Why the Upcoming "Battle of the Champions" Format for Season 29 is Creating Buzz After the The Voice Winner 2025 Reveal
Texas student Aiden Ross was crowned the champion of The Voice Season 28 during a spectacular live finale on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025. The 20-year-old Texas A&M sophomore secured the victory for Team Niall, officially making coach Niall Horan three for three in his coaching career on the NBC series. Despite Niall being placed on strict vocal rest by doctors, the night was a festive celebration of talent, featuring holiday duets and a high-stakes reveal that saw Ross edging out Team Snoop’s Ralph Edwards for the coveted title.
The immediate score and summary of the finale results saw Aiden Ross emerge at the top of a talented pool of six finalists. Following a night of powerhouse performances, host Carson Daly revealed the final placements: Jazz McKenzie (Team Bublé) in sixth, Max Chambers (Team Bublé) in fifth, Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba) in fourth, and the country trio DEK of Hearts (Team Niall) in third. This left Ross and Ralph Edwards as the final two on stage, with Ross ultimately being named the winner and securing a $100,000 prize along with a Universal Music Group record deal.
Key stats and highlights from Ross’s journey began with the very first blind audition of the season, where he earned a four-chair turn for a moving rendition of Adele’s "Love in the Dark." Throughout the season, he became a fan favorite for his technical ease and emotional depth. During the finale, since Niall Horan was unable to sing, Ross performed a special duet of Wham!’s "Last Christmas" with season 23 winner Gina Miles. Other guest performers included Khalid, XG, Riley Green, and Zac Brown with Noah Cyrus, while season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez returned to debut his new single, "Superman."
The strategic factor in the The Voice winner 2025 outcome was the undeniable momentum of Team Niall. Horan has now won every season he has participated in (23, 24, and 28), a feat host Carson Daly noted as a historic "undefeated" run. The finale was also marked by a festive "holiday" theme, with Reba McEntire stepping in to perform "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" with DEK of Hearts in Niall's absence. The camaraderie between the coaches was on full display as Snoop Dogg gifted Niall a "Niall on a Crocodile" plushie, maintaining a lighthearted tone despite the intense competition.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for The Voice involves a significant transition. Michael Bublé concluded his three-season run, and it was announced that Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire will also be taking a break for the upcoming Season 29. The next installment, themed "Battle of the Champions," will see the return of original coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend as they compete to see which veteran can secure another victory. For Aiden Ross, the journey is just beginning as he transitions from a college student to a professional recording artist.