How does it feel to be back?

I’m so proud to be part of this show, I love it. It’s a dream job and I’m treated to what the UK has to offer as I get to hear the talent of these seven- to fourteen-year-olds. It’s amazing some of these kids haven’t even stepped out of their bedrooms to sing and we get to witness it, so I feel very proud every time I get to do this show and I’m proud of the kids who come on and the talent.

What do you look for in a voice?

I’m always chasing a feeling. In the music I make, we try to chase a feeling, whether that’s energy and jumping or emotion with either pain or happiness, whatever it is as long as they give me some sort of feeling. The goosebumps don’t lie so it’s not just about taste or what you like or you don’t like. If it’s good and it moves you then they should get a turn.

What do you love most about the show?

I think seeing kids realise their potential and seeing their world open up and being inspired by music. They are on that stage and they are such tiny humans and when else do they get to do that, I’d have loved that experience as a kid. It’s such a special moment, it’s about opening something up they can be inspired by and something they want to do for the rest of their lives.

Tell us about team Danny?

Team Danny is like a mini supergroup. You’ve got a pop princess, some soul, a big rock singer and then you’ve got your kind of busker. So, I’ve got a bit of everything this year. I’m very proud of my team like I always am. They worked so hard, especially around the piano and listened to me. They went away and came back and they wanted to impress. It’s nice to see them grow but I always dread the decision and this year is probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make as I loved all four of them, they are amazing and amazing to work with as always.

What advice do you give them?

There’s nothing worse seeing a performer not believing in it. As a kid sometimes that’s quite nice though as it works. Even when you're young you can still tell a story, you can still change a feeling of a room, you can still have passion as long as it doesn’t come across as overly confident. There is a fine balance with the kids so I always say read what you are singing before you come out, understand the song and relate it to what your life is like or sing it to someone, your Gran or your mum and pretend you are singing it to them and forget about the audience if that makes it easier. So, connection, keeping your eyes in the moment even when the song has finished, just be in the moment. Enjoy it and don’t overthink it.

Has the level of talent surprised you?

Yes, it surprises me every year. They are just getting better and better. The way they learn and the way they take on information is just incredible. I would have been so overwhelmed back then. They go away and work on it and they come back and I’m like ‘I’ve got nothing to say that’s amazing’.

Which coach is the most competitive?

Ronan, definitely. Ronan and I have a friendly rivalry.

What’s the hardest thing about the show, is it making all the tough decisions?

Yes. Honestly, I lose sleep over it. I ask my family, I show them videos, I film the rehearsals and I never know what to do because they are all so good and all so young. They handle not getting through so well, they are so mature and I’m always really impressed with that. You just want to pick the right kid and honestly you take it home with you. You keep thinking about it and you are thinking about songs to pick for them and you get inspired by them. I think that’s what I go for, if one kid inspires me to come up with a cool song that’s great.

Who has inspired you over the years in the industry?

I’d probably say the biggest one and it’s more with the band is Green Day. When we all went to see Green Day way back when that inspired us to up our game with our live set. We started to understand the energy of a live set and not to be too indulgent and make sure it’s rock music but you’ve got a party town. I’ll never forget watching Springsteen (Bruce) as he does it as well, Bruce Springsteen does exactly the same as Green Day. They both take you to party town and they both leave you feeling like you want to see that and be part of it again. That’s what we try to do with our live shows. We still talk about their shows to this day and how we get the energy between songs and flow songs into one another and get crowd participation.