The confetti has finally settled from Season 28 of NBC’s popular singing competition, “The Voice.” Now, we have a new champion to celebrate! In a finale packed with holiday performances, surprise guests, and high stakes, Aiden Ross from “Team Niall” won the top honour on Tuesday night. He takes home the coveted title and a cash prize of $100,000.
The college student, aged 20, outshine Ralph Edwards, who represented Team Snoop Dogg, to win the competition. This is a record-breaking achievement for Niall Horan, who has now recorded a “three-peat” after winning every season he has coached, including Seasons 23, 24, and now Season 28.
Season of Dominance
Ross had been a hot contender ever since he stepped onto the stage for the Blind Audition. With his emotional performance of Adele’s “Love in the Dark,” Ross swayed all the coaches: Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Niall Horan to turn their chairs.
All through the competition, Ross showed a level of vocal maturity beyond his age. His skills in handling both ballads and modern pop tracks made him consistently at the top of the rankings. In his finale performances on Monday night, Ross firmed up his position in one finale piece when he sang a romantic piano-backed version of JVKE’s “Golden Hour.” He ended it with a mega anthem, “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA, demonstrating his phenomenal vocal range.
“Impossible” Streak by Coach Niall’s
Although it’s Ross’s night, it’s all about Niall Horan’s unparalleled coaching career when it comes to backstage developments. Niall Horan chose to make a return to The Voice this season after taking a break, and with this win, artists mentored by Niall have won every season he has been on The Voice.
However, the celebratory lap was somewhat soured for the former One Direction member. Horan was put on vocal rest by his doctors the day prior to the finale performance and was therefore unable to sing the coach and contestant duet. In an act of kindness, winner Gina Miles from Season 23 took the stage with Ross McElhattan for a duet of “Last Christmas.”
‘You’re a really down-to-earth, nice guy who’s talented. I wish you the best, bud,’ Horan whispered to Ross just before the person who would win the competition was announced.
The Final Standings
Season 28’s finale episode is one of the closest ever, as it included a “Top 5” consisting of artists from various music styles ranging from country to jazz. Now, here is how the final voting went:
- Winner: Aiden Ross (Team Niall
- Runner-up: Ralph Edwards; Team Snoop
- 3rd Place: DEK of Hearts (team Niall
- 4th Place: Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba
- 5th Place: Max Chambers (Team Bublé
Ralph Edwards, better known as the soulful crooner of Team Snoop, fought back strongly and came in second. His performance of ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ received a standing ovation from all four coaches. DEK of Hearts, country singers and members of Team Niall claimed third position, reiterating Horan’s supremacy throughout the series.
What’s Next for Aiden Ross?
Currently a sophomore at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in industrial distribution, Ross is facing a real-life transition from student artist to recorded artist. In his talk-back interviews immediately after winning, Ross was clearly emotional in thanking his family and the ‘Aggie Network’ for their huge number of votes.
“Speechless,” Ross said, holding on to the trophy. “The most important thing I learned from Niall is to always love what I do and to appreciate that I get to do this.” Universal Music Group already announced that recording is set to commence for Ross’s debut single as early as January 2026.
