Season 28 of The Voice has come to an end with a brand-new winner.
During the Tuesday, December 16, episode of NBC’s competition series, host Carson Daly announced Texas A&M University student Aiden Ross from Team Niall Horan received the most votes from America.
Fellow coaches Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg delivered a standing ovation for the winner, who is walking away with a record deal and a substantial cash prize. As for Niall, he is walking away with bragging rights for having a perfect record of having the winning contestant in every season he has coached.
One day earlier, the remaining finalists, including Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba), Jazz McKenzie (Team Michael), Ralph Edwards (Team Snoop), Max Chambers (Team Michael) and country group Dek of Hearts (Team Niall) performed for America’s vote.
Before each artist performed two songs, many of the coaches expressed how impressed they were with the talent from season 28.
“I think this one is the highest level across the board of talent,” Niall exclusively shared with Us Weekly while attending The Voice season 28 live show red carpet on Monday, December 15. “I think going into finals in previous seasons that I’ve been here, I have a good idea of who’s gonna either win or get very close, but backstage, even between us, we can’t call it.”
While Niall acknowledged that he had two incredible artists in the finale, he also realized it’s up to America to decide who wins.
“I’m sure everyone else thinks that they’ve got an unbelievable artist, but the talent level is through the roof,” he shared. “People like Ralph and then you’ve got my two and it’s a whole thing this season, more than I can remember.”
Speaking of Ralph, Snoop couldn’t hide his excitement at seeing his finalist soar throughout the season.
“He had 11 opportunities to be on The Voice and he didn’t make it, and on the 12th opportunity, it’s like the 12th day of Christmas,” Snoop shared. “Ralph was able to persevere and push through. I feel like this is a moment for him more than anything.”
As for Reba, she was grateful to have the opportunity to coach Aubrey throughout the season. The country music legend’s biggest reminder for her contestant was to have fun.
“That is the best advice I’ve ever gotten,” she told Us. “But before you get to have fun, you’ve got to be prepared. Know your lines or your song — whatever it is — so you can go up there on that stage, when the lights come on and the microphone is in your hand, you can have fun, because you know what you’re supposed to do.”
While one season of The Voice may be an ending, NBC has big plans for season 29. The Voice: Battle of Champions is a special revamped season that will feature only three coaches.
Previous winners Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend will join the new season when it premieres on NBC Monday, February 23.
Catch up on season 28 of The Voice by streaming old episodes now on Peacock.
