From auditioning as a 16-year-old for a spot in Boyzone, to arena shows, going solo, and championing the next wave of singers around the world, life has been one big rollercoaster for returning The Voice Australia coach Ronan Keating.

In the nine years since he last swivelled his red chair Down Under, the Irishman has enjoyed stints on the UK Kids and Germany’s versions of the hit talent show, but insists the industry stars mentoring this season is unparalleled.

Keating first rubbed shoulders with Spice Girl Melanie C 30 years ago, has known global singing icon Richard Marx for two decades as a collaborator, and was quick to recognise the talent of Aussie singer Kate Miller-Heidke upon their recent introductions.

“For me, the bunch this year is by far the best bunch I’ve ever worked with of all the shows I’ve done,” he told The Sunday Times.

“The talent, the legendary status, just the fun that we’re having as coaches together and the chemistry between us all has been brilliant.”

Asked to place a blanket over the foursome’s collection of mastered genres, Keating suggested Marx, Mel and himself were cut from a similar pop-embossed cloth, while Miller-Heidke brought a unique folk flavour that had permeated into the group.

With his career rooted in shared success, and his long-time pals cut from a similar pop-embossed cloth, the singer pondered how the quartet might stack up on tour together, with Miller-Heidke’s folk flavour also thrown in the mix.

“I think we could definitely meet somewhere in that kind of pop folk feel, which would be pretty bloody cool,” he said.

“I think we could call ourselves Folk Up.”

Now 48, it’s a little frightening to think Keating’s solo chart-topping singles When You Say Nothing At All, and If Tomorrow Never Comes, were released in the late 90s and early 2000s.

And if that doesn’t make you feel old or nostalgic, it underscores the speed in which emerging stars are forced to grow up amid the music industry’s maelstrom of overnight travel, endless touring, and constant media commitments.

A recent documentary aired on Channel 7 highlighted the star’s journey from starry-eyed, blonde Dublin teen with charm to international music headliner as a key figure in Boyzone’s success.

While image, charisma, and saleability arguably held the same value as talent itself at the turn of the century, the industry veteran hopes Australia’s newcomers can strike the right balance.

“It’s not just about a great voice. You’re looking for character, you’re looking for a voice that you could absolutely pick out on the radio and say that is x, y and z — that is who that is,” Keating said.

“So to be defined like that is really what we’re trying to find.”

Nowadays, being a unique performer is rarely enough. Artists are encouraged to maintain an active presence online, drip feeding fans a trail of their whereabouts or latest projects.

But the singer insists there’s no blueprint to making it big, and offered advice for the next generation: “Don’t follow the crowds”.

“As an artist, you have to be unique. So if you’re copying what someone’s doing on social media, you’re already too late,” he said.

Tied to Australia by more than just his career, Keating shares children Cooper and Coco with his second wife Storm, an Aussie TV producer whom he met in 2010.

Marrying in 2015, the pair seek any opportunity to return Down Under when their jet-setting schedule permits.

“When I was asked to do The Voice, I thought, absolutely, great for me to be down with the family,” Keating said.

“And I love the culture, I love the people, the climate, the food. There’s just so much to love here.”