'The Voice' crowns second-season champion

CEBU, Philippines - Alicia Keys’ former backup singer has finally been given his time to shine.

Jermaine Paul, Team Blake’s consistently competent R&B singer, was crowned as winner on the season finale of The Voice.

Paul, who was coached by country singer and “Voice” mentor Blake Shelton, was awarded the show’s grand prize of $100,000 and a record deal with Universal.

Juliet Simms, the 26-year-old indie rocker from San Francisco who was coached by Cee Lo Green, came in second place. She was followed by Tony Lucca, the 36-year-old former Mouseketeer from Detroit, who was guided by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine.

Chris Mann, the 30-year-old classical singer from Wichita, Kan., who was shepherded by pop diva Christina Aguilera, rounded out the final four.

Coach Blake Shelton said, Paul deserved to win ‘because of his talent. He’s figuring out what he wants to do, and he can do anything.’

Paul was understandably emotional after having been relegated to backup singer status for so many years.

The singer got emotional while saying: ‘I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that voted for me. God bless y’all, man. Nobody but Jesus, man, nobody!’

After thanking the Lord, he also remembered to thank his wife, children and parents.

He closed the show by hugging his family members while simultaneously singing R. Kelly’s ‘I Believe I Can Fly’.

The evening saw a slew of varied performances from former contestants and celebrities alike.

Paul kicked off the show by bringing back his roommate James Massone, Pip and Jamar Rogers for a cool version of The Jackson Five’s ‘I Want You Back’.  (FREEMAN)