The Voice season 29 finale crowns a winner in the new Battle of Champions format, as coaches Adam, Kelly, and John vie for victory.
- April 22, 2026
AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated finale of The Voice season 29 unfolded with thrilling performances and an exciting reveal of the champion. The season introduced a fresh format, called the Battle of Champions, featuring returning veteran coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend competing to guide their top contestants to victory.
The Top 4 finalists battled it out in front of an enthusiastic audience comprised of super fans and former contestants, who had the crucial role of deciding the winner. Each contestant performed two songs: an uptempo number followed by a powerful ballad, showcasing their versatility and vocal prowess.
First up was Alexia Jayy from Adam Levine's team. Alexia delivered a stirring rendition of "Lady Marmalade" by Labelle. Her performance was marked by her signature strong and effortless vocals, layered with a fierce rasp that captivated the audience. Though the song choice was relatively safe, Alexia's emotional connection to her journey on the show shone through. The coaches praised her greatly: Kelly said, "You make it special," John described her as a star in the making, and Adam expressed awe at her ability to master powerful diva songs.
Next, Mikenley Brown from Kelly Clarkson's team took the stage with "Almost is Never Enough" by Ariana Grande. Mikenley dedicated her heartfelt performance to her grandmother, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Although she was not considered the strongest singer in the competition, her unique tone and phrasing, coupled with Kelly’s nurturing coaching, made her performance stand out. John noted her growing confidence, Adam praised her voice and tone, and Kelly emphasized the special quality of her artistry.
The evening also featured appearances from former contestants seated in the audience, adding a nostalgic element to the event. Host Carson Daly engaged with them between performances, eliciting reflections on their past experiences on the show.
Following this, Lucas West of John Legend's team performed "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner. Notably, he chose to sing without accompanying himself on the keyboard, a bold move that sparked some debate. While this showcased his pure vocal talent, some found the absence of his piano playing less compelling and his stage presence somewhat awkward. Adam and John supported his decision, appreciating the risk and the departure from his usual style.
Then came Liv Ciara from Kelly Clarkson's team with a rendition of Billie Eilish’s "The Greatest." Liv, who had not received a chair turn in the previous season, impressed with her radio-ready vocals and emotional delivery. Her gorgeous tone and raw honesty moved the coaches, with John highlighting her authenticity and Kelly becoming visibly emotional during the performance.
Returning to the stage, Mikenley Brown performed an upbeat track, "Man I Need" by Olivia Dean, reflecting her personal journey overcoming depression and anxiety. Her upbeat energy and relaxed demeanor marked a high point in her season’s performances. The coaches were enthusiastic: John admired her cool style, Adam praised her unique approach, and Kelly called her "rad," applauding her artistic expression.
Lucas West then tackled a deeply personal song, "Ordinary People" by John Legend. John admitted he is often critical when artists cover his songs but expressed pride in Lucas’s heartfelt interpretation. Without a band and seated behind the piano, Lucas created an intimate atmosphere, making the song truly his own. The coaches applauded his versatility and emotional connection, with Adam and Kelly particularly impressed by his genre-spanning ability.
Liv Ciara closed out the individual performances with "What a Girl Wants" by Christina Aguilera. With guidance from Kelly, Liv rearranged the song to showcase her unique style and vocal strengths. Her confident stage presence and a stunning high note at the climax raised speculation about her chances to win. The coaches were excited about her future, with Kelly affirming that Liv is ready to become a pop star.
The final individual performance was by Alexia Jayy, who sang "One and Only" by Adele. Adam praised Alexia as a humble yet powerful vocal force, describing her as a "beast." Her raspy, growly delivery captivated the audience and coaches alike. Kelly was moved to tears, and John called her a blessing. Adam thanked Alexia for being a special messenger through her music.
Following the individual rounds, the finalists performed duets with their coaches, a highlight of the finale. Liv Ciara and Kelly Clarkson sang "Stay" by Rihanna, blending their voices beautifully. A lighthearted moment followed as basketball player Jimmy Butler joined the coaches for a humorous skit about country music.
Alexia Jayy and Adam Levine teamed up on "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5, merging their distinct styles effectively. Meanwhile, Lucas West and John Legend performed a majestic dual-piano rendition of Elton John’s "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me," showcasing their shared keyboard talents.
Mikenley Brown and Kelly Clarkson closed the duet segment with "What Was I Made For" by Billie Eilish. Kelly matched Mikenley’s tone perfectly, demonstrating her skill in traversing genres and supporting her artist with generosity.
The moment everyone awaited finally arrived with the announcement of the results. Mikenley Brown finished in fourth place, followed by Lucas West in third. Liv Ciara secured second place. The winner of The Voice season 29 was Alexia Jayy, giving Adam Levine his much-desired victory as coach.
Alexia’s win was well-deserved, reflecting her consistent strength, emotional depth, and star quality throughout the competition. She is already preparing to release her new single "Rent Free." Fans should note that the finale was recorded months ago, adding to the anticipation of what Alexia’s post-show career will bring.
The season 29 Battle of Champions successfully delivered memorable performances, emotional moments, and a deserving winner, all under the guidance of three iconic coaches. The Voice continues to be a platform where emerging talents can shine and inspire audiences nationwide.