Michael Huntley grabbed the title of The Voice Season 24 champion on Tuesday night, securing coach Niall Horan's second straight victory.
Host Carson Daly declared, "Huntley, you are the voice. Congratulations," setting off a wave of emotions as tears streamed down Huntley's face. The runner-up, Ruby Leigh, received a heartfelt hug, and the celebratory moment continued as coach Niall Horan bounded onstage to embrace his victorious contestant.
The 33-year-old singer's journey to victory was underscored by a powerful duet with Horan, as they performed Bob Dylan's classic "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" during the show.
Huntley faced formidable competition, outshining Team Niall's Mara Justine, Team Reba's Jacquie Roar and Ruby Leigh, and Team Legend's Lila Forde. From the initial four-chair turn audition with "She Talks to Angels," Huntley captivated the coaches with a voice that resonated with a unique tone reminiscent of artists like Chris Stapleton, Daniel Merriweather, and James Morrison.
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Niall Horan, praising Huntley's distinctive vocal prowess, remarked, "Huntley, I was hearing... I don't know if you've ever heard of an English singer called Daniel Merriweather. There was another guy called James Morrison. I'm hearing this tone, like the Chris Stapleton thing, that's a tone that comes naturally. You sing your own way, you sing very direct and with so much power and control. It's so beautiful to listen to."
Coach Gwen Stefani added her accolades, stating, "Your voice is just so automatic. You know exactly at what point you're going to be raspy, and it's pure and honest. You sound like you've been singing forever. You're just comfortable."
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The decision-making process for Huntley's journey took an adorable turn when he enlisted the help of his 6-year-old daughter, Stella, who took the stage to choose Niall Horan as her father's coach.
Reflecting on the immense support he received, Huntley, hailing from Fredericksburg, Virginia, expressed gratitude on social media ahead of the finale. On Instagram, he shared, "This is insane. So blessed and so grateful for everybody who believed in me on this journey. Even though someone will be crowned a winner, we’ve all just been trying to create moments of genuine artistry, and the amount of support from all over has meant so much to all of us."
Having released his debut single, "Holdin On," in 2022, Huntley's victory on "The Voice" serves as a testament to his vocal prowess and the unwavering support from fans across the nation. As the echoes of his triumphant voice continue to reverberate, Huntley steps into a new chapter of his musical journey, leaving an indelible mark on the stage of "The Voice."
