“The Voice” Season 28 finale kicked off with a live finale spectacular, complete with special musical guests and, of course, the reveal of who won the season.
Season 28’s winner, as voted for by America, was Niall Horan’s finalist Aiden Ross.
Central Pennsylvania’s Aubrey Nicole landed in fourth place.
Nicole told PennLive recently that she hopes to prove herself as an artist, no matter what happens, and plans to release her original music following her time on the show.
“My family is so excited,” Nicole said. “I could not be more grateful; they’ve always been supportive of what I do. This whole experience has not only been incredible for me, but also for them.”
“Thank you to everybody who has supported me this far,” Nicole added. “I want to make everyone proud in the finale, no matter what happens.”
Nicole shared similar remarks in a lengthy Instagram post hours before the finale.
“I won’t pretend it’s all been easy,” Nicole wrote. “In fact, I’ve absolutely learned just how hard all of this is, but I’m so incredibly grateful for my hard work. I’m so proud of myself regardless of tomorrow’s outcome because I went out there and gave it my all. To everyone who voted, prayed, sent messages, or simply listened, thank you for choosing kindness and encouragement. Your support has been louder than the noise, and I feel it deeply.
“I’m waiting now, grateful and grounded,” Nicole wrote. “Win or lose, I showed up as myself. I sang my truth. Thank you for walking this road with me.”
Nicole made it to the finale after being almost sent home in October during a “Battle Round.” She was saved after buzzers went off from both McEntire and another “Voice” coach, Snoop Dogg, indicating she had been saved and could choose which coach she selected.
Ross hugged each of the finalists and coaches, celebrating his win under confetti.
The two-hour special kicked off with performances from coaches Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé and McEntire. Horan attended but sat out the performances due to illness and doctor’s orders for vocal rest.
Alongside the coaches, the band Journey played as they all sang “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
The second guest of the night was six-time Grammy-nominated singer Khalid, singing a medley of his hits “Better” and “Nah,” followed by country singer Riley Green, who hit the stage about halfway through the show, singing his hit “Jesus Saves.”
Popular international pop group XG made their TV debut performing their newest song, “GALA,” and Noah Cyrus and Zac Brown ended the special guest performances singing, “Butterfly.”
Each of the six finalists sang along with their coaches to various holiday medleys.
Ross sang “Last Christmas” alongside Season 23 winner, Gina Miles.
Bublé and one of his finalists, Jazz McKenzie, sang along to “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Aubrey Nicole and McEntire sang along to “Mary Did You Know.”
Snoop Dogg and his finalist, Ralph Edwards, sang, “This Christmas.”
Bublé hit the stage, along with his second finalist, Max Chambers, to sing “Blue Christmas.”
Country music trio DEK of Hearts, Horan’s other finalist, sang “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” with McEntire filling in for Horan.
The “Voice” will return for Season 29 in February 2026, with coaches John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and Adam Levine returning.