Music Icon Craig David to Judge Simon Cowell’s New Show ‘Walk The Line’
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Simon Cowell has reportedly tapped Craig David to judge alongside him on the new ITV series Walk the Line. David built a career off of the success of his 1999 hit, “Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta).” He made a comeback to the music scene in 2016 and is now a world-renowned DJ.
“Craig David is an icon of the British music industry – but he’s also as relevant today as he was when he burst on the scene back at the beginning of the Noughties,” an insider told The Sun.
Who is ‘Walk the Line’ Judge Craig David?
David is no stranger to the talent show world. He served as a mentor on The Voice UK for Olly Murs’ team in 2018. The “7 Days” singer performed on The X Factor multiple times in the past. He used these appearances as a way to reinvent his career. He expressed interest five years ago to join Cowell on The X Factor judging panel.
“If Simon came to me with that position, I would definitely think about it,” he said at the time.
Cowell’s plans to revive The X Factor have fallen through but that hasn’t stopped him from coming up with new ideas and show concepts. David has been on Cowell’s radar for years so it makes total sense for him to judge Walk the Line on ITV. The two-time Grammy nominee made headlines with his viral cover of Justin Biber’s “Love Yourself” in 2016. ITV has long supported David’s career, even inviting him to perform on Love Island in 2019.
“It’s an exciting move and adds real credibility to the panel,” the source continued. “You can always rely on Simon to keep it fresh and get everyone talking.”
Amid all of the Walk the Line buzz, David announced that his new single, “Who You Are,” with MNEK drops next Friday. David and Ed Sheeran were also just announced as two of the headliners for the KISS Haunted House Party this year.
Cowell Hopes to Create Buzz with This New Series
Producers hope the Walk the Line judges and the shows cash prize will create “a real buzz.” Musical acts will go head to head before the top performers are faced with a difficult decision. They will either be able to walk away with some fast cash or risk it all for the chance at an even bigger prize later down the line.
“He wanted to make the prize the biggest on UK telly right now and was adamant it wouldn’t be any less than £500k,” a source said about Cowell’s hopes for the show. “He also wants new faces. There will be no Cheryl or Louis Walsh.”
Maya Jama is set to host the new series. Jama gushed about the gig and working with Cowell in an Instagram post in September. No official premiere date has been announced yet but the hype is real.
