As the tension mounted during The Voice Season 26 finale, with five hopefuls vying for the crown (Jeremy Beloate, Danny Joseph, Shye Roberts, Sydney Sterlace, and Sofronio Vasquez), the show treated viewers to some familiar faces.
Season 24 winner Huntley and Season 25 champion Asher HaVon returned to their old stomping grounds – this time without the nerve-wracking pressure of the competition. The Virginia blues-rocker Huntley showcased his new single "Skyline Drive," while R&B artist HaVon delivered an emotional performance of "Thank You," a heartfelt tribute to his former coach Reba McEntire that left her in tears.
Their appearances served as a powerful reminder of how far The Voice champions can come in just a year, while simultaneously offering this season's finalists a glimpse of what their future might hold (minus the part where they have to make Reba cry).
Huntley returns to The Voice stage once more
The four-chair turn sensation who captured America's hearts in season 24 returned to where it all began but with a twist. Instead of covering The Black Crowes, the 34-year-old father of two performed his latest single "Skyline Drive," a love letter to his home state of Virginia. The song, released in late October, marks Huntley's second original release since his victory, following "Tell Me When It's Over."
In a touching Instagram post from October 26, Huntley reflected on his journey, writing, "After everything this past year, it felt right to pay homage to my home and remember where it all started." The performance showed just how far the artist has come since his daughter Stella helped seal his fate by choosing Niall Horan as his coach – a decision that ultimately led to victory.
Asher HaVon pays tribute to his former coach Reba
If there was a competition for "Most Likely to Make Reba McEntire Cry," Asher HaVon would have won that too. The Selma, Alabama-born gospel singer returned to perform "Thank You," his first original release since winning season 25, and it wasn't just any performance – it was a direct tribute to his former coach.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on November 29, HaVon poured out his gratitude:
"Mama Reba, you saw me in my darkest moments, tossing and turning in a nightmare, and you woke me up. You reminded me of the incredible gift that God has given me and encouraged me to 'STAY WOKE.' Working with you week after week opened my eyes to a world I had never imagined."
He concluded by dedicating the song to Reba, his "angel on earth."
The tribute hit its mark, as Reba later confessed to Extra TV: "I sat there crying."
She added,
"And for him to do what he did on The Voice last season was unbelievable. He's beautiful inside and out and I'm so proud of him, and that song meant the world to me."
The emotional performances from both former winners set the stage for the announcement of season 26's champion, while also offering a preview of what's to come. Michael Bublé's star 'baby' Sofronio Vasquez joins the leagues of Huntley and Asher HaVon as he takes home The Voice Season 26 championship.
As The Voice prepares for season 27, premiering February 3, 2025, fans can look forward to seeing Michael Bublé return fresh off his victory with Sofronio Vasquez, alongside newcomer Kelsea Ballerini and returning veterans John Legend and Adam Levine. Who knows? Maybe next year we'll see Sofronio Vasquez return to make Michael Bublé cry – it seems to be becoming something of a tradition, and not too challenging of a feat.
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The Voice is returning to NBC on February 3, 2025.
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