As “The Voice” prepares to crown a new champion during the season 28 finale, let’s revisit some of the most successful contestants the show has produced.
While the NBC competition has produced plenty of talented singers over the years, its post-show legacy looks very different from that of past talent shows.
Still, several artists who passed through “The Voice” have gone on to build lasting, high-impact careers in music and beyond. Here’s a look at five of the most successful artists to come out of “The Voice,” and how they defined success on their own terms.
Morgan Wallen’s Post–’The Voice’ Breakout Success
Morgan Wallen appeared on “The Voice” season 6, initially joining Team Usher before being stolen by Adam Levine. After heading to Nashville, Wallen quickly found his footing, releasing multiple No. 1 singles and earning the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year.
His double album “Dangerous” didn’t just perform well — it dominated country music for years and helped redefine Wallen’s place in the genre.
Even as controversies followed him, his fan base only grew. In 2025, Wallen reached another milestone, earning his first two Grammy nominations, returning to “Saturday Night Live” as a musical guest, and releasing his fourth studio album, “I’m the Problem,” which quickly became another commercial hit.
Koryn Hawthorne’s Gospel Music Impact
Koryn Hawthorne appeared on “The Voice” season 8 on Pharrell Williams’ team, finishing fourth. After leaving the show, Hawthorne found her lane in gospel music, where she steadily built a loyal following. Her breakout songs “Won’t He Do It” and “Speak the Name” earned her Grammy nominations in 2019 and 2020.
Hawthorne also received nominations from the Billboard Music Awards and Soul Train Music Awards. She also made history by breaking the record for the longest-running No. 1 by a woman on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.
Nicolle Galyon’s Prospering Songwriting Career
Nicolle Galyon appeared on “The Voice” season 2, earning a single chair turn from Adam Levine before being eliminated in the Battle Rounds. While her run on the show was brief, it changed the direction of her career. Galyon realized she wanted to focus on songwriting rather than performing.
She went on to co-write “We Were Us,” recorded by Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, which became her first No. 1 hit. Galyon has since written songs for Lady A, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, and many others. She also co-wrote and co-produced RaeLynn’s debut album “WildHorse.” Galyon earned Grammy nominations for Best Country Song in 2015 for Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic” and in 2019 for Dan + Shay’s “Tequila.”
Cassadee Pope’s Career After Winning ‘The Voice’
Cassadee Pope won season 3 of “The Voice” and became one of the show’s earliest success stories. After her win, she released the album “Frame by Frame.” Pope has continued touring, collaborating, and releasing music that reflects her evolving sound, maintaining a loyal fan base more than a decade after her victory.
Jordan Smith’s Continued Success Beyond ‘The Voice’
Jordan Smith won “The Voice” season 9 after earning a rare four-chair turn and choosing Team Adam Levine. Smith went on to write “Ashes” for the “Deadpool 2” soundtrack, performed by Celine Dion. He has scored three No. 1 songs on the Hot Christian Songs chart and multiple top 10 hits.
In 2022, Smith represented Kentucky on NBC’s “American Song Contest,” finishing third with the song “Sparrow.” His fourth studio album, “The People’s Hymnal,” was released in 2024 and showcased his continued artistic growth.
Carson Daly will announce the winner during the live on “The Voice” season 28 finale on Tuesday, December 16.
