's so blatantly obvious The Voice is going to be getting astronomical figures tonight and going forward.

Final will push 15m I reckon.

3 worldwide trending topics already.

Slightly awkward/nervy start to The Voice from the coaches and presenters. Understandable on the first live show I guess.

The set looks great - not as big as the U.S one but sometimes I think it is actually too big and ends up looking messy on air.

Holly Willoughby just said to one of the contestants on air: "You just opened up the biggest show on TV right now".

Nice to see the BBC proud of this fact. Sam Hodges also tweeted its televisions biggest show now.

This is literally going to kill X Factor right off - who wants to watch that crap now we have this?

Glossier, more authentic, more expensive feeling (somehow!), great judging panel, a fit male host, a fit female host, great talent, very high production values... and a very slick social networking campaign swirling around it and growing...

I'm a massive fan of this show, the Live Shows are only 15 minutes in and I just know this will to nuclear this year. It's got a huge energy about it that blows anything else talent show wise well out of the water.

In the Autumn you won't 'have this', so that might be a factor, unless you are going to record The Voice and watch it again in October.

Well they aren't airing at the same time.

And it only feels fresher because it is well, fresher. Its a few weeks old, X Factor is 8 years old. At the end of the day the differences between this and the X Factor are minute.

Someone send James a new pair of pants!

It really isn't glossier or more expensive looking at all - the production on it is quite a bit cheaper looking than XF's huge numbers, and the judges are a bit dreary as they're all afraid to say anything negative - the talent is fine but it's not that good.

It's a good show, but I hardly think it's going to send XF to death's door.

There is something about this show which extends beyond the mere fact that it "isn't The X Factor, therefore it's fresh".

It has an authenticity The X Factor has never had. If XF is not revamped, it will feel very cheap (in values and production) alongside this far slicker, more relevant product.

Anyone who doubts me now, let's just wait for the ratings for tonight but crucially in the week to come - I argue ratings will grow and grow from here.

*Stumbles into The Voice Appreciation thread...departs again quickly*

(PS. Shame Have I Got News You dipped - it was brilliant last night. Life Stories performed decently, as did Alan Carr. Considering the weather, I'm surprised the soaps are taking as much of a hit as they are)

Christ, its like being at a Scientologist timeshare sales conference here with The Voice love in. Best comments so far have been why do the need backing dancers if its all about the voice?

I can't see what on earth is constituting to a love in - other than two posts I've written?

Incidentally, because I believe based on watching it and the sort of buzz it is generating (at least in my perspective, however narrow) The Voice will be the entertainment ratings hit of the entire year, bar Olympics etc?

for something thats not supposed to be about hype, you are sure hyping it up IRONY ALERT!!

The live shows in other countries have seen a dip as people have realised it's little more than an Idol/X Factor rip off. But then again, other broadcasters in other countries have tried to actively oppose the shows. Commercial broadcasters here have just bowed down and aired rubbish against it (the biggest opposition was a 15 minute overlap by Britain's Got Talent when The Voice had had an hour headstart. )

TV first live show I think everyone involved is a bit nervous, presenters coaches also.
Danny and Jessie J are better at live than Will and Tom imo.Early days-this is a huge show.

I just don't buy the authenticity argument at all. What exactly makes this show authentic? Tonight's programme so far is a carbon copy of a live X Factor show - albeit with the pointless addition of Reggie Yates in the 'V Room'. The concept is all about 'the voice' and yet the judges routinely disregard and ignore when contestants sing out of tune. So far rather than just stand on the stage and show off their 'voice', all bar the first contestant has been accompanied by dancers, strobe lighting and various other gimmicks.

I respect that some people like the show, its certainly not a bad watch, but I really dislike the idea that this show is God's gift to music. Its no more credible or authentic than any other reality show. I thought this article had quite a good assessment,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-rad...ces?CMP=twt_gu

Don't want to take over the ratings thread with this debate so I'll leave it there!

The last few contestants havent been that great I admit. I think song choices need to be better next week because theyre capable of better. First singer was brilliant though and maybe theyre saving the best for the second half of the show.

But British audiences LIKE talent shows. I'd argue viewers are CRYING OUT for something like this.

Look how successful XF is/was with relatively bad press - at least while TVUK has this media and social "halo" it will smash opposition to dust - period.

And maybe that's what ITV fans are afraid of? I've never pretended to be an ITVista despite being accused of being one, I just like television that is capable of capturing the attention of the nation.

The Voice UK is so far doing everything right for me, and striking a perfect balance between authentic and commercial. It has resonated with me, and take a look at the detail on Twittter, and in real life (Mum, mates, cousins... FB feed, etc). It's one thing people are talking about it full stop, but the consensus as I see it - of ordinary TV watching folk - is a resounding thumbs up.

And this will be reflected in ratings. ITV, other networks, other shows, talent show-phobes - deal with it!

Well you 'Voice' viewers missed the goal of the season from Luis Suarez on ESPN! Watch out for it later on MOTD, it's an absolute peach.

(Forgive me, Liverpool fans like myself have had little to crow about of late.)

I find The Voice fresher, better made, the singers aren't just on it for a laugh, no premium rate phone competitions, garish sets, new, and indeed a damned sight better than TXF. I reckon Cowell, who loves being top dog, could have a fit of pique and announce he is quitting the UK and cancelling his shows, although he hasn't done that well in America.
However, should this day come, pray for ITV, whose Saturday night success has largely been built on Cowell.