Aiden Ross Shines in The Voice Season 28 Finale with ‘Golden Hour’ and ABBA’s ‘The Winner Takes It All’
Aiden Ross’s Final Act: Team Niall Star Closes Out The Voice Season 28 Performance Night with Jaw-Dropping ABBA Cover
The tension is palpable as America casts its final votes. Just hours after the climactic Season 28 Finale Performance Night, Aiden Ross, the phenomenal pop-soul singer and Team Niall finalist, has cemented his status as a frontrunner with two of the most talked-about performances of the season. The Texas A&M student-turned-vocal powerhouse delivered a strategic and emotionally charged masterclass, culminating in the show-closing spectacle that has fans and critics alike buzzing about his potential victory.
In a night packed with stellar vocals and high stakes, Ross took the stage twice, showcasing his trademark versatility and control. His song choices—a modern viral hit and a timeless classic—demonstrated an impressive artistic range, earning him effusive praise from his coach, Niall Horan, and leaving an indelible mark on the public vote.
Round One: Finding the ‘Heartbeat’ in JVKE’s ‘Golden Hour’
Aiden Ross opened his final bid for the title with a deeply personal and polished rendition of JVKE’s streaming sensation, “Golden Hour.” This choice was a subtle stroke of genius. The modern song, known for its intricate structure and blend of classical piano with contemporary production, allowed Ross to lean into the emotional maturity that has defined his journey on The Voice.
Instead of over-singing the track, Ross maintained his controlled and heartfelt delivery, focusing entirely on the lyric’s narrative. The performance was a testament to his ability to connect with a song’s core, a quality that Niall Horan has consistently celebrated. The coach, clearly moved by his finalist’s execution, praised him for his consistency, noting that Ross “always does find the heartbeat in the end.” The performance not only satisfied the younger demographic who propelled the original song to fame but also captivated older viewers with its sincere vocal vulnerability.
In a competition where many contestants feel pressured to showcase pure vocal acrobatics, Ross’s decision to focus on the song’s emotional architecture was a bold move that paid off, positioning him as an artist whose power lies as much in his restraint as it does in his impressive range. This initial offering set a high bar, ensuring the momentum was squarely on his side heading into the night’s final act.
The Showstopper: A Stripped-Back ‘The Winner Takes It All’
For his second, and ultimately show-closing, performance, Aiden Ross took a monumental risk: tackling the legendary ABBA classic, “The Winner Takes It All.” This song—a deeply melancholic and vocally demanding post-divorce ballad—is an enormous undertaking, particularly for a finale performance that traditionally demands an upbeat, victorious closing number. The fact that the producers chose his performance to close the final night of competition speaks volumes about their confidence in his artistry.
Ross stripped the song back, choosing to lean into its raw, aching emotional core rather than its grand, orchestral arrangement. This vulnerability is what makes him stand out. He didn’t just sing the notes; he embodied the heartbreak inherent in the lyrics, demonstrating a level of artistic maturity far beyond his 20 years. The powerful performance elicited cheers from the crowd and coaches alike.
Niall Horan, already brimming with pride after the first song, was overcome by the final performance. “Dude, I am so, so proud of,” Horan exclaimed, urging America to vote for the singer and calling the rendition “absolutely incredible.” The emotional depth and vocal control demonstrated by Ross, especially on such a well-known and revered song, solidified his frontrunner status heading into the vote count.
The Road to the Finale: Consistency is King
Ross’s finale success is the culmination of a consistently brilliant run on Season 28. His journey began with one of the most memorable blind auditions of the season: a heartfelt cover of Adele’s “Love in the Dark,” which earned him the first coveted four-chair turn of the season. Choosing Team Niall, Ross quickly established himself as a contender who valued musicality and emotional delivery over mere technique.
His other standout performances, like his captivating Battle Round against Ava Nat and his incredible, exposed take on Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over” in the Knockouts, showcased a singer unafraid of delicate, exposed material. However, it was his profoundly emotional and raw performance of Damien Rice’s “The Blower’s Daughter” in the Playoffs that truly secured his spot in the Lives, with Horan choosing him as the team’s sole representative. The coaches, including Snoop Dogg, consistently praised the authenticity and heart he brought to every performance.
The Final Stakes and a Grounded Future
Aiden Ross is competing against an incredibly talented field of finalists, including Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba), Jazz McKenzie (Team Michael Bublé), Ralph Edwards (Team Snoop Dogg), and the two fan-voted wildcards, DEK of Hearts and Max Chambers. The prize is immense: a significant cash prize and, crucially, a record deal that could launch a full-time music career.
However, what sets Ross apart is his grounded perspective. The Texas A&M engineering student has been upfront about maintaining his focus on his education. In the lead-up to the finale, Ross revealed his “Plan B,” confirming he is still signed up for his engineering classes for the spring semester. This balance of pursuing an intense music dream while keeping a pragmatic fallback in place—a path of building his career “slowly [and] intentionally”—shows a maturity that resonates deeply with his growing fanbase. He is actively involved in campus life, even being part of an A Capella group, ensuring his musical growth continues regardless of the final Voice outcome.
Win or lose, Aiden Ross has undeniably used his voice to tell a compelling story—one of raw talent, careful song selection, and a humble heart. The only thing left now is for America to decide whether his undeniable musical journey is enough to crown him the winner of The Voice Season 28.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Aiden Ross’s coach on The Voice Season 28?
A: Aiden Ross is on Team Niall Horan. He chose Horan after earning the first four-chair turn of the season with his blind audition of Adele’s “Love in the Dark.”
Q: Is Aiden Ross a full-time musician or a student?
A: Aiden Ross is a sophomore engineering student at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, balancing his academic pursuits with his rising music career. He confirmed he is still registered for his spring semester classes as a “Plan B” while pursuing music opportunities.
Q: What songs did Aiden Ross perform in The Voice Season 28 Finale?
A: Aiden Ross performed two songs on the finale performance night: “Golden Hour” by JVKE and “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA. The latter performance closed out the final night of competition performances.
Q: Did Aiden Ross audition for The Voice before Season 28?
A: Yes, Aiden Ross had auditioned for The Voice once before his successful Season 28 run. He did not make it far in the process during his first attempt but noted that the growth he achieved between auditions was beneficial to his success this season.
Q: What happens next in The Voice Season 28?
A: The next step is the Live Results Show, where America’s votes will be tallied and the winner of The Voice Season 28 will be announced, taking home a cash prize and a record deal.
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