“The Voice” Season 12 Declares Chris Blue As Winner; Win Marks Alicia Keys’ First Win In Reality Competition

Your new “The Voice” Season 12 winner is Chris Blue.

On Tuesday night, the singing competition crowned the 26-year-old worship leader from Knoxville, Tennessee as this season’s winner. Blue is from Team Alicia, coached by multi-awarded singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, the Washington Post said. Blue had beat out fellow competitors Lauren Duski, Aliyah Moulden, and Jesse Larsons.

Chicago Tribune said Blue was actually the last artist who was selected in the blind auditions, thanks to Keys. Because he was so far down the list, Blue wasn’t showcased in the premiere despite impressing the judges with his interpretation of the classic "Tracks of My Tears." Keys apparently choose Blue for his "bluesy and soulful" voice.

So when host Carson Daly said the following in the closing moments of the finale, it was enough to send Blue overwhelmed and sobbing over joy:

“The very last artist selected in the blind audition process goes on to win it all!”

Variety said Blue’s win marked Keys’ first win as a “Voice” coach. She came in third last season with Wé McDonald. It also marks Keys and fellow coach Gwen Stefani last season before bowing out to returning judge Miley Cyrus and new judge Season 3 advisor Jennifer Hudson, who will be coming in to the show for Season 13 in the fall.

Country singer Lauren Duski from Team Blake is runner-up. Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine and country superstar Blake Sheldon are also judges for Season 12, and had a representative in the finale.