It was a performance-packed finale for viewers of "The Voice" last night as season drew to a close and crowned its winner. The season's entire Top 24 kick started the show on a high note, reuniting for a performance of "Lean On" by Major Lazer and DJ Snake (feat. MØ). The night was filled with performances and celebrities, and with so much happening, it was hard to pick out a favorite moment. The action included duets with both former contestants and celebrities, performances from Missy Elliot, Justin Bieber and Coldplay, and of course, the crowning of Season Nine's winner, Jordan Smith.
As the show kicked off and with the votes already tallied, the remaining top four contestants got to perform with some of the music industries biggest stars and each other. The highlight of the night's duets included Team Blake's Barrett Baber and Zach Seabaugh reuniting for a duet of "Forever And Ever Amen" by Randy Travis.
For his breakout performance, Team Gwen's Jeffrey Austin chose Madi Davis of Team Pharrell for a duet of "Tears Dry On Their Own" by Amy Winehouse. Austin admitted Davis was one of his favorite singers in of the season, so it was a no-brainer they should team up.
Celebrity duets were also a highlight of the night. Final-four contestant Emily Ann Roberts appeared revitalized performing her duet with Ricky Skaggs of his song "Country Boy". Front-runner Jordan Smith substituted himself for David Guetta in his duet of "Without You" featuring Usher, performing the song with former "The Voice" coach Usher himself. Barrett Baber and Wynonna Judd blended perfectly on "No One Else On Earth", which proved to be a real "pinch myself" moment for Baber.
In addition to duets with celebrities and former contestants alike, the audience was also treated to all-star performances from several world famous bands and acts. Coldplay front-man Chris Martin made a monkey of himself for the band's performance of "Adventure Of A Lifetime," after being joined onstage by a chorus of simian back-up dancers.
Then, Missy Elliott and coach Pharrell Williams stole the show with their performance of "WTF (Where They From)" thanks to a helping hand from some Supermarionation-inspired puppet mini-me's. Even Justin Bieber, who appeared to be on his best behavior, appeared for the performance his single "Sorry." But he had plenty of distractions thanks to the plethora of gyrating backup dancers accompanying him.
After what can only be a called a stellar season, it came as no surprise the season's front-runner, 22-year-old Jordan Smith of Harlan, KY, was crowned "The Voice", giving Team Adam its first win since Season Five, and leaving Emily Ann Roberts as the season's runner-up.
Following his win, HNGN caught up with this season's champ and his ecstatic coach at a press conference to get their first reactions. Read our interview below:
Adam is there a common thread between your wins in Season One and Five and Jordan's win?
Adam: I make a lot of mistakes, constantly, but the through line is they were all so good I couldn't possibly have screwed it up. Jordan was so extraordinary and that it was really just my job not to screw it up. I help them all along, but don't teach them what they do so extraordinarily well already.
Jordan it's been no secret you have self-confidence issues, so what does it mean to win?
Jordan: It means a lot. Throughout the show on different levels I proved to myself that things don't matter. It's really special to be here and win a show like this and be celebrated because of those differences.
Adam: I'm super proud of him.
You've constantly been a front-runner, so was there any point you thought you might not win?
Jordan: You never know what's going to happen, you have ideas and goals and dreams, but there's always doubt that they may not happen. I was up against some incredibly talented people who proved how talented they were each week. They raised the bar every single week, so there were so many times I didn't expect to be in this position. This is surreal, but I'm so honored and proud to be sitting here out of all these people who are so great, this is just one of the craziest moments and unreal.
Jordan how much you going to miss Adam?
Jordan: Of course I will just working with him has been -
Adam: [interrupting] Der! He's going to miss me so much.
Jordan: He's just been great to work with in all seriousness, he's the kind of person that walks into a room and everyone wants to be around him. He makes you feel comfortable and he has a nice presence.
Adam: I won because he was on my team. I didn't do anything but say, "Good job." That's why he won.
What is next for you, have you had time to think about the future?
Jordan: What's next is sleep [laughs]. I want to sleep for about three days, just not get out of bed. But I am ready to start working hard and while this has been great and I've learned so much, now I know the hard work really starts, and that the show is nothing compared to what's next. I'm ready to start writing music and get some music out there. I want to make a name for myself in the industry and like I said, I don't think I'll ever arrive, but there's so much to do and learn and grow. I'm excited about the next part of this whole process.
Adam, you've been quite vocal about the awarded recording contract, what advice do you have for Jordan and what he should do with it?
Adam: [Long pause] That's a loaded question. There have been some shortcomings on the other side of this fence, it's not shocking or surprising, it's true. Jordan has had more success on iTunes than most artists ever have in a very short period of time. On every level this guy deserves the most success imaginable. It's great that we can get him to this point, now the baton has been passed to the record label and hopefully they will do right by Jordan Smith. That's all I have to say about that.
Adam, what did you learn from Jordan this season?
Adam: Well we are completely different. I don't have a filter and I run my mouth, he's very composed and calm and I am the complete opposite. I think I learned how to kind of chill and stay mellow in times when I usually might not. I've learned I'm not as good a singer as he is, which makes me want to be a better singer - he's way better than I am. I can't say enough great things about him. It was fun being his coach because every time he sang I never had to fake it and pretend to be proud. He never made any mistakes because he was always so invested in what he was doing.
Jordan, what we do you like to say to your supporters in the south?
Jordan: Thank you so much, those are my people and the reason I am who I am. I'm very thankful for the support and I'm sure 80 percent of the votes came from Harlan [laughs]. With any success I have they'll always be a part of it.
What are you most excited to do now the whole competition is over?
Jordan: To spend time with my family over the holidays. Maybe drive again; I forgot how to drive in the last six months. I'm going to spend as much time with my family and get in some quality time with them.
Adam, how does it feel to beat Blake again?
Adam: It feels so good, oh man! I am going to enjoy this night. On a completely selfish level Jordan, it's really quite beautiful because Jordan gets to win "The Voice" and I get to tear Blake apart for the next six months. Just bragging about my win and his drought of victory. It's going to be great. You have to think of new and exciting ways to make him feel terrible. So it's going to be really fun.
Jordan: You're welcome.
