"‘The Voice’ Season 26 Finale Recap: Who Won in Episode 21’s ‘Live Finale, Part 2’?"

 The grand finale of "The Voice" Season 26, Episode 21, aired on Tuesday, December 10, and delivered an unforgettable night of music, star power, and emotional moments. Hosted by Carson Daly, the live event crowned America’s next big star, culminating weeks of fierce competition among the top contestants. This season’s coaches—Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg—each brought their unique expertise to their teams, but only one could lead their artist to victory. Here’s a detailed recap of the night’s highlights, performances, and the ultimate winner reveal.

Opening Act: A Wicked Start

The show began on a high note with the top five finalists and the other three artists from the top eight—Jan Dan, Adam Bohanan, and Christina Eagle—performing a stunning rendition of “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. The group’s collaboration set the tone for a night filled with vocal brilliance and camaraderie.

Special Guest Performances

Throughout the evening, the stage came alive with performances from renowned artists. Dan + Shay returned to The Voice stage to deliver the heartwarming “It’s Officially Christmas,” and Myles Smith debuted his hit song “Stargazing,” mesmerizing the audience. Huntley, Team Niall’s winner from Season 24, also made a memorable appearance, performing his latest track, “Skyline Drive.” Meanwhile, Riley Green and Ella Langley joined forces for an electrifying rendition of “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Contestant-Coach Duets

The night featured several heartfelt duets between contestants and their coaches, highlighting their growth and connection:

• Team Gwen: Sydney Sterlace teamed up with Gwen Stefani to sing Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” radiating joy and harmony as they celebrated Sydney’s journey to the finale.

• Team Snoop: Jeremy Beloate and Snoop Dogg delivered a soulful rendition of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” reflecting their close bond and shared love for music.

• Team Michael: Michael Bublé performed twice, first with Shye on “Something Stupid” by Frank and Nancy Sinatra. Later, he paired with Sofronio Vasquez for The Jackson 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You,” showcasing their infectious chemistry.

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• Team Reba: Danny Joseph joined Reba McEntire for a soulful rendition of Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me,” with Reba encouraging him to embrace his passion for music.

More Star-Studded Moments

Kelly Clarkson, a former coach and The Voice alum, returned to perform her festive track “You for Christmas,” while Sting and Snoop Dogg debuted their new collaboration, “Another Part of Me.” The legendary band Tears for Fears closed out the musical performances with “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and their new single, “The Girl That I Call Home.” Last year’s champion, Asher HaVon, made a heartfelt return to dedicate his new song, “Thank You,” to his coach, Reba.

Emotional Final Words

Before the results were announced, each finalist shared heartfelt messages with their coaches. Jeremy thanked Snoop for treating him “like family,” Danny described working with Reba as “a dream come true,” and Sydney expressed gratitude to Gwen for believing in her “every step of the way.” Shye called Michael both a friend and a colleague, while Sofronio credited Michael with being a “blessing” to his life and family.

The Results

As the night neared its climax, the results were revealed:

• Fifth Place: Team Snoop’s Jeremy Beloate exited first, leaving the remaining four artists to vie for the title.

• Fourth Place: Danny Joseph of Team Reba was next to be eliminated, marking the end of his impressive journey.

• Third Place: Sydney Sterlace from Team Gwen claimed the third spot, narrowly missing the ultimate prize.

In the end, the showdown came down to two artists from Team Michael Bublé: Shye and Sofronio Vasquez. With their distinct styles and undeniable talent, both were deserving contenders, but only one could win.

And the Winner Is...

The title of “The Voice” Season 26 champion went to Sofronio Vasquez of Team Michael Bublé. His powerful voice and magnetic performances captured America’s hearts, securing a well-deserved victory. Shye took the runner-up spot, proving herself a formidable talent with a bright future ahead.

Reactions and Reflections

Fans were quick to share their thoughts on social media and in the comments section. While many celebrated Sofronio’s win, others expressed differing opinions about the outcome. Some believed Jeremy or Danny should have won, citing their unique talents, while others debated the merits of Shye’s artistry. Despite the mixed reactions, one thing was clear: this season’s contestants left an indelible mark on viewers.

A Night to Remember

Season 26 of The Voice concluded with a spectacular finale that celebrated the power of music and the bonds formed along the way. As Sofronio Vasquez joins the illustrious list of winners, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for him and the other talented artists from this season.