Honestly, if you missed the finale of The Voice Season 26, you missed one of the most lopsided victories in the show’s history. It wasn’t just a win; it was a total takeover. Michael Bublé didn’t just join the coaching panel to be the polite Canadian guy. He came to dominate.
When people ask who are finalists on The Voice, they’re usually looking for that one breakout star, but this time around, the "Final Five" was a eclectic mix of Broadway-caliber theatrics, soulful grit, and pure pop potential. But let’s be real: from the moment the live shows kicked off, there was a feeling that we were all just waiting for Sofronio Vasquez to take the trophy home.
The Top 5: Who Actually Stood on That Stage?
The season wrapped up in December 2024, and the lineup was a reflection of just how diverse the talent pool has become. Here’s the breakdown of the finalists who survived the gauntlet:
- Sofronio Vasquez (Winner - Team Bublé): The man is a powerhouse. Originally from the Philippines, he moved to the US in 2022. His journey was fueled by the memory of his late father, and you could hear that raw emotion every time he opened his mouth.
- Shye (Runner-Up - Team Bublé): Just 18 years old and arguably the most "current" sounding artist. She has this ethereal, indie-pop vibe that felt very Billie Eilish-meets-Lana Del Rey.
- Sydney Sterlace (3rd Place - Team Gwen): The teenage prodigy. Gwen Stefani saw something in her early on, and while she didn’t take the top spot, she definitely captured the "Swiftie" demographic.
- Danny Joseph (4th Place - Team Reba): The gritty, soulful rocker. If you like your vocals with a side of gravel and whiskey, Danny was your guy.
- Jeremy Beloate (5th Place - Team Snoop): The theatrical king. Jeremy brought a level of performance and storytelling that belonged on a Broadway stage.
It’s kinda wild when you think about it. Michael Bublé managed to secure both the first and second-place spots in his very first season. That hasn't happened since... well, basically never for a debut coach.
What Most People Got Wrong About the Finale
There’s this misconception that the finale is anyone's game. It usually isn't. By the time the Top 5 were announced, the "Sofronio Train" was moving too fast to stop.
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Sofronio's performance of "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman was essentially his victory lap. It was polished. It was emotional. It was, frankly, untouchable. Even Snoop Dogg, who was there to win, couldn't help but give the guy his flowers.
Interestingly, some fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) felt that Jeremy Beloate was "robbed" of a higher spot. There's a vocal segment of the audience that thinks his 5th-place finish didn't reflect his actual talent. Honestly? He might be the most successful of the bunch in the long run. He has "theatre lead" written all over him. Broadway is definitely going to be calling his name soon.
The Coach Dynamic: Bublé vs. The World
The season was also defined by the coaches. We had the "Queen of Country" Reba McEntire, the "Doggfather" Snoop, the fashion icon Gwen, and the crooner Bublé.
Snoop Dogg was a massive surprise. You’d think a legendary rapper might struggle to coach technical vocalists, but he was actually incredibly insightful. He focused on the feeling of the performance. But Bublé? Bublé treated it like a draft. He picked artists that were technically perfect.
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"My Filipino brother, you are the hope of so many people... it has been such an unbelievable journey to be here with you." — Michael Bublé to Sofronio Vasquez.
That quote right there? That’s why the show works. It’s that human connection that cuts through the flashy lights and the spinning chairs.
Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?
If you’re wondering where to go from here, the show doesn't stay dark for long. Season 27 is already in the works, and the coaching lineup is shifting again. We’re losing Snoop and Reba (sad face), but we’re getting the return of the original G.O.A.T., Adam Levine.
John Legend is also coming back, and Kelsea Ballerini is joining the fray. It’s going to be a completely different energy.
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Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're still buzzing about the finalists or want to follow their careers, here’s what you should actually do:
- Follow the Independent Releases: Winners like Sofronio Vasquez get a record deal with Universal Music Group, but the real gems often come from the runners-up like Shye. Check their Spotify pages now before the "Voice" labels take over their branding.
- Watch the "Coach Replay": If you missed the Blind Auditions, go back and watch Sofronio’s four-chair turn. It explains everything about why he won.
- Prep for Season 27: The new season typically kicks off in February. If you're a fan of the technical side, pay attention to how Adam Levine’s return changes the strategy of the other coaches.
The Voice is a revolving door of talent, but the Season 26 finalists felt like a particularly strong crop. Whether you were Team Bublé or pulling for an underdog like Danny Joseph, there's no denying the sheer level of skill that made it to the end.
Check back in a few months when the chairs start spinning again. We'll see if Adam Levine still has the magic touch.