The Voice Finale: DEK of Hearts’ Third-Place Finish Marks the Beginning of a Country-Pop Revolution
From Four-Chair Turn to Top 3: DEK of Hearts’ Unforgettable Run on ‘The Voice’
In a season packed with powerhouse vocalists, one act consistently captivated audiences and coaches alike with their stunning harmonies and undeniable chemistry: the country-pop trio, DEK of Hearts. The Nashville-based group—comprised of Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey—saw their incredible journey on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice come to a celebrated close, officially placing third in the nail-biting, star-studded finale that aired on Tuesday, December 17, 2025.
While their coach, Niall Horan, ultimately celebrated a victory with his other finalist, Aiden Ross, the impact of DEK of Hearts on the competition, and the clear trajectory of their post-show career, suggests their finale night was less of an ending and more of a powerful launchpad.
The Final Hurdle: Consistency and Star Power
Heading into the final live episodes, DEK of Hearts, known for their seamless blend of country and pop influences, faced a massive challenge. They were one of two acts, along with Max Chambers, who secured their spot in the finale as a fan-voted wildcard after having been previously eliminated from their coach’s pool. This second chance proved just how strong their fanbase, affectionately known as the ‘DEK-A-Sation,’ had grown throughout the season. The Nashville trio’s ability to be saved by the American public underscored their widespread appeal, demonstrating that their talent resonated deeply with viewers at home.
The live finale saw the top six artists perform twice on Monday, December 16, with the results revealed the following night. DEK of Hearts kicked off the performance night with an energetic rendition of the classic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band hit, “Fishin’ in the Dark.” Coach Reba McEntire, a country music icon, immediately praised the performance, saying the group “knocked it out of the ballpark.”
Their second performance, a cover of James Bay’s “Let It Go,” showcased a more emotional and vulnerable side of the trio, allowing their complex three-part harmonies to truly shine. Despite a minor technical glitch at the start of the song, which Horan later noted would have shaken most artists, DEK of Hearts handled the situation with the professionalism of seasoned veterans, earning high praise from their coach for their composure.
A Festive Finale Duet: Reba Steps In for Team Niall
One of the most memorable moments of the finale, and a testament to the respect the trio earned from all the coaches, was their last performance. Due to Niall Horan being put on vocal rest for an ongoing illness, he was unable to perform the traditional coach-artist duet. Stepping in to fill the massive void was the legendary Reba McEntire, who performed a festive rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with the trio. This unexpected, joyous collaboration highlighted the trio’s versatility and their ability to share the stage with a true musical titan, creating a perfect holiday moment.
Their official third-place finish, revealed during the climactic final minutes of the show, was a powerful validation of their consistency and artistry, culminating a journey that started with a rare four-chair turn during the Blind Auditions.
The ‘Mic Drop’ Moment and a Path Forward
DEK of Hearts’ journey was uniquely marked by a special new feature of the season: the ‘Mic Drop’ button. Earlier in the season, during the Knockouts round, Niall Horan used his one-time-only Mic Drop on the trio, nominating them for a chance to sing at the prestigious Rose Parade. While the Rose Parade opportunity is separate from the main competition win, it is a significant platform that ensures the group’s harmonious sound will reach a massive, international audience outside of the show.
The acronym DEK stands for the first names of its members: Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey. Having only officially formed in April 2024, their success on The Voice in less than two years of being a group is an extraordinary feat. All three are graduates of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, where they first bonded over singing worship music before transitioning their sound to the country-pop blend that won over millions of fans.
Now, with the season wrapped, the buzz around DEK of Hearts is only growing. The trio has already released their debut single, “Taillights,” and have promised on social media that more new music is coming “so soon.” Their immediate plans will likely involve leveraging their massive exposure from the show, fulfilling their Rose Parade commitment, and returning to the Nashville circuit—but this time, as nationally recognized finalists of a major television competition.
Their consistent, high-quality performances, their hard-earned third-place finish, and the rare Mic Drop nomination all suggest that for Dylan, Emily, and Kollin, the finale of The Voice isn’t the end of a chapter, but the electric opening chord of a major new story in country-pop music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who are the members of DEK of Hearts?
A: DEK of Hearts is a country-pop trio consisting of Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey. The group’s name is an acronym of their first names: Dylan, Emily, and Kollin.
Q: What place did DEK of Hearts finish in The Voice Season 28 finale?
A: DEK of Hearts finished in third place in The Voice Season 28 finale, which aired on Tuesday, December 17, 2025.
Q: Which coach was DEK of Hearts on?
A: DEK of Hearts was on Team Niall Horan. They chose Niall after earning a coveted four-chair turn during their Blind Audition.
Q: Did DEK of Hearts win the Rose Parade nomination?
A: Yes, DEK of Hearts was nominated for a chance to perform at the Rose Parade after their coach, Niall Horan, used his single ‘Mic Drop’ button on them during the Knockouts round. This nomination is separate from the main competition’s grand prize.
Q: What song did DEK of Hearts perform with Reba McEntire in the finale?
A: DEK of Hearts performed the holiday classic “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with coach Reba McEntire in the finale. McEntire stepped in to perform the duet because Niall Horan was on vocal rest.
Q: Is DEK of Hearts planning to release new music?
A: Yes, the trio has already released a debut single, “Taillights,” and has promised their fans via social media that more new music is coming soon following their run on The Voice.
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