Ronan Keating may have famously sang ‘you say it best, when you say nothing at all’, but it sounds like he has some fighting words for fellow The Voice Australia coach, Richard Marx.
Ronan and Richard were once The Voice’s strongest bromance, thanks to their friendship that stretches back decades. The pair have known each other for around 20 years and previously wrote music together, which has translated into a playful rivalry on screen as they mentor hopeful singers.
During the 2026 Blind Auditions, The Voice even dubbed them ‘best frenemies’ after Ronan stole an artist from Richard, prompting Richard to jokingly declare: “You’re dead to me.” But could this on-screen tension have affected their real-world friendship?
According to Woman’s Day, there is a feud brewing between them. “Richard and Ronan are definitely mates, but they’re both pretty stubborn,” a source said. “If they disagree, neither is exactly rushing to be the first one to apologise.”
Eek! Apparently, Richard didn’t take kindly to being mocked by Ronan about his constant celebrity name-dropping on the show. “Richard didn’t really see the funny side,” the source claimed. “He also isn’t one to mince his words. If he’s p***ed at you, he’ll tell you — and Ronan certainly copped it when the cameras stopped rolling.”
These on-air fights have consequences when the cameras aren’t around. “There were times when the atmosphere was a little frosty after filming, even though they make out like everything is fine,” the source added.
Ronan originally coached the Australian series in 2016 before returning in 2025, while Richard joined the panel for the first time that same year. They both returned for the 2026 season.
Ronan Keating hits back at The Voice backlash
Ronan Keating has previously defended The Voice Australia’s coaches as the 2026 season faces criticism over its format changes and focus on the celebrity panel.
Some viewers have accused the show of prioritising its coaches over contestants, while others have taken issue with unsuccessful Blind Audition singers leaving without receiving feedback. One fan claimed the show had become ‘more about the judges than the artists’.
Ronan has pushed back against criticism of the panel, which also includes Melanie C, Kate Miller-Heidke and Richard. “We’ve been doing it for a long time, all of us,” he told WHO earlier this year. “We’re not coming here to take it lying down; we’re going for it properly.”
The Boyzone singer said mentoring contestants remained one of his favourite parts of the job.
“I enjoy the whole journey and watching artists grow and being part of the team,” he said, adding that he feels “ten feet tall when the artists choose you in front of the other coaches”.
Ronan also praised the chemistry between the coaches, describing working alongside people he admires and considers friends as “very special”.
The Voice Australia can be streamed on 7Plus.
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