It’s been one of the closest competitions since season 17 of NBC’s The Voice kicked off in September. It’s also the first time in seven seasons that all four coaches have a team member in the finale.
Before the music began, host Carson Daly explained that all four singers would sing three songs — one original, one cover and one holiday duet with their coach. Instead of bunching up the performances by category, though, the show jumbled them up, keeping it interesting for the viewing audience.
The night of competition kicked off with Ricky Duran.
RICKY DURAN – “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty (SOLO PERFORMANCE)
KELLY: “This is my favorite finale…everything is represented here. Everybody has their own little niche they have. That range was incredible, Ricky.”
JOHN: “It is really cool to hear classic rock on this show and you do it so incredibly. When you sing it, it feels so vibrant…everything is working for you.”
BLAKE: “You never let any of us down. Every time you get on that stage, we know you’re going to do something awesome.”
JAKE HOOT – “Better Off Without You” (ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE)
GWEN: “I think it’s really exciting to hear an original song and get to know you more from your song.”
KELLY: “It’s funny because you come across as timid, but you’re really just super humble…you always put yourself on the back burner in every situation which makes you a great human… A great writer draws from their life experience. I love that you got to showcase that today.”
KATIE KADAN with John Legend – “Merry Christmas Baby” by Otis Redding
(HOLIDAY DUET)
ROSE SHORT – “Steam roller” (ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE)
BLAKE: “I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a better pairing of an artist with an original song.”
GWEN: “I can see that you’re so free and just having a good time and enjoying the moment…and you just seem so sparkly and happy, and the song just tells your story.”
RICKY DURAN with Blake Shelton – “Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry
(HOLIDAY DUET)
KATIE KADAN – “All Better” (ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE)
KELLY: “Oh my gosh, you better go ahead with that sexy vibe. No joke, that is on my sexy playlist.”
JOHN: “I feel like it’s the perfect marriage of her style with a little bit modern production…you sell that song so beautifully. It’s just right there in your pocket. The attitude, the energy, the vibe…”
JAKE HOOT with Kelly Clarkson – “Wintersong” by Sarah McLachlan
(HOLIDAY DUET)
ROSE SHORT with Gwen Stefani – “My Gift is You” by Gwen Stefani
(HOLIDAY DUET)
JAKE HOOT – “Amazed” by Lonestar (SOLO PERFORMANCE)
GWEN: The thing that was so beautiful tonight is just seeing you so relaxed…your voice is so familiar to me and so comforting.”
KELLY: “I love you Jake Hoot, I love you. You’re everything I grew up on in country music…I know you were just a one chair turn, but I’m grateful because I didn’t have to fight anyone.”
KATIE KADAN – “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith (SOLO PERFORMANCE)
BLAKE: (couldn’t speak over the roar of applause) “I can’t get a word in because people love you so freakin’ much. Once again, unbelievable. There’s nothing else to say about how incredible you are.”
JOHN: “I’m just so honored I got to work with you throughout this whole season…you never let us down, not only did you not let us down, you dazzled us every single time…you should be so proud of what you’ve done.”
RICKY DURAN – “A Woman Like Her” (ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE)
KELLY: “You remind me of Bruce Springsteen…it’s just so beautiful, it’s such a perfect song.”
JOHN: “I was listening to that song and I was jealous that I hadn’t been pitched that song, it’s gorgeous…I have a feeling that’s going to be the most-streamed song of the night. Your performance was gorgeous.”
BLAKE: “Way to wait until your last competitive performance of this entire season to give the best performance of your entire run. America, Santa Claus wants one thing from you and that’s to vote for Ricky Duran.”
ROSE SHORT – “Border Song” by Elton John (SOLO PERFORMANCE)
JOHN: “What a beautiful message for the final song of your journey on this show…that was very special. Ending with that message, knowing your roots in gospel and hearing it sung so beautifully, it was very special.”
GWEN: “You have known exactly what to do at every single turn and every single moment…and I think sometimes God just puts an extra little drop of cool, an extra little drop of talent and he did that with you.”
And with that, the decision falls into the hand of The Voice voters. During the December 17 elimination round, coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, along with Carson and the rest of the world will find out who takes home The Voice season 17 trophy. In addition, viewers will enjoy performances from Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, and many more will be taking the stage while the contestants anxiously await their destiny.
