Koen Wauters Sparks Controversy with ‘Ultimate Block’ on The Voice van Vlaanderen

The tenth season of The Voice van Vlaanderen is already generating buzz, and not just for the talent. A recent incident involving coach Koen Wauters and contestant Bas has ignited debate over the show’s rules and fair play.

Season 10 Coaches and Hosts

The Voice van Vlaanderen premiered on February 13, 2026, on VTM. The coaching panel for this season includes returning favorites Koen Wauters and Mathieu Terryn, alongside newcomers Joost Klein and Laura Tesoro [1]. Maarten & Dorothee are serving as the coaches for the “Comeback Stage.” An Lemmens and Aster Nzeyimana are hosting the show, with Lemmens returning for her tenth season and Nzeyimana for his second [1].

The Incident with Bas

During the auditions, 17-year-old Bas impressed all four coaches with his vocal talent, receiving a standing ovation and prompting each coach to turn their chair [3]. Yet, as Bas prepared to choose his coach, Koen Wauters unexpectedly activated the “Ultimate Block” button.

What is the ‘Ultimate Block’?

The “Ultimate Block” is a feature on The Voice van Vlaanderen that immediately assigns the contestant to Koen Wauters’ team, regardless of the contestant’s preference. This move sparked immediate outrage from fellow coaches Laura Tesoro and Mathieu Terryn, who questioned the legality and fairness of using the block before Bas had a chance to make his decision [3].

Coaches’ Reactions

Mathieu Terryn expressed confusion, stating he believed the “Ultimate Block” could only be used after the contestant had begun to choose. Laura Tesoro vehemently protested the move, exclaiming, “No, no, no!” [3]. Koen Wauters defended his action, stating, “Welcome to team Koen. I’m going to do my utmost for you,” and asserting that Bas could “only turn into much better” under his guidance [3].

Fan Reaction and Future Episodes

The incident has quickly become a talking point among fans of the show, with many questioning the ethics of Wauters’ tactic. The show continues every Friday evening on VTM, and it remains to be seen if this controversy will impact the competition moving forward [2].