The highly anticipated Season 26 finale of “The Voice” aired on December 10, delivering a night full of emotions, performances, and surprises. Fans tuned in to see who among the Top 5 would emerge victorious, but the winner’s name sparked heated debate online.

The finalists included Danny Joseph from Team Reba McEntire, Jeremy Beloate from Team Snoop Dogg, Sofronio Vasquez from Team Michael Bublé, Sydney Sterlace from Team Gwen Stefani, and Shye, also from Team Bublé.

Ultimately, Vasquez, a 32-year-old singer from the Philippines and a member of Bublé’s team, was crowned “The Voice.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Vasquez fell to his knees as his name was announced, marking a climactic end to an incredibly competitive season.

This season of “The Voice” showcased an eclectic mix of talent, with each finalist bringing a unique style and sensibility to the stage. Vasquez’s heartfelt performances consistently won over audiences and judges alike. The final episode, which aired on December 9, culminated in performances that reflected the singers’ dedication and growth throughout the competition.

As Vasquez claimed the prestigious title and the trophy, reactions from fans and followers flooded in, illustrating a wide spectrum of emotions. While some praised his talent and felt the outcome was well-deserved, others expressed disappointment over their favorites not winning or shared critiques about the season overall.

One viewer wrote, “I wanted Danny to win!” Another commented, “I am so happy that you won. I knew you were gonna win for the first time I heard your voice congratulations..I am so happy for you [sic]!!!”

Others, however, voiced frustration with the season’s structure and outcome. A user remarked, “Pretty disappointing season just my opinion. Didn’t really need to watch the finale the winner was plastered all over for the last week. Alot of the really good singers were let go before the live shows began [sic].” Yet another commenter echoed the same sentiment, “I will never ever watch the Voice again [sic].”

Some thought the performances fell short of expectations. “all the finale performances seriously lacked for me this season. all very boring song choices and just didn’t feel like the finale performances were used to. sofronio was the clear winner here, so america got this one right [sic],” one netizen expressed.

Mixed opinions also arose about Vasquez’s potential future. “Wrong choice and bad choice. He won’t be a big stage performer,” wrote one critic. Meanwhile, others remained supportive of his win. “You deserved it Sofronio! Congratulations!!” exclaimed one admirer.

The show itself came under scrutiny from some fans. “The best entertainers and voices were the fourth and fifth place winners. I thought the voice was different than other reality shows and did not fix the results. Now I’m wondering about this show, too. I wish the winner well,” noted one person.

Despite the mixed reactions, some fans celebrated the friendship among the coaches and the talent pool. “First let me just say I think this year was the best year…loved the camaraderie between the coaches they were just a fun team. Final five were all amazing they’re all winners but Sofronio was my pick from the start [sic],” a final commenter stated.

An emotional Vasquez struggled to put his feelings into words after being crowned the winner. “I don’t know. I’m just here and I can’t wait to just call my mom and tell her that we won ‘The Voice,'” Vasquez said, overwhelmed with joy. Reflecting on his journey, he added tearfully, “And I can’t wait to just be celebrating the opportunity and forever in my life. It’s gonna be the biggest gift. [sic]”

Vasquez also touched on the significance of becoming the first Filipino to win the competition. “It’s really crazy. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have so [many] good English words,” he admitted with a humble smile.

Standing by his side, Michael Bublé expressed admiration for Vasquez’s resilience. He highlighted how the singer had faced immense challenges in life yet managed to persevere and share his extraordinary talent with the world.

For Vasquez, his victory carried a deeper meaning. “It was hope for my family. I was able to give them the best Holiday Christmas ever,” he expressed, reflecting on the impact of his achievement.

While Vasquez took the top spot, the other finalists left their own marks on the season. Shye from Team Bublé claimed second place, followed by Sterlace (Team Stefani) in third. Joseph (Team McEntire) secured fourth, while Beloate (Team Dogg) rounded out the Top 5 in fifth place.

Before the winner was revealed, the night featured an array of stunning performances from the coaches, finalists, and renowned guest artists. Each collaboration highlighted the individual artistry of the contestants while showcasing the diverse musical styles celebrated throughout the season.

Vasquez and Bublé delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Who’s Lovin’ You” by The Jackson 5. The pair, dressed in dapper classic suits, captivated the audience with their timeless performance.

Joseph and McEntire gave a soulful and country-inspired take on Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me,” a performance so touching that Bublé couldn’t resist filming himself singing along.

Shye and Bublé performed “Somethin’ Stupid” by Frank and Nancy Sinatra. Their jazzy duet brought elegance and charm to the stage.

Beloate and Dogg performed “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. This soulful collaboration earned a standing ovation from Stefani and Bublé, ending with a powerful note from Beloate.

Sterlace and Stefani shared a playful performance of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” on a warm, whimsical set that matched the energy of the song.

In addition to the coach-artist performances, the finale featured appearances by some of music’s biggest names. Kelly Clarkson dazzled in a shimmering silver dress as she sang her Christmas hit, “You for Christmas.”

Snoop Dogg and Sting electrified the stage with their upbeat collaboration, “Another Part of Me,” blending rap, vocals, and harmonies.

Voice alums Dan + Shay spread holiday cheer with their festive hit, “Officially Christmas,” while Season 25 winner Asher HaVon returned to perform his original song “Thank You,” eliciting clear admiration in his coach, Reba McEntire.

The Coaches took time to share their thoughts on Season 26 and their Artists. Stefani described the experience as “a dream” and expressed gratitude for being part of the show. McEntire encouraged the finalists to embrace their talents. “You have a God-given gift, now go use it!” Dogg hinted at his enjoyment of the coaching experience, saying, “It feels like I could come back and do it again.”

Bublé added his signature humor, calling his time on the show “the best job I’ve ever had since I worked at Chuck E. Cheese.”

The finale of “The Voice” Season 26 will undoubtedly be remembered for its contrasting reactions and heated debates.

As the curtain closes on another season, the conversations surrounding “The Voice” continue, demonstrating the show’s ability to engage and spark passion among its audience.