The Voice UK 2012: Jessie J, Will.i.am, Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue banter and name drop through first show

The Voice UK 2012 kicked off on BBC1 on Saturday night, bringing us a new panel of 'coaches', a fresh concept for a UK talent show, and a whole load of Britain's Got Talent 2012 rivalry.

The most entertaining part of the show was the banter between the coaches and the name dropping. Sir Tom Jones not only kept referring to himself as 'The Voice' (amazing) but also waxed lyrical about knowing Elvis back in the day. Will.i.am used to hang out with Michael Jackson, dontcha know.

Towards the end of the show, the competition amped up with Will.i.am and Jessie J particularly fighting their corners and trying to get the singers in their camp.

[Related article: Why will.i.am chose to do The Voice]

This is the most interesting aspect of the show we reckon, rather than the 'blind' judging that the show promotes itself most heavily on. The fact that judges have to try to win over the contestants makes the rivalry that much more lively.

Here's our verdict on how the first show shaped up.

THE COACHES

Danny O'Donoghue wants "the hairs on his neck to stand up". His cheeky charm and banter with the other panelists got us giggling, and we were impressed with how he held his own considering he's probably the least well-known. OUR VERDICT: great banter and charm, what's not to love?

Jessie J was the most popular coach with the first contestants out, and gave good banter with the rest of the male panel. OUR VERDICT: we're girl crushing and loving her girl power attitude.

[Related article: The Voice's Jessie J doesn't want to be a celebrity]

Tom Jones wants "raw talent" and he's certainly playing the role of cool, calm and collected coach. We were hoping for some Louis Walsh-isms ("You remind me of a little Lenny Henry" etc) but at least we got his own catchphrase: "Where I'm from, they call me The Voice." OUR VERDICT: get more catchphrases and we're in.

Will.i.am is looking for "uniqueness" and gave us plenty of examples of his own specialness, with his Macy Gray and Michael Jackson name dropping. He's probably the most honest slash harshest judge, and looking to be the Simon Cowell of the panel. OUR VERDICT: keep up the fighting spirit, we love.

THE CONTESTANTS

Jessica Hammond, 17, took the brave decision to sing Jessie J's own song 'Price Tag' and boy did it pay off. All four judges hit their buttons and battled for her to pick them. Unsurprisingly, she went with Jessie. OUR VERDICT: raw talent but we spotted a few pitch issues. With Jessie's help, though, we reckon she'll go far.

[Related article: The Voice: Holly Willoughby girl crushes on Jessie J]

Sean Conlon from 5ive sang Coldplay's 'Trouble' and we had to give him props for putting himself out there to be judged after having a successful career in a boy band. OUR VERDICT: We were gutted when none of the judges turned around.

Samuel Buttery sang Adele's 'Set Fire to the Rain' and got us giggling and gasping at the same time. Danny thought he was listening to a woman because of his amazing high voice. The Tom Jones fan was overjoyed to team up with his hero. OUR VERDICT: fun personality and an unusual voice.

Toni Warne admitted this show is ideal for her, since her confidence about her appearance was knocked following her alopecia. Her powerful rendition of 'Leave Right Now' got three out of the four judges buttons pressed, and a standing ovation from Danny. However, she went with Jessie. OUR VERDICT: inspirational woman with a great voice.

[Related article: The Voice: The Script's advice for Danny O'Donoghue]

Aundrea Nyle sang 'Crazy' by Gnarls Barkley and won Tom Jones' heart. He was the only judge to press his button, so he didn't have to compete. OUR VERDICT: fun style and voice, but we're worried she'll get overshadowed by other stronger singers.

Adam Isaac gave a few interesting twists to Stereophonics' 'Maybe Tomorrow' and was easy on the eye too. He got interest from Will.i.am and Tom Jones, and after plenty of amusing name dropping from them both he went with Sir Jones. OUR VERDICT: we want to see more.

Max Milner was the best male contestant of the night for us, with his mash up of 'Come Together' and 'Lose Yourself'. He had three judges vying for his choice, and in the end went with Danny. OUR VERDICT: potential winner. His girlfriend, Twinnielee Moore didn't get one single coach to turn around. Eek. We wouldn't want to be in on that conversation.

Ben Kelly sang Elton John's 'Rocket Man' and got Will.i.am and Danny hitting their buttons straight away. He went with Jessie J in the end after all the coaches vied for his attention. OUR VERDICT: he caused the biggest fight between the judges, could he go all the way? We're not sure.

J Marie Cooper sang Jessie J's 'Mama Knows Best' in memory of her late mother and gave the stand-out performance of the night. Jessie called her voice "ridonculoso" while Will.i.am thought she was a "star of an artist" because he could feel her pain. OUR VERDICT: potential winner.

So that's our verdict, what did you think of the concept, the coaches and the contestants?