‘The Voice’ Season 15 Winner Was Announced: See Viewer Reactions
Congratulations are in order following the season 15 finale of The Voice.
Chevel Shepherd, the 16-year-old contestant known for her yodeling talents, was crowned the winner on Tuesday. Her win marks the second in a row for judge Kelly Clarkson, who took the competition with contestant Brynn Cartelli in 2017.
"I'm still hyperventilating a little, I feel very blessed," Shepherd told reporters, according to People, after her big win.
The young musician paired up with Dan + Shay to perform a new take on their hit single, "Speechless." Shepherd said she rehearsed with the country super duo, who were "so nice."
"I almost forgot to stop breathing because they're so cool. They're so easy to be around as well. They're kind of just like Kelly, they're their true selves," she said.
Shepherd beat out finalists Chris Kroeze on Blake Shelton's team and Kennedy Holmes on Jennifer Hudson's team. Although Clarkson is no stranger to winning on The Voice at this point, she appeared genuinely surprised to see Shepherd take down Kroeze, a favorite to win.
Fans of the show shared in Clarkson's surprise. In fact, some were downright disappointed with The Voice results. Fans accused the show of being everything from rigged to racist.
"When you realize that America voted away the two black contestants first," one Twitter user noted.
Another said, "In my mind #thevoice results are in reverse order! #KennedyHolmes u killed this season, can't wait to see more from you. #JenniferHudson ummmm I [heart] u lol."
"Although Mckenzie, kymberki [SIC], Kennedy, Kirk and De'Andre didn't win #TheVoice I feel this this [SIC] ain't gonna be the last time we hear or see of them some [SIC] is gonna pick them up n sign them to their label, cause their voice need to be heard," another Twitter user wrote.
Although a large portion of The Voice viewers weren't happy with the results, there were plenty of fans sending love and support to Shepherd after she was crowned the overall winner of season 15. The show's Twitter account congratulated her on her victory, adding, "Big things come in small packages, y'all!"
"Congratulations @officialchevel!!! SO excited for you! Can't WAIT to buy your album," one of Shepherd's supporters tweeted.
Another said, "Congratulations, sweet girl! You kept getting better and better and by the end of the show you had my heart and my vote!! You are amazingly talented and will have a HUGE career!! I'm so proud of you!"
Shepherd hasn't yet announced what's next for her after winning The Voice. With $100,000 in her pocket and a recording contract with Universal Music Group, the sky's the limit.