The highly anticipated finale of The Voice Season 26 delivered its share of drama and excitement, but not everyone was thrilled with the results. After Sofronio Vasquez was crowned the winner, a vocal segment of viewers took to social media, alleging the show was “rigged” and pointing to supposed clues hinting at manipulation.
The finale featured the top five contestants—Jeremy Beloate, Danny Joseph, Sydney Sterlace, Shye, and Vasquez—competing for the title. While Sofronio’s victory was celebrated by many, some fans were quick to claim that the outcome felt predetermined.
One X user (formerly Twitter) fueled the debate, writing, “This confirms The Voice is rigged. Jeremy admitted the show reached out to him to join! Isn’t it supposed to be voluntary?” The post quickly went viral, sparking heated discussions about the competition’s fairness.
Others were less focused on the overall winner and more upset about how the finalists were ranked. “Jeremy getting fifth place is ridiculous,” one fan argued. Another added, “Shye was leagues ahead of everyone else,” while a third vented, “Danny deserved that win!”
Critics of Sofronio’s victory were particularly blunt, suggesting the show favored his backstory over his talent. “NBC handed the win to Sofronio and Bublé because of his ‘story,’ not his voice,” one person commented. Another fan went even further, claiming, “He’s not even close to the best singer this season—just another pity winner.”
Amid the backlash, there was still significant support for Vasquez. Many fans praised his journey and talent, with one viewer saying, “The best man won. What an incredible season!” Others highlighted the importance of his win for representation. “I’ve watched The Voice for years, and I’m so proud of Sofronio as the first Asian winner,” one fan wrote. Another shared, “Congratulations to the Filipino powerhouse, Sofronio Vasquez!”
Shye, who finished as the runner-up and was also on Team Michael Bublé, stood by her teammate. Despite narrowly missing the top spot, she showed nothing but admiration for Sofronio. In an interview with Patch, Shye said, “He truly deserved this win. I’m just proud that Team Bublé claimed both first and second place.” She even revealed that she voted for him, emphasizing her belief in his talent.
Reflecting on her own journey, Shye admitted the competition exceeded her expectations. “I honestly had nothing to lose. I was bored and auditioned on a whim,” she shared. Known for her impressive vocal range, Shye ultimately found herself competing against some of the industry’s biggest names—Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, and Snoop Dogg—all of whom praised her growth throughout the season.
While opinions on the finale remain divided, one thing is certain: Season 26 delivered unforgettable performances, heated debates, and a new winner whose journey resonated with fans worldwide.