The Voice season 26 Live Finale Part 1 was released on NBC on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 8 pm ET/PT. The episode saw Sting-themed duets between the contestants and a special holiday performance by Michael Bublé and Carly Pearce. It also featured five finalists performing two songs, a ballad, and an up-tempo number as they attempted to win the grand prize at the end of the show.
The five finalists include one contestant each from Team Reba McEntire, Team Snoop Dogg, and Team Gwen Stefani, along with two contestants from Team Michale Bublé. Sofronio Vasquez and Shye represented Team Bublé while Danny Joseph represented Team Reba with Jeremy Beloate representing Team Snoop, and Sydney Sterlace from Team Gwen.
Each finalist's journey was celebrated, including their standout moments from earlier rounds, and every contestant was a four-chair turn during the Blind Auditions. Danny Joseph, from Team Reba, delivered a heartfelt rendition of Luke Combs' Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma. He didn't just earn praise from judges but also managed to cement his place as a fan favorite.
What happened in The Voice Live Finale Part 1?
The live finale opened with a segment featuring Martha Stewart critiquing the set and coaches' wardrobes, and declaring Reba McEntire “perfect as usual.” Host Carson Daly then reminded viewers of the stakes that the contestants' performances would directly influence America’s votes.
Danny Joseph, a member of Team Reba, was the first to perform in The Voice Live Finale Part 1. Known for his "swampy sound," Danny chose Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma by Luke Combs and played guitar throughout the song. He delivered a dynamic performance that resonated deeply with the audience.
Reba McEntire praised Danny for consistently exceeding expectations, saying tat he "never ever" disappointed her. Meanwhile, Gwen Stefani said, “He’s got it all,” highlighting his impressive vocal control and stage presence.
Other contestant highlights
Danny was followed by Jeremy Beloate of Team Snoop, who brought the audience to tears with What the World Needs Now by Jackie DeShannon. Snoop Dogg, who seemed visibly emotional, declared Jeremy’s performance “powerful.”
Additionally, Michael Bublé lauded his theatrical prowess, even joking that Snoop would need tissues for his tears.
The first contestant from Team Bublé Shye performed One of Us by Joan Osborne and impressed the judges with her emotional depth. Reba advised her to “not listen to negative voices,” while Michael encouraged her to embrace her unique talent.
Sixteen-year-old Sydney Sterlace of Team Gwen sang I Miss You, I’m Sorry by Gracie Abrams, showcasing her youthful yet mature voice. Snoop commended her for "growing up tonight," and Gwen called her performance “angelic.”
Closing the first round of The Voice Live Finale Part 1 was Sofronio Vasquez of Team Bublé, who performed Unstoppable by Sia. Reba told Sofronio the "sky is the limit," and Bublé praised his mentee for delivering powerful yet nuanced moments.
Second round performances
In the second half of the episode, the final five contestants returned to the stage for their second songs. Danny Joseph amped up the energy with a creative spin on Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. Reba declared him a “superstar,” and Snoop encouraged America to vote for him, citing Danny's originality.
Jeremy performed a ballad version of Dancing on My Own by Robin, receiving accolades for his emotional delivery. Gwen called him “very gifted,” while Snoop praised his ability to make songs his own.
Sofronio brought the judges to tears with his emotional take on A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman. Bublé compared him to a superhero, saying that he went "into the phone booth and became Superman."
Sydney captivated the audience with Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, earning praise from Gwen for her vulnerability and growth throughout the competition.
Shye closed out the night with Falling by Harry Styles, earning applause for her vocal strength and artistic interpretation. Snoop declared her exceptional, and Bublé said she was the truth.
What’s Next on The Voice?
Voting for the five finalists is on and fans have until the end of the night to cast their votes for their favorite artist on The Voice. The winner will be announced during Tuesday's two-hour grand finale.
The second part of the finale of The Voice season 26 will air on NBC at 9 pm ET on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The voting lines will stay open until 7 am ET and the winner for The Voice season 26 will be named during the upcoming episode.