'The Voice' crowns Danielle Bradbery winner of fourth season

The Voice crowned teenager Danielle Bradbery its fourth-season champion during Tuesday night's live broadcast of the NBC reality singing competition's finale.


Danielle, a 16-year-old from Cypress, TX, won after she had received the most home viewer votes following Monday night's final performance show, which had featured the Top 3 finalists performing any final song of their choice, an encore of their "defining moment" in the competition this season, a duet with their own musician coach, and a song featuring the three acts taking the stage together.

"I don't even know right now! I'm so thankful. I don't even -- I'm sorry I'm speechless," an overwhelmed Danielle told The Voice host Carson Daly in tears following the announcement of her victory.

Danielle was the youngest artist in the competition and a member of coach Blake Shelton's team. As a coach on the show, Blake claimed his third victory in a row, having previously mentored third-season winner Cassadee Pope and second-season winner Jermaine Paul.

"You're an amazing coach; You're an amazing person. You've taught me so much and I'm so thankful to have you in my life now, and I love you, coach," Danielle told Blake.


Before she was crowned champion, Danielle revealed in a video montage what winning The Voice would mean to her.

"I've come from singing in my room to being in the Top 3 and it's crazy," the country artist explained, adding that she wanted to win for "my family, [and] I told my high school I would come back home with a win for them. It means a lot to me knowing my mom has sacrificed just for me to live my dream. I want to win this for my coach Blake."

Michelle Chamuel from Amherst, MA, finished as the runner-up. Prior to the results, Michelle thanked her coach Usher.

"Just want to say thank you so much for being you and inspiring me to be me as well and showing so much love, support and dedication to everything you do. I really look up to you and I'm very grateful for everything that you've given," Michelle said.

Added the singer in a video montage, "I haven't fully processed what kind of opportunity lies ahead. For me, the win is not about the contract or the money or the title. For me, winning is about representing all the people who have put time and energy into this. [I want to win for] my friends, my fans. Usher and his team have invested so much time, sweat, tears, love. Winning The Voice would be a testament to that hard work and dedication. It really is a special moment and a special season, and I'm very honored and grateful to be a part of it."


Colton Swon and Zach Swon from Muskogee, OK -- a duo who perform as The Swon Brothers -- claimed third place.

"Man, this has been the most incredible ride I've ever been on, and honestly, there couldn't have been a better coach in the world. And we've gotten closer, your friendship means a lot, and we got to sing with Bob Seger tonight, so I love you man," Zach told his coach Blake. 

"We love you and thank you, man," added Colton. "You've been a big brother to us, thank you."

Earlier in the broadcast, the pair of brothers also explained the significance of their experience on The Voice.

"To be quite honest, I haven't thought about winning. But now, it's sinking in. This would literally just be a dream coming true. There's a lot of people that we want to win this for -- our mom and dad..." began Zach.


"Our home church, every person that's put gas in our tank when we didn't have it, the state of Oklahoma," Colton interjected.

"It's not just about music. It's about family. We give each other crap all the time, but at the end of the day, we're best friends and this journey has been incredible. We especially want to win for Blake Shelton," Zach said.

Carson did not disclose any results of the home viewer votes. Shakira and fellow coach Adam Levine had no team members in the finale because their finalists had been wiped out entirely in recent weeks.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski