Starstruck Returns to ITV: Season Two Premieres February 18

The ITV Saturday night competition Starstruck is back for a second season. The popular music impersonation show will begin its new run on February 18 at 8:30 pm on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX, promising another evening of show-stopping transformations and celebrity tributes.

Judges and Host Lineup

The judging panel returns with familiar faces and an exciting new addition. Adam Lambert, the American Idol alum and Queen frontman, is back on the panel alongside Beverley Knight and comedian Jason Manford. Country music superstar Shania Twain joins the show this season as a new judge, bringing her experience and star power to the critiques. Olly Murs, known from X Factor and a former coach on The Voice UK, returns as host.

Season one judge Sheridan Smith is not returning due to scheduling conflicts. ITV has confirmed the updated lineup, which pairs established music talent with entertainment personalities to assess each contestant’s singing, performance and transformation into a global icon.

Format: Everyday People Become Icons

Starstruck’s format centers on everyday performers who adopt the look, voice and stage presence of famous music icons. Each episode features contestants who are transformed by a dedicated team of makeup artists, stylists and hair professionals, then perform as their chosen star. The show highlights not only vocal ability but also costume, mannerisms and overall theatricality, creating dramatic and often emotional reconstructions of beloved artists.

The show has built a reputation for its theatrical reveals and careful attention to detail. Contestants receive coaching and support to inhabit the persona of their chosen icon, and the judges evaluate how convincingly they capture the essence of those legends while delivering strong vocal performances.

Season One Recap

In its inaugural series, Starstruck showcased a wide range of impersonations. Performers took on the roles of Freddie Mercury, Harry Styles, Barbra Streisand, Lionel Richie, Elton John and Cher, among others. Rachael Hawnt, who performed as Cher, emerged as the winner of the first season, impressing viewers and judges with a powerful and faithful portrayal.

The first season helped establish Starstruck as a standout entertainment show for weekend viewing, combining the nostalgia of classic hits with fresh, fan-driven performances. That mix of familiarity and surprise is expected to continue into the new series.

Reaction from the Show

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, welcomed Shania Twain to the panel, calling her “one of the all time music greats” and praising her personality. Rawcliffe said it is an honour to have Twain join Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford, with Olly Murs returning as host.

Olly Murs expressed his excitement about returning to host the series, teasing viewers about the season’s opener and hinting at special moments to come. Adam Lambert also shared his enthusiasm, confirming his return and encouraging fans to tune in for the premiere.

What to Expect This Season

Expect a continuation of the show’s signature elements: dramatic makeovers, faithful vocal impressions and entertainment-driven judging. With Shania Twain added to the panel, the series gains another seasoned performer who can offer perspective on stagecraft and star quality. The combination of Lambert’s theatrical rock experience, Knight’s soulful sensibility, Manford’s warmth and humour, and Twain’s country-pop pedigree promises a diverse range of feedback for contestants.

Starstruck remains a celebration of music and performance, giving fans the chance to see devoted tribute acts and talented newcomers bring famous songs back to life. Tune in on Saturday, February 18 at 8:30 pm on ITV1 or watch via ITVX for the season two premiere.