In an emotional moment during The Voice Season 26 finale, coach Gwen Stefani delivered a powerful message to her finalist Sydney Sterlace, who placed third in the competition. She said
"Every single moment counts. Being in the moment is what matters. Winning doesn't matter. You've won,"
The heartfelt exchange came after Sterlace's journey on the show came to an end, with Team Michael Bublé's Sofronio Vasquez ultimately claiming the victory, followed by his teammate Shye as runner-up, while Team Snoop's Jeremy Beloate and Team Reba's Danny Joseph rounded out the Top 5 in fifth and fourth places respectively.
Sydney Sterlace’s time on The Voice Season 26
Sydney Sterlace's path on The Voice Season 26 was marked by consistent growth and memorable performances that showcased her versatility as an artist. During the Blind Auditions, she turned chairs with her soulful rendition of the song 'driver's license' by Olivia Rodrigo, which immediately caught Gwen's attention.
As the competition progressed through the Battle Rounds and Knockouts, Sterlace continued to prove herself as a formidable contender.
In the Playoffs, she secured her spot in the lives with a performance that demonstrated both technical prowess and emotional depth. Her journey through the live shows was particularly noteworthy, as she consistently chose songs that pushed her artistic boundaries, while staying true to her musical identity.
Whether taking on powerful ballads or uptempo numbers, this 15-year-old showed a remarkable ability to connect with both, the material and the audience. She’s clearly an Olivia Rodrigo in the making, as Gwen herself pointed out.
Stefani's relationship with Sterlace throughout the season exemplified the unique coach-contestant dynamic that makes The Voice special. The No Doubt frontwoman's mentorship extended beyond mere vocal coaching, focusing on building confidence and stage presence. Her final words to Sterlace reflected this holistic approach to artist development, emphasizing personal growth over competition results.
The semifinal round proved to be a turning point, where her performance earned her a coveted spot in the finale. Throughout the competition, she was constantly blowing away all four coaches – Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Gwen Stefani – for her ability to interpret songs in fresh, compelling ways while maintaining her artistic authenticity.
What happened during the finale part 2 of The Voice Season 26?
The finale transformed into a dazzling celebration of music, opening with an ambitious rendition of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, featuring all Top 8 contestants.
The evening's entertainment included a festive performance from Season 25 coaches Dan + Shay with their holiday hit "It's Officially Christmas," while Season 24 winner Huntley returned to the stage, his signature wild mane intact, delivering an energetic performance of "Skyline Drive."
The night took a nostalgic turn when Tears for Fears graced the stage, performing their iconic "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" alongside their new track "The Girl That I Call Home."
Former coach Kelly Clarkson brought holiday cheer with her dynamic performance of "You for Christmas," while an unexpected collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Mega Mentor Sting on "Another Part of Me" featured a clever interpolation of The Police's "Message in a Bottle."
While Sofronio Vasquez's victory marks another successful chapter in The Voice's history, Stefani's message to Sterlace resonates with the show's enduring impact on aspiring artists. The platform continues to launch careers and build confidence, proving that sometimes the journey truly is more significant than the destination.
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The Voice is returning to NBC on February 3, 2025.
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