When Sting was first approached to serve as a mega mentor on The Voice, he had some initial hesitations. The Grammy-winning artist, known for his legendary career with The Police and as a solo artist, was unsure how he felt about music being part of a competitive setting. "The premise of the show is frightening to me," he shared, reflecting on how music, unlike sports, isn't a competition. "If you win the U.S. Open, you are the best player at that particular time. But singing is different. Everybody’s voice is unique."
Ultimately, Sting’s decision to join as a mega mentor turned out to be a rewarding experience. Assisting Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg’s teams during the Knockout rounds airing on Monday, November 11, Sting found the role unexpectedly enriching. The former schoolteacher was impressed by the contestants' talent. "I’m still a student of music, but I’ve been doing it for a long time," he noted. "I can give them a tiny hint, but the standard of singing is so high, there’s little I can say. They know how to sing." Instead, Sting focused on offering small bits of advice on presentation and posture, adding, “It was very nourishing to see a small piece of advice you give them, and then their next run-through, they put that into action and raise the whole thing.”
Mentorship and Old Friendships
Sting’s own journey in music was influenced by his father, who gave him invaluable advice that he has carried throughout his life: “He said go to sea. See the world. Make something of yourself.” This spirit of exploration and risk-taking clearly resonated with him, helping shape his illustrious career.
Already friends with Stefani and Snoop before the show, Sting found it easy to blend into the Voice team. He first met Stefani when she was only 13 and a fan of his. Their paths crossed again when No Doubt and Sting were both on A&M Records, including a shared performance at the 2003 Super Bowl halftime show. Sting praised Stefani’s thoughtful coaching approach on The Voice: “I’ve been so impressed by how succinct she is in her comments about the artists, how compassionate she is, and her wisdom,” he said, adding with a smile, “she’s not hard to look at!”
Sting also shares a long-standing camaraderie with Snoop Dogg, and this collaboration went beyond The Voice. He was recently featured on Snoop’s upcoming album, Missionary, produced by Dr. Dre, set for release in December. Dre and Snoop asked Sting to revisit his classic, The Police’s 1979 hit "Message in a Bottle." Sting was thrilled with the reimagined track, which gave him a new challenge. “I played the guitar on it and sang a verse, but I had to raise my game,” he revealed. “It’s a rebirth of the song, if you like. It’s a great version of the song.”
Sting Remains a “Student” of Music
Despite his vast experience and the respect he commands, Sting is adamant that he doesn’t aspire to transition into a full-time mentor or judge. “I’m not a judge; I’m still a student,” he said, choosing to keep music as a continuous learning experience. With a new tour on the horizon, Sting’s musical journey shows no signs of slowing down. His stripped-down Sting 3.0 tour will kick off in Los Angeles before wrapping up in Sweden next July.
For Sting, The Voice offered a refreshing break from his own projects, reminding him of the excitement that comes with watching emerging artists grow. And for fans, seeing an icon like Sting join forces with The Voice coaches brought an extra layer of artistry and wisdom to the show.
