The Voice Season 24 Finale Recap: And the Winner Is…

The contestants have sung, the people have spoken, and as of 11 pm Tuesday, The Voice has a new reigning champ. But before we found out whether it was Team John Legend’s Lila Forde, Team Reba McEntire’s Ruby Leigh or Team Niall Horan’s Mara Justine or Huntley — Gwen Stefani was shut out — we were treated to a full-on concert.

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Among the highlights was an extremely pink cover of Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” by the Top 12 — which meant that, yes, we were treated to the bizarre sight of everyone from Jordan Rainer to BIAS getting their boogie on. The coaches’ rendition of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” was lovely and as traditional as mistletoe. Before taking their red swivel chairs in Season 25, Dan + Shay performed their single “Bigger Houses” with all the warmth of a roaring fireplace. American Idol judge Keith Urban turned out a pretty damn spectacular version of his hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color” with only his guitar as accompaniment.

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As the show went on, Teddy Swims sang his “Lose Control” smash with so much fire, I liked it almost as much as Mara’s stab at it earlier in the season. Almost. Indie rockers AJR, who I’ll admit I’d never heard of, made me a fan with their quirky “Yes I’m a Mess” and “Bang!” (Although is a band still “indie” if it’s appearing on a big network sing-off?) Tyla served up silky vocals and even smoother moves on “Truth or Dare” and “Water.” And Earth, Wind & Fire teed up a medley of their hits with a helluva lot more energy than I expect to have at their age. (Or, frankly, do now!)

As for the coach/contestant duets, Niall and Huntley’s pairing on Bob Dylan/Guns N’ Roses “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” was surprisingly successful (and arguably a more impressive showcase for the rocker than Monday’s efforts). Reba and Jacquie’s take on Wynonna Judd’s “No One Else on Earth” was fine, even if their harmonies didn’t quite gel. On the Eagles’ “Wasted Time,” Niall and Mara meshed so beautifully, it made me wish that their duet was being released.

John and Lila made “Sleigh Ride” a ride worth taking in spite of the fact that, again, it didn’t really play to her strengths. And on Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Reba and Ruby could’ve charmed the pointy shoes off an elf. (But didn’t it sound like their vocals were coming from a block away?) Finally, in the moment of truth, Carson Daly announced that the audience had voted into…

Fifth Place
Lila Forde (Team Legend)

Fourth Place
Jacquie Roar (Team Reba)

Third Place
Mara Justine (Team Niall) — what?!?

Second Place
Ruby Leigh (Team Reba)

Winner
Huntley (Team Niall)

So, are you happy with the way things shook out? Surprised? Drop your reaction in the comments below, then read what Huntley has to say about his coach, that duet and his amazing hair here.

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