Top 20 Winners Of All Time, Ranked

Since its 2011 debut, The Voice has fundamentally reshaped the way reality TV competitions function, making its mark quickly with a combination of celebrity judges and impeccable talent. By popularizing the blind audition, wherein the celebrity judges aren’t able to see the performer until after they’ve taken a risk on adding them to their team, The Voice leveled the playing field of TV talent competitions.

While other reality competitions have put stock in success based on the look of a contestant early on, singing competitions in particular should be far more about the vocal ability and connection than physical appearance. The Voice took that to another level, giving singers a truly fair shot with the judges based on merit over physical appearance, and allowed for a fun gimmick.

With The Voice’s coaches chairs spinning after hearing the talent, viewers gained a whole new interest in reality TV competition. The series has created some incredibly magical moments throughout the years as auditions have brought judges to tears, created genuine surprise, and renewed the public’s faith in seeing raw, unfiltered talent. Becoming a cultural phenomenon, The Voice has helped bring reality TV talent competitions back to life.

As The Voice has moved through its seasons, with long-standing coaches like Blake Shelton and Adam Levine to shorter stints like Niall Horan and Ariana Grande, the show has resonated with audiences. The show’s straightforward format has been deeply effective for viewers, bringing high-stakes to both its pre-taped episodes and its live performance nights, and keeping star power consistent with its judges.

The show has also launched a surprisingly wide range of audiences throughout the years, discovering new waves of talent season after season. With solo acts and groups having moved through the show, The Voice has unearthed performers in every genre from country and gospel to hard rock and R&B. Everyone’s welcome on The Voice, which allows the show to stand out.

While there haven’t been a ton of winners from The Voice who have gone on to instant mega-success, the singers who have won the show have gone on to become stars in their own right year after year. Finding steady, meaningful careers as vocalists, The Voice sets up its winners for real careers in music, giving the series a genuine legacy.

20

Josh Kaufman

Season 6 – Team Usher

Josh Kaufman, winner of The Voice season 6, was a member of Usher’s team. Marking Usher’s first win as a coach, Josh was the first to take the crown from Blake and Adam on the series. A soulful, Broadway-ready vocalist, Josh’s big voice was a shift for the series. After the show, Josh went on to perform on Broadway, and currently tours with jazz festivals.

19

Maelyn Jarmon

Season 16 – Team Legend

After getting a four-chair turn for her audition, Maelyn Jarmon wound up on John Legend’s team during The Voice season 16. A folksy, vulnerable songstress, Maelyn’s artistic maturity made her a standout throughout the competition. With unexpected song choices and a haunting rendition of Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”, Maelyn proved herself a great winner. Maelyn’s appeared on Broadway and is currently working on her own music.

18

Todd Tilghman

Season 18 – Team Blake

As the oldest winner in The Voice history, Todd Tilghman was 42 years old when he won the series during season 18. As a member of team Blake, Todd’s vocal performances were a soulful mix of authentic Mississippi charm and faith. Todd’s strong support from The Voice viewers has still been unmatched. Since the series, Todd has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and released a self-titled album.

17

Carter Rubin

Season 19 – Team Gwen

The Voice season 19’s Carter Rubin was just 15 years old when he took home the win under Gwen Stefani’s teachings on the series. Though young, Carter’s soulful voice had emotional maturity, and he carried himself on stage with confidence. Stefani, who began her own journey to fame as a teen, resonated with the young performer, who’s gone on to release his on music and tour.

16

Girl Named Tom

Season 21 – Team Kelly

Girl Named Tom, a trio of siblings named Caleb, Joshua, and Bekah Liechty, became the first group to win during The Voice season 21. Coached by Kelly Clarkson, who was drawn to their ability to tightly harmonize during the blind auditions, the group were able to show genuine vocal craftsmanship during the season. Since, the group has released new music online, building their following.

15

Cam Anthony

Season 20 – Team Blake

As the winner of The Voice season 20, Cam Anthony was a soulful vocalist who impressed all the judges and his eventual mentor, Blake Shelton, during his blind audition. Demonstrating versatility and power in his performances, Cam was able to showcase his maturity with Shelton’s help. After the season, Cam has gone on to make online content along with his music.

14

Jake Hoot

Season 17 – Team Kelly

Jake Hoot, the winner of The Voice season 17, was coached by Kelly Clarkson throughout his time on the series. A country-leaning singer from Tennessee, Cam knew how to deliver an emotional performance, and was able to capture the hearts of fans outside of his genre. Cam’s warm voice has created heartfelt performances that have continued post-show, as he’s gone on to build a loyal following.

13

Chris Blue

Season 12 – Team Alicia

The Voice season 12 introduced an array of talented performers, including winner Chris Blue who worked hard with his coach Alicia Keys to find his sound. A gospel and R&B inspired singer, Chris was able to impress everyone with his soulful, uplifting performances week after week. Since The Voice, Chris has released a trio of albums in the gospel genre.

12

Chloe Kohanski

Season 13 – Team Blake

An indie rock artist who now goes by chloe mk, Chloe Kohanski won The Voice season 13 under the coaching of Blake Shelton, excited to bring her talent to the main stage. Chloe’s raw, raspy voice set her apart from the rest of the competition throughout the season, proving her place. After the show, she’s released an album and an EP, with more music on the way.

11

Tessanne Chin

Season 5 – Team Adam

Tessanne Chin is one of the earliest winners of the series, taking on The Voice season 5 with Adam Levine as her coach. Tessanne’s powerful, soulful voice and Jamaican-inflected tone was a huge difference-maker for her during the competition, highlighting the global feel she brought to the series. After The Voice, Tessanne went on to release an album in 2014.