The Voice’s new champ

MANILA, Philippines - The Voice (US) wrapped up its successful sixth season with new champion, soul singer Josh Kaufman, proudly mentored by coach Usher. The win marked the first for Team Usher and broke the string of victories by long-time coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine.

Josh, a 38-year-old father of three and native of Indianapolis, was originally from Team Adam. But at one point in the competition, Team Usher managed to steal Josh and went on to lead the latter to victory.

In the grand finale, Josh performed with singer-songwriter Robin Thicke. They rendered Robin’s new song, Get Her Back. Josh also joined his fellow Team Usher contestants Sisaundra Lewis, TJ Wilkins and Stevie Jo for a number.

Country singer Jake Worthington, only 18 from La Porte, Texas, coached by Team Blake, came in second. Twenty-year-old power belter Christina Grimmie of Marlton, New Jersey from Team Adam, placed third.

Jake shared the stage with his fellow contestants (Kristen Merlin, Audra McLaughlin, Ryan Whyte Maloney, Morgan Wallen and Kat Perkins) for a rendition of Kenney Chesney’s Summertime. Jake also performed alongside veteran country group Alabama.

Christina, meanwhile, did a duet with Ed Sheeran (a previous advisor on The Voice) and they sang the latter’s hit, All of the Stars. Ed later did a solo performance of his latest single, Sing, which will be carried in his forthcoming album.

The finale was loaded with stellar performances from One Republic, Justin Moore, country singer Tim McGraw and Coldplay, with lead singer Chris Martin who became a Season 6 guest mentor.

The three finalists, who won cars from Kia Motors, are set to go on a summer performance tour with Kristen Merlin, who was in the Top 5. Also joining the performances are Season 5 winner Tessanne Chin, runners-up Jacquie Lee and Will Champlin, as well as Season 1 favorite Dia Frampton. Tessanne, Jacquie and Will debuted their respective new singles during the results show.

The finalists who didn’t make it were Bria Kelly and TJ from Team Usher; Delvin Choice and Kat Perkins from Team Adam; Audra and Sisaundra from Team Blake; Dani Moz, Kristen Merlin and Tess Boyer from Team Shakira.

A week before the finals, Shakira’s last talent standing, Kristen, lost her chances to win as the latter was the last to be eliminated along with Kat from Team Adam.

Later this year, The Voice will air its seventh season with R&B singer Pharrell Williams sitting in as one of the coaches, replacing Usher. Williams recorded Happy, the Oscar-nominated theme of the film, Despicable Me 2. Joining Williams as The Voice coach is Gwen Stefani, to complete the chairs with Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

The Voice US is hosted by Carson Daly and airs on AXN. The Voice is also seen in its respective versions in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom and the Philippines.

The Voice Kids Philippines, hosted by Luis Manzano and Alex Gonzaga, airs Saturdays and Sundays on ABS-CBN. Returning coaches from The Voice Philippines are Lea Salonga, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo.