How did Ronan Keating end up in the contested jury of 'The Voice of Germany'?

'The Voice of Germany' is entering its 13th season, and the Irish singer Ronan Keating (46) sits on the jury as its international musician.

We all got to know him as one of the singers in the popular boyband Boyzone.

One of his most-played songs is the solo hit 'When You Say Nothing At All.' It's part of the soundtrack of the romantic comedy 'Notting Hill' (1999).

Keating has experience as a judge on 'The Voice.' He was previously on the jury for 'The Voice Australia' and 'The Voice Kids' in Great Britain.

It is not the first time that 'The Voice of Germany' - a show completely in German - had an Irish judge. In fact, during the previous season, Rea Garvey sat on the moving chair. Yet, Garvey currently lives in Germany, so the case was a bit different from that of Ronan Keating, who resides in London.

The 2023 jury consists of four instead of five jurors: This year there are Ronan Keating, the brothers Tom and Bill Kaulitz (33) - Tom being Heidi Klum's husband -, the German rapper Shirin David (28), and the singer Giovanni Zarrella (45).

Tom and Bill Kaulitz became famous with the group 'Tokio Hotel' in the 2000s. They have been living in Los Angeles for some time. Tom Kaulitz, the one with the long hair, is married to Heidi Klum.

The rapper Shirin David became known through her YouTube channel and music covers. In 2017, she was already a juror on 'Deutschland Sucht den Superstar' (DSDS) - a variation of 'Germany's Got Talent'.

Pop star Giovanni Zarrella (photo right) started his own musical career with a talent show. In 2001 he took part in 'Popstars' and became a member of the band Bro'Sis. Today, Zarrella continues to work as a singer and presents his own show on German TV.

As it turns out, Ronan Keating may be the most popular member of the current 'Voice' jury in Germany. The other judges have each gotten criticism from people in the media and online.

An Austrian fan commented: "Sad, sad that such a great show is now becoming a trash format... The coaches, who understand their business, were the reason why you watched it... It won't work with an inflated and painted 'singer' and the Klum Brothers. It's remarkable that Ronan Keating joins them."

With the words 'painted singer,' the fan refers to Shirin David. She made headlines with numerous cosmetic surgeries and her fondness for large cars and fur coats.

Since families like to watch 'The Voice of Germany,' some parents see the jury, especially Shirin David, as a bad influence. Especially animal rights activists criticize the jury's choice of Shirin David.

David is also said to have fought with other celebs on social media and worked with the fast-food giant McDonald's. The die-hard fans of 'The Voice of Germany' don't like that.

Giovanni Zarrella is another case people have their doubts about. Some fans look forward to him as a judge, others are disappointed because, as they say, it's always the same celebs that appear on every TV show.

Some fans considered the announcement of the current jury to be a belated April Fool's joke. Still, there is a good chance they will turn around and get hooked on the show anyway. Best of luck to Ronan Keating!