Only two performances stand in between the five finalists and victory. Each coach is represented in the finale, but only one will earn bragging rights when The Voice Season 26 crowns its champion. Will it be a rookie or a veteran? With the coaches present to sit back, relax, and pull out their hankies, the remaining five singers are bringing their hearts and souls to the stage. They’ll perform two songs each. One will be a ballad. The other will be “a little more uptempo.” So, a mid-tempo ballad, essentially. Gone are the days when singers used their booming vocals to rock out. But alas.
The Voice welcomes Snoop Dogg’s bestie, Martha Stewart, to the studio for some fun and occasionally cringey banter. Between portraying the show’s de facto stage manager and offering the coaches her seasonal cocktail, the Snoop Noggy Nog, Martha Stewart is here to remind us that she’s still the queen of the scene. Also, to put us in the holiday spirit, Michael Bublé brings us his new holiday single, “Maybe This Christmas,” alongside his team’s Knockout mentor, Carly Pearce. It’s a cute and sugary sweet song. Bublé is very much in his lane. Will this be a holiday hit on repeat? Likely not. But hey, anything to add to the holiday party playlist is welcome! Now, let’s get to the contestants!
The Vets Try To Help Their Artists Become Champions
The Queen of Country is also the current reigning coach on The Voice. Reba McEntire is hoping that she can hold onto her title thanks to her champion, Danny Joseph. For the British import, he shares that it has been a dream for him to be on the show as it’s been a tough year for him. With being diagnosed with an incurable disease and having lost an organ, Joseph represents battling against adversity. To kick off his finale night, he takes on “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” by Luke Combs. It’s an interesting song choice, but he’s catering to a specific demographic, as there are no tried and true country artists in the finale. His performance has a rough edge with the right amount of grit and growl. He introduces the rock edge that has brought him to this point of the competition. By the end of the performance, he brings that rocker yell into the last chorus, proving he is eclectic on stage. He may have had a history of performing for 30 years, with wins and losses along the way, but it’s brought him to The Voice.
Now, let’s get this out of the way. Each finalist is tasked to write a letter to music. It’s a bit awkward, but their confessions help to humanize these rising stars. For Danny Joseph, his message feels more like a concession speech rather than an ode to the art form that has defined him. For this second performance, Joseph takes on Amy Winehouse‘s “Back to Black.” This is how you transform a song for a finale! He is absolutely mystifying in this transcendent performance. His voice plays perfectly with the orchestral violin tone. Yet, when he brings in his rock, he is in the zone. Could he have amped up and created a moment sooner in the song? Yes. Yet, when he does, it’s exceptional. While the orchestration is a bit rocky overall, this performance brings the audience into his universe. What sets Joseph out from the pack is his ability to shred. His guitar solo is pristine. This is how you plead your case to America.
Gwen Stefani has had an affinity for working with young female artists. In a sense, it’s her fatal flaw as a coach. Bringing Sydney Sterlace into the Live rounds may have been controversial to some, but in the end, there is something about the young singer that America is responding to. She shares that The Voice has brought her family together. Sterlace reveals that her sisters look up to her and have inspired her to chase their own dreams. And, surprise! Her sisters are there to greet her. It’s a sweet moment but also a reminder of just how young Sydney Sterlace is. Sydney Sterlace forces viewers to compare her to artists who will ultimately be her competitors. Singing “I miss you, I’m sorry” by Gracie Abrams, Sterlace’s desire to be a pop princess is a tad desperate. Her voice is pure on this track. Though it’s a sweet performance, it’s a tad too melodically monotonous. She’s certainly in her “Folklore” era! She shows her youth by the end of the track as she is a bit winded. Once she learns performance stamina, she might be a force to be reckoned with.
Now, for her second performance, Sydney Sterlace brings Snow Patrol‘s “Chasing Cars” to the stage. The fact that this song is older than she is will make you feel ancient. Sterlace’s mission with this performance is to show herself. Unfortunately, this was a terrible song choice. She lacks the conviction and ability to tell a story that is so innate in the lyrics. Perhaps as a way to distract, the production element was a giant flying bed. Why? Who knows! Overall, the entire presentation felt confusing. As was the slow clap the audience forced into the performance. Sterlace tries to vocally elevate the song by moving into harmony. Sadly, it shows a bit of her inability to control the non-main vocal line. Sterlace’s story this season has been musical whiplash. There is a future for her. She just needs some love and care and proper guidance.
Snoop Dogg Has a Dark Horse
Not all artists this season have experienced the complete story arc. For Jeremy Beloate, some of his story was truncated. So, the fact that he made it to the finale without full sequences in each performance is extraordinary. It proves that there is something special inside. Beloate didn’t start with Snoop Dogg as his coach, but he knows he doesn’t want to do this without him. Jeremy Beloate reveals that music is the thing that he turned to when he needed it. Music is something we all need. And so, his first song selection is quite smart. Singing “What the World Needs Now Is Love” by Jackie DeShannon is the right song for this moment. He brings a big performance to the finale stage. It’s a performance where he seems at ease. There’s a balance of theatricality with pop sensibility. He offers a striking falsetto that makes you wonder why he never tapped into it sooner this season. The entire performance is quite spectacular. And who isn’t a sucker for a solid key change? Jeremy Beloate is the dark horse in this finale.
There has been a meme that the LGBTQ+ community loves to share that Robyn‘s “Dancing On My Own” is the gay version of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. It’s our song that we just sing out when we hear it. There’s something about the lyrics that touches us. Jeremy Beloate taps into the lyrics for this performance, bringing a haunting ballad into his own world. It’s a transformative rendition. He allows his operatic tones to engage with the passion and emotion of the song. The orchestrations had that perfect hint of theatricality. Beloate has the voice. Now, it’s a battle to determine if he IS the voice.
Buble’s Best Is Better Than the Rest
After this finale, I might die on the hill that Michael Bublé will be the winning coach this season. The probability is slightly in his favor as he has two artists representing him. But they’re not just any artists. They are the best singers in this finale. Let’s begin with Shye. Her message to music is just like that ABBA song. “Thank You for the Music.” In her performance, he takes on “One of Us” by Joan Osborne. Her voice fits the song perfectly. She looks the most comfortable he’s ever been behind the mic. Even when it tries to disrupt her performance, her ability to keep going showcases her growth as a stage performer. She even tries to work the crowd, though you can see her fear and trepidation. But hey, you gotta give her credit for trying! It’s a skill she can work on with the right mentor by her side. Shye’s maturity is on full display in this performance. This is her fight to win performance.
With the final performance of the evening, Shye closes out the competitive performances with “Falling” by Harry Styles. Perhaps there’s something about the One Direction boys that brings out the best in Shye. When Michael Bublé speaks about Shye, he states that she reminds him of Kelly Clarkson. High praise! He’s also said on numerous occasions that she can be one of those one-name legends. Cher. Madonna. Adele. Shye. Her deep tone is so sultry on this track. She is a special artist. She’s done everything she needs to do to knock off her teammate from a potential victory.
From day one, Sofronio Vasquez, has been the one to beat. In this finale, Vasquez continues to absolutely dominate. It’ll be telling to see how America feels when the winner is revealed, but for now, the Philippines are going crazy for him, as they should. Music is a part of him. It’s clear that is home for him. If you’re looking for a perfect song for this moment, Sofronio Vasquez does it. Singing “Unstoppable” by Sia, it’s a star-defining performance. Yes, he has some pitchy moments, an artist can’t be perfect. His stage presence is remarkable. Sofronio Vasquez embodies the lyrics. He is a musical Superman.
To close out his tenure, Vasquez continues to dream with “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. It’s not the other two go-two tracks from the film, which is more than welcome. This performance shows his softer side. It’s simply perfect. He brings out a nature theatricality. Dare I say, he’s a showman. This is the song you want during the end credits of a movie. When that choir comes out, Sofronio just sparkles. Maybe he’s a musical magician! Sofronio Vasquez is the definition of a dreamer. This was one of those performances where you cry through the smiles. He’s filled with hope, joy, and optimism proving that Sofrinio should be the winner.
Five singers gave their all, but only one can win. The second part of the Live Finale will feature performances from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Tears for Fears, and Sting with Snoop Dogg. No matter what happens, Season 26 has been one of the strongest in recent memory. While it’s still anybody’s game, it’s all in America’s hands.
