The Voice Season 26 Finale: Rate the Top 5 Artists

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Pictured: (l-r) Sofronio Vasquez, Sydney Sterlace, Danny Joseph, Shye, Jeremy Beloate — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

The Voice 26 Finale Top 5 ranked: How would you rate them?

The Voice season 26 reaches its climax with a two-night finale beginning Monday, December 9. The Top 5 finalists will perform live, and America will decide who advances and ultimately who wins. This year’s finale format follows the usual pattern: contestants typically sing two songs—one slow, one uptempo—and viewer votes determine the championship during Tuesday’s Grand Finale.

Each coach—Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg and Reba McEntire—has at least one artist in the finale. Team Bublé is the only squad with two acts remaining. In this ranking, I evaluate the five finalists on vocal skill, stage presence, consistency, song choice potential and nationwide voting factors so you can weigh who might have the best shot at taking the title.

The live shows will also include special guests and past standouts, adding extra excitement to both nights. With the performance order, song picks and audience momentum all playing a role, a contestant who is hot on Monday can surge to victory on Tuesday—so every choice matters.

The Voice 26 Top 5 Ranking

Danny Joseph – Team Reba McEntire

Danny Joseph - The Voice 26
Pictured: Danny Joseph — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

Danny Joseph showed grit by surviving the Instant Save earlier in the competition, but that high-pressure moment also hinted at vulnerability: his most recent performance was arguably his weakest of the season. Technically, he may not be as polished as some rivals, but his rawness, rock edge and standout guitar work have become his signature strengths. To improve his odds, Danny should lean into what sets him apart—guitar-driven arrangements and emotionally honest delivery—rather than stretching into unfamiliar territory. If he recaptures the intensity and connection of his best performances, he could surprise viewers and climb the final rankings.

Jeremy Beloate – Team Snoop Dogg

Jeremy Beloate - The Voice 26
Pictured: Jeremy Beloate — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Jeremy and coach Snoop Dogg have formed an unconventional but effective partnership. Snoop gives Jeremy freedom to remain authentic while guiding him on key performance details. Jeremy has shown range: earlier in the season he thrived on contemporary, theatrical numbers, while recent choices leaned toward classic big-ballad territory. To maximize his chances in the finale, a return to the more distinctive, emotionally nuanced material that first captured audiences would serve him well. His stage instincts and emotional connection are assets—if he balances those with strong song selection, he could climb higher in the voting.

Sydney Sterlace – Team Gwen Stefani

Sydney Sterlace - The Voice 26
Pictured: Sydney Sterlace — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Sydney was one of the season’s biggest turnaround stories: after being ranked low before the semi-finals, she stunned viewers with an emotionally charged rendition of Billie Eilish’s “when the party’s over,” earning a spot in the Top 5 through audience votes. Her youth and sensitivity give her a fresh, intimate sound that connects deeply on quieter numbers. That said, consistency has been an issue—her week-to-week performances have fluctuated—and the key for Sydney will be making confident, strategic song choices that highlight her tone without exposing inexperience. If she finds the right material, she could finish in the top half of the finale results, possibly even higher.

Shye – Team Michael Bublé

Shye - The Voice 26
Pictured: Shye — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

At just 18, Shye has impressed with rare artistic maturity. Her deep contralto and ability to inhabit a song make each performance distinct and memorable. She consistently brings emotional depth and vocal control, turning contemporary or classic material into something uniquely hers. While she might not have the broad, flashier moments of other finalists, her consistent excellence and signature sound give her a strong case with voters who appreciate artistry and vocal identity. Many consider her a frontrunner; she could very well win or finish among the top contenders depending on song choices and staging.

Sofronio Vasquez – Team Michael Bublé

Sofronio Vasquez - The Voice 26
Pictured: Sofronio Vasquez — (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)

Sofronio has amassed massive online attention, with millions of views across social platforms. That viral reach demonstrates strong fan engagement, but much of that traffic originates from the Philippines, where viewers may be passionate but are often unable to vote in the U.S. broadcast voting window. Still, Sofronio’s vocal power and interpretive skill are undeniable—he can deliver big, dynamic performances while retaining nuance and control. If American viewers mobilize for him, he has a legitimate shot at winning the season; his ability to blend power with tasteful vocal runs makes him a serious contender.

In short, this Top 5 is diverse and compelling: from Shye’s mature contralto to Sofronio’s viral charisma, Danny’s guitar-driven grit, Jeremy’s theatrical instincts and Sydney’s intimate vulnerability. The final outcome will hinge on song choices, live performance energy, and how effectively fans cast their votes during the two-night finale.

The Voice season 26 finale airs on Monday, December 9 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and concludes on Tuesday, December 10 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.