They’ve spun their chairs. They’ve mentored superstars. They’ve thrown down in friendly (and not-so-friendly) battles over who has “the best team.” But when fans were asked to vote for the best judge in The Voice history, the results stunned even the most seasoned icon on the panel: Sir Tom Jones.
The Fan Poll That Shocked Everyone
In a recent global fan vote run by The Voice UK’s official site and backed by social media campaigns, audiences were asked to name their favorite judge of all time — across all versions of the show: UK, US, Australia, and more.
Thousands voted. And the final result?
Sir Tom Jones took the crown.
Beating out mega-names like Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Will.i.am, Adam Levine, and even Ariana Grande, the 84-year-old Welsh legend won by a landslide — and not just among older voters. Surprisingly, a massive percentage of Gen Z fans cited his “soulful mentorship,” “humility,” and “timeless voice” as their reasons.
Tom Jones: “I’m Flattered… and a Bit Shocked”
When the result was announced live on The Voice UK, Tom Jones looked visibly stunned.
“Are you sure?” he asked with a laugh, hand to his chest. “Because I thought these youngsters were voting for the flashy ones!”
He then humbly added:
“It’s not about being the best — it’s about being there for the artists. If that came through to the viewers… then I’ve done my job.”
Why Fans Love Sir Tom
Social media flooded with praise after the announcement:
“Tom Jones doesn’t just coach — he connects.”
“He gives every artist dignity. No ego. Just music.”
“He could out-sing most contestants and teach them something while doing it.”
And who could forget the countless times Tom’s deep, velvet voice sent chills through the studio — or the emotional moments where he shared wisdom about fame, failure, and finding your truth as an artist?
The Legend Still Reigns
Even younger judges like Anne-Marie and Olly Murs paid tribute.
“Tom’s the heart of this show,” said Olly. “He’s not just a judge — he’s the soul of the stage.”
