‘The Voice’ Crowns Youngest Winner
• Fifteen-year-old vocal phenomenon Brynn Cartelli became the youngest-ever winner of NBC’s The Voice during Tuesday night’s two-hour finale. As The Boston Globe reports, Cartelli, a high school freshman from Longmeadow, MA, was still 14 when she debuted on the show back in February. Cartelli’s historic win is also a huge accomplishment for her coach, Kelly Clarkson, who finished her inaugural season on the show. Cartelli was the first artist selected by Clarkson during the blind auditions, after which she told her, “I could win with you.” As the winner, Cartelli will receive $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group. Her first single, “Walk My Way” was written by hit songwriters Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter and Nick Monson.
“You’ve been an inspiration to me since I was so young,” Cartelli told Clarkson on Tuesday night before it was revealed that she was in the top two. “The fact that I’ve been able to meet you and work with you and share ideas with you has been such a blessing, and I love you so much.” The charming and refreshingly freewheeling Clarkson, who has been a much-needed breath of fresh air on the show this season (and is returning for Season 15), remarked, “I’m going to be Brynn’s big sis for life. One, just ’cause I love her parents. We would totally barbecue. She’s kind of stuck with me, regardless if she desires it or not. I love being her friend. I love being her mentor and her cheerleader.”
The other three finalists this season were Britton Buchanan, who came in second; Kyla Jade, who came in third; and Spensha Baker, who came in fourth. Toyota presented a new car to each of the four finalists during a taped portion of the show. Cartelli can look forward to driving hers — when she’s old enough to get her license.
• In a semi-related story, it was also announced that Clarkson and fellow Voice coach Blake Shelton will perform on the upcoming CMT Music Awards, joining previously announced performers Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt, with more TBA. The 2018 CMT Music Awards, hosted by Little Big Town will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 6.
