Entertainment

The coaching lineup for the upcoming season of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ is stirring debate, with television personality Tina Nijkamp publicly questioning whether Dinand Woesthoff will remain a coach following the addition of Dutch artist Joost Klein. The speculation arises from Klein’s perceived lack of engagement and unconventional approach to the competition, traits that Nijkamp suggests wouldn’t be well-received on the Dutch version of the show.

Nijkamp’s comments, shared on Instagram Stories, followed the release of a promotional video for ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ featuring Klein. In the video, Klein appears surprised to learn that turning his chair during blind auditions automatically adds a contestant to his team, prompting the question, “How does this work now? Now she’s automatically on my team?” This moment, captured and shared widely, fueled Nijkamp’s observation that Klein’s apparent disinterest might not align with the expectations of ‘The Voice of Holland’.

Joost Klein is set to join Koen Wauters, Mathieu Terryn, and Laura Tesoro as coaches on ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen,’ which is scheduled to begin on February 13th, 2026. The format mirrors that of ‘The Voice of Holland,’ starting with blind auditions. Yet, Klein’s past behavior has raised concerns about potential disruptions.

The addition of Klein to the coaching panel has already been described as a “risk” by entertainment commentator Evert Santegoeds, who expressed concerns about potential backstage conflicts. Santegoeds pointed to Klein’s disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and an incident where he aggressively approached a camerawoman backstage as evidence of his unpredictable behavior. He suggested that Klein’s “free spirit” and tendency to surround himself with a close-knit group of friends could lead to difficulties in maintaining a stable working environment.

This isn’t the first time questions have arisen regarding the coaching lineup of ‘The Voice’ franchises. The Dutch version of the show is returning after a hiatus with Ilse DeLange, Suzan & Freek, Willie Wartaal, and Dinand Woesthoff as coaches. Notably, this season will not feature live shows, with the finale being pre-recorded months in advance, a decision that has drawn criticism from some industry observers.

Nijkamp’s pointed remark – “Well, I understand why they didn’t choose him in the Netherlands. That apparent disinterest of Joost doesn’t quite fit with ‘The Voice’ in the Netherlands” – highlights a broader discussion about the suitability of certain personalities for the talent show format. The contrast between Klein’s style and the expectations of the Dutch audience is central to the debate.

The situation also comes after a period of scrutiny for ‘The Voice’ franchises. The show has faced challenges and controversies in recent years, leading to increased attention on the behavior of coaches and the overall production environment.

As ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ prepares to launch, all eyes will be on Joost Klein to see how he navigates his role as a coach and whether his unconventional approach will resonate with viewers and fellow judges. The dynamic between Klein and the existing coaching panel, particularly Dinand Woesthoff, will be a key element to watch as the season unfolds.

The upcoming season promises to be a closely watched one, not only for the talent showcased but also for the interactions and potential conflicts among the coaches. The show’s producers will likely be monitoring the situation closely to ensure a smooth and successful run.

What remains to be seen is how Klein’s presence will impact the overall tone and direction of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen.’ The show’s success will depend on finding a balance between embracing Klein’s unique personality and maintaining a professional and engaging environment for the contestants.

Share your thoughts on the new coaching lineup and what you expect from the upcoming season of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ in the comments below!

Yen Press is gearing up for a robust summer 2026 release schedule, announcing 14 new manga, manhwa, and light novel acquisitions. The publisher’s lineup promises a diverse range of genres and stories for fans, building on its existing catalog and introducing fresh titles to the North American market. This announcement follows a recent reveal of four audiobook adaptations slated for release in August, further expanding Yen Press’s multimedia offerings.

The summer 2026 releases include two novels, one Korean manhwa, and eleven manga titles, signaling a continued commitment to bringing a variety of East Asian storytelling traditions to English-speaking audiences. Yen Press has grow a significant player in the manga and light novel publishing scene, and this latest wave of licenses reinforces its position as a key distributor of these works. The publisher’s calendar already shows releases scheduled throughout February, with titles like “Bride of the Barrier Master” and “The Summer Hikaru Died” hitting shelves in the coming weeks, according to the Yen Press calendar.

New Manga Titles Coming This Summer

Among the new manga acquisitions, several titles stand out. “List Rouge” by Hoku Tomose presents a dystopian world where humanity is managed through breeding programs, exploring themes of identity and forbidden romance. “Seeds of Anxiety: Asterisk” by Masaaki Nakayama delves into the horror genre, promising a chilling anthology experience. “Beneath the Fur” is also among the new manga releases, offering a different genre experience for readers. Further details on these and other manga titles, including “The Crow’s Ballad at Dawn,” “The Bubble Love of the Mermaid,” and “Magic Doctor Rex’s Perverted Medical Record,” are expected to be released in the coming months.

The publisher is also expanding its novel offerings with two new titles: “Scarlet” and “My Yandere Girlfriend Hiding in the Dungeon Kills Me Over and Over.” These additions cater to readers who enjoy longer-form narratives and immersive world-building. The inclusion of a Korean manhwa in the summer lineup demonstrates Yen Press’s commitment to diversifying its content beyond Japanese manga and light novels.

Audiobook Adaptations and Expanding Formats

In addition to the new licenses, Yen Press is also investing in audiobook adaptations. Audiobooks for “Dark Souls: Masque of Vindication” by Michael A. Stackpole, “Blade & Bastard” by Kumo Kagyu, “The Holy Grail of Eris,” and “Whoever Steals This Book” will be available in August, as reported by ComicsBeat. Voice casts for these audiobooks will be announced closer to their release dates. This move reflects a growing trend in the publishing industry towards multi-format releases, catering to a wider range of consumer preferences.

The announcement of these new titles and audiobook adaptations comes after Yen Press revealed seven new manga and one novel in January 2026, as noted by Bleeding Cool. This indicates a consistent stream of new content from the publisher, keeping pace with the demands of a growing fanbase. A sequel to “Solo Leveling” is also slated to hit shelves this summer, according to Yen Press News, further exciting fans of the popular series.

What to Expect Next

Yen Press’s summer 2026 lineup promises a diverse and exciting range of titles for manga, manhwa, and light novel enthusiasts. The publisher’s continued investment in both new licenses and alternative formats like audiobooks demonstrates its commitment to serving a broad audience. Further details regarding release dates, cover art, and promotional materials for these titles will be released by Yen Press in the coming months. Fans can stay updated on the latest announcements by visiting the official Yen Press website and following their social media channels.

What are you most excited to read from this new lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow manga and light novel fans!