The Voice crowned Aiden Ross as season 28 winner this week, giving coach Niall Horan his third championship title. The 20-year-old from College Station, Texas, and current Texas A&M University student, beat out Ralph Edwards from Team Snoop to claim the crown on December 16. With this victory, Horan made history as the first coach ever to win all three of his seasons.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Aiden Ross is 20 years old and a sophomore at Texas A&M University, becoming the first Aggie to win The Voice
- Ralph Edwards finished in second place on Team Snoop, after attempting to join The Voice 12 times before finally being selected
- Niall Horan achieved a historic 3-0 record as coach, winning season 23 with Gina Miles and season 25 with Huntley
- Finalists also included Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba), Jazz McKenzie (Team Michael), Max Chambers (Team Michael), and Dek of Hearts (Team Niall)
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The December 16 finale of NBC’s The Voice revealed its newest champion during a live broadcast. Aiden Ross received the most votes from American viewers, securing the prestigious title and accompanying record deal. The Texas A&M sophomore impressed audiences throughout season 28 with his emotional performances and vocal control.
As the first winner from his university to ever claim The Voice crown, Ross represents a significant milestone for Texas A&M‘s music legacy. Host Carson Daly announced the winner to thunderous applause, with fellow coaches Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg standing to deliver a standing ovation to the triumphant performer.
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Niall Horan made history by becoming the first coach in The Voice history to win every single season he has coached. The One Direction alum joined The Voice as a coach for season 23, immediately winning with Gina Miles in a stunning debut. He returned for season 25 and secured another victory with Huntley, establishing an impressive early track record.
With Aiden Ross’s victory, Horan completed an remarkable three-peat, joining exclusive company in The Voice coaching history. While Blake Shelton won multiple consecutive seasons early in the show’s run, Horan’s achievement marks the first time any coach has won all three of their inaugural seasons. Horan nearly cried with pride as the winner was announced, visibly emotional over his team’s unprecedented success.
Competitive Season 28 Featured Elite Talent Across All Teams
| Team Niall (Winner) | Aiden Ross (Champion) |
| Team Snoop | Ralph Edwards (2nd Place) |
| Team Reba | Aubrey Nicole |
| Team Michael | Jazz McKenzie, Max Chambers |
| Team Niall | Dek of Hearts |
The season demonstrated exceptional vocal talent across all four coach teams. Niall Horan observed before the finale that season 28 featured “the highest level across the board of talent” he had encountered as a coach. Even backstage, coaches acknowledged they could not definitively predict the outcome, unlike previous seasons where favorites became clear earlier in competition.
Ralph Edwards provided an inspiring subplot to the season, having auditioned for The Voice 12 times before finally being selected and reaching the finals on Team Snoop. Snoop Dogg praised Edwards for perseverance, noting that reaching the finals represented a special moment for the determined artist who had previously experienced rejection multiple times.
Coaches Celebrated Exceptional Season 28 Performances
During the two-night finale event, each artist performed two songs for America’s vote. Aiden Ross particularly impressed with his rendition of ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All,” closing out part one of the finale with an emotionally stirring performance. The presentation showcased his vocal range and mature interpretive choices throughout The Voice season 28 competition.
Reba McEntire emphasized the importance of preparation and fun for her finals finalist Aubrey Nicole. The country music legend shared her coaching philosophy, noting that performers must know their material inside-out before stepping on stage, allowing them to relax and enjoy the moment when the lights come on. Coach Bublé, Coach Horan, and Coach Dogg all pointed to the exceptional caliber of this season’s final performances as standout moments in The Voice history.
What’s Next for The Voice After Season 28 Finale?
The Voice is preparing a significant format change for season 29, premiering February 23 on NBC. The new iteration will feature only three coaches instead of four, marking a departure from the standard format. Previous champions Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend will return to coach “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” a special revamped season featuring only previous winners as contestants.
Meanwhile, Aiden Ross moves forward as the season 28 champion, securing a recording contract as part of his prize. The Texas A&M student becomes the latest in a long line of The Voice champions launched to music industry prominence, with his victory representing both personal achievement and Niall Horan’s historic coaching success. The December 16 finale episode is now available for streaming on Peacock for fans wanting to relive the exciting announcement and performances.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.