Aiden Ross emerged as one of the most talked-about performers of The Voice Season 28 finale after delivering a powerful rendition of ABBA’s classic ballad “The Winner Takes It All.” The performance closed out Part 1 of the finale on Monday night, as the competition narrowed to its final moments ahead of the live results show.
The December 15 episode featured the Top 6 finalists, each performing two songs—one contemporary selection and one classic—before overnight voting determined the season’s winner. Ross, representing Team Niall, returned to the stage last, giving his performance a prime spot in the episode’s closing moments.
A Stripped-Back, Emotional Performance
Ross approached the ABBA classic with restraint, stripping the song down and focusing on its emotional core. His controlled delivery and vocal clarity drew immediate praise from coach Niall Horan, who called the performance “absolutely incredible” and urged viewers to cast their votes.
Horan added that he was “so, so proud” of Ross, highlighting the singer’s ability to connect emotionally with both the song and the audience.
Strong Showing Across Two Songs
Earlier in the night, Ross opened his finale run with JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” showcasing a softer, modern sound. Horan noted that Ross consistently finds “the heartbeat” of every song he performs, a quality that has defined his journey throughout the competition.
The two performances capped a strong night for Team Niall, which also saw DEK of Hearts advance into the finale via America’s vote.
The Final Six Take the Stage
Each coach entered the finale with one artist selected from the Playoffs. Alongside Ross for Team Niall, the lineup included Ralph Edwards (Team Snoop Dogg), Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba McEntire), and Jazz McKenzie (Team Michael Bublé). Two additional artists—Max Chambers (Team Bublé) and DEK of Hearts (Team Niall)—earned their spots through viewer voting.
Highlights from the night included Aubrey Nicole’s confident performances of Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” famously associated with her coach Reba McEntire.
Jazz McKenzie delivered emotional performances of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License,” drawing praise from both Snoop Dogg and Bublé. Max Chambers showcased versatility with Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” and Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.”
Ralph Edwards rounded out the evening with Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” and Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” earning commendation for his growth and stage presence.
Winner to Be Crowned
With voting now closed, the winner of The Voice Season 28 will be announced during Part 2 of the finale, airing Tuesday, December 16 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, following a preshow at 8 p.m. ET.
While only one artist will take home the title, Monday night’s performances underscored the emergence of six new talents poised for future success.
