Honestly, trying to keep track of everyone who makes it to the end of The Voice is basically a full-time job. With two seasons a year and a revolving door of coaches, the names start to blur together faster than a Snoop Dogg ad break. But if you’re looking for who was the finalists on the Voice recently, we’ve got some wild stories and actual talent to talk about.
Most people focus on the winners, but the finale is usually a five-way street of nerves and high-notes. The most recent wrap-up, Season 26, which finished in late 2024, was actually a bit of a historic one for the show. Michael Bublé came in as the "new guy" and somehow managed to pull a total power move that veteran coaches have been trying to pull off for years.
The Season 26 Final Five: A Bublé Takeover
Going into the December 2024 finale, the vibes were heavy. We had a mix of powerhouse vocalists and the usual "how is this person only 17?" talent.
The biggest shocker? Michael Bublé walked into the finale with two artists, while Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani each only had one. Most people thought the vote would split and hand the win to one of the other teams. It didn't. Bublé ended up becoming the first rookie coach to ever snag both first and second place in his debut season.
Here is the breakdown of who actually stood on that stage at the very end:
- Sofronio Vasquez (Winner - Team Bublé): This guy was basically a walking masterclass. Originally from the Philippines, he moved to the US in 2022 after his father passed away. He’s got that "superhero" range where he can go from a whisper to a stadium-filling belt. He sang "A Million Dreams" and "Unstoppable" in the finale, and honestly, after that Sia cover, the trophy was pretty much his.
- Shye (Runner-up - Team Bublé): Only 18 years old. She was the dark horse. While Sofronio was the polished pro, Shye had this raw, indie-pop texture that made songs like Harry Styles’ "Falling" sound brand new.
- Sydney Sterlace (3rd Place - Team Gwen): Gwen’s final hope. Sydney was the youngest in the group and consistently stayed in the lane of emotional, storytelling ballads.
- Danny Joseph (4th Place - Team Reba): He brought the grit. If you like that raspy, bluesy, soul-rock sound, Danny was your guy. He did "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse in the finale, and it was... a choice. A bold one.
- Jeremy Beloate (5th Place - Team Snoop): Snoop’s right-hand man. Jeremy was pure joy to watch. He’s got a massive theater background, and it showed. He didn't win, but a lot of folks on Reddit are already betting he’ll be on Broadway within the year.
Why Season 25 Felt Different
If we look back just one season prior to the Bublé-Snoop era, Season 25 (the one with Dan + Shay) was a totally different beast. That finale was dominated by Asher HaVon, who gave Reba McEntire her second win in a row.
Asher was special because he was the first openly LGBTQ+ artist to win the show, and he did it with pure, unadulterated gospel-soul power. The other finalists trailing him were Josh Sanders (the country favorite), Bryan Olesen (the former Christian rock star), Nathan Chester, and Karen Waldrup.
It’s interesting how the "lane" of the winner often dictates the whole season. In 25, it was all about the soul. In 26, it was about the "Filipino Phenom" Sofronio and his technical perfection.
The "Curse" of the Finalist
You've probably noticed that being a finalist on The Voice doesn't always mean you're headed for the Grammys. It’s a bit of a running joke in the industry. While American Idol has Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, The Voice winners often struggle to find that same radio airplay.
However, being a finalist is often better than winning. Why? Because you aren't locked into the specific (and sometimes restrictive) record deal that comes with the top spot.
Take a look at someone like Morgan Wallen. He was a contestant who didn't even make the finale, and now he’s one of the biggest artists on the planet. Finalists like Cassadee Pope or Jordan Smith have carved out great niches, but the "Voice" brand is often more about the coaches than the kids in the chairs.
What to Look for in Season 27
If you're already looking ahead, the show isn't slowing down. We know the coach lineup is shifting again for 2025. Adam Levine is finally coming back (the OG!), alongside John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Kelsea Ballerini.
When looking at who was the finalists on the Voice, the pattern is usually:
- One young "pop" girl.
- One "country" guy who the moms love.
- One "powerhouse" soul singer.
- One "indie/quirky" artist.
If you’re betting on the next crop, watch the "Steals" during the Knockout rounds. Almost every recent finalist was either a four-chair turn or someone who got stolen and "saved" by a different coach halfway through the season.
Actionable Steps for Superfans
If you actually want to follow these artists after the confetti drops, don't look for them on the radio. They aren't there yet.
- Check TikTok and Instagram: This is where Shye and Sofronio are building their actual fanbases. The "Voice" contract usually has a period where they can't release major music, so they post covers and "behind the scenes" content there.
- Look for Tour Openers: Most Voice finalists end up opening for their coaches. Danny Joseph will likely be popping up at Reba shows, and Jeremy Beloate is almost certainly heading for the New York stage.
- Voter Strategy: If you're planning on voting in Season 27, remember that the "Instant Save" usually favors the artists with the loudest social media following, not necessarily the best performance of the night. It's a popularity contest, kinda.
The reality of The Voice is that the finale is a launchpad, but the engine is the artist’s hustle after the show. Whether it's Sofronio Vasquez or the next big winner, the name on the trophy is just the beginning of the real work.