Battle of the Choirs
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | June 15, 2008 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | David Koch (host), Jonathon Welch (judge), Iva Davies (judge), Charli Delaney (judge), George Torbay (judge) |
| Products | Reality talent show |
Battle of the Choirs is a reality talent show from Australia that debuted on the Seven Network on 15 June 2008. The program was hosted by David Koch, with a panel of judges comprising Jonathon Welch, Iva Davies, Charli Delaney, and George Torbay. The series was ultimately won by the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir.
Originating from a concept developed by Swedish vocalist Caroline af Ugglas, the format has seen international adaptations, including the American version titled Clash of the Choirs. The competition features 16 community choirs, each consisting of up to 40 participants, battling through elimination rounds across multiple musical styles. The champion is awarded $100,000 along with a recording deal from Universal Music.
Structure
The contest begins with sixteen choirs competing in the Round of 16, divided into four groups per episode. Each choir delivers a prepared Top Tune and Battle Tune, in addition to a Surprise Medley that is disclosed on the day of performance.
During each episode, choirs first showcase their Top Tune before the judges. This is followed by a 45-second segment of the Surprise Medley performed collectively by all choirs. Subsequently, the judges eliminate one choir and select another to advance. The two remaining choirs then perform their Battle Tunes, after which the judges determine which choir moves forward.
The competition progresses through several stages: Round of 16 (16 choirs over 4 episodes), Quarter Finals (8 choirs across 2 episodes), Semi Final (4 choirs in 1 episode), and the Grand Final featuring 3 choirs in a single episode.
Final results
The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir emerged victorious, competing against Melbourne’s Vox Synergy community choir in the final round. Vox Synergy performed "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan, while the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir secured their win with renditions of Queen's "Bicycle Race" and Sting's "Straight to My Heart." The third finalist, Harambee, was eliminated following the Surprise Medley segment.
Viewership
| Episode | Original airdate | Viewers (millions) |
Nightly Rank | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode 1" | 15 June 2008 | 1.445 | #5 | |
| 2 | "Episode 2" | 22 June 2008 | 1.344 | #6 | |
| 3 | "Episode 3" | 29 June 2008 | 1.021 | #10 | |
| 4 | "Episode 4" | 6 July 2008 | 1.159 | #8 | |
| 5 | "Episode 5" | 13 July 2008 | 1.241 | #6 | |
| 6 | "Episode 6" | 20 July 2008 | 1.352 | #6 | |
| 7 | "Episode 7" | 27 July 2008 | 1.322 | #6 | |
| 8 | "Grand Final" | 3 August 2008 | 1.377 | #4 | |