On the evening of December 16, 2025, the stage of The Voice Season 28 lit up with emotion, talent, and celebration as Aiden Ross, a 20-year-old sophomore from Texas A&M University, was crowned the champion. Representing Team Niall, Ross’ victory marked a historic moment for both himself and his coach, Niall Horan, who maintained his undefeated streak, securing his third consecutive win as a coach on the show. The finale was a whirlwind of breathtaking performances, heartfelt moments, and a significant milestone for the young artist from College Station, Texas. After the confetti fell and the trophy was raised, Ross took to social media to share a private message of gratitude to Horan, while the former One Direction star humbly admitted that he’s “definitely not as talented as that dude.” This exchange encapsulated the mutual respect and admiration that defined their journey together on The Voice.

A Star Is Born: Aiden Ross’ Journey to Victory

Aiden Ross’ path to becoming the Season 28 champion was nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from a small town in Texas, Ross grew up on his family’s strawberry farm, where music became his refuge and passion. His father introduced him to the guitar at a young age, gifting him a left-handed instrument to make learning easier. From those early days strumming chords, Ross developed a deep love for music, eventually joining his high school’s a cappella group and later the HardChord DynaMix at Texas A&M. Despite his talent, Ross initially hesitated to pursue music professionally, opting instead for an industrial distribution major at Texas A&M’s College of Engineering. He once admitted that he couldn’t see a “light at the end of the tunnel” for a music career, fearing the uncertainty of the industry.

However, The Voice changed everything. Ross applied to the show during his senior year of high school, and his blind audition set the tone for his remarkable run. Performing Adele’s “Love in the Dark,” he earned a rare four-chair turn from coaches Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Michael Bublé. Horan, in particular, was captivated by Ross’ ability to make the song his own, remarking, “It was literally like you had written the thing.” The coaches’ praise was unanimous, with Snoop Dogg dubbing him “Aiden Ross, the boss,” and Bublé noting the ease with which he hit powerful notes. Ross chose Team Niall, drawn to Horan’s songwriting style and mentorship approach, which aligned with the kind of artist he aspired to become.

Throughout the competition, Ross delivered one standout performance after another. His knockout round rendition of Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over” left the coaches speechless, with Bublé dramatically throwing his pen at Horan in a mix of awe and playful jealousy. Snoop Dogg declared, “You sound like you could win The Voice,” while Horan called it a “master class” in vocal restraint and storytelling. In the playoffs, Ross’ emotional performance of Damien Rice’s “The Blower’s Daughter” solidified his status as a frontrunner, with Horan praising his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

The two-part finale was Ross’ crowning moment. On the first night, he performed JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” showcasing his contemporary flair, and ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All,” a classic that highlighted his emotional depth. Horan lauded both performances, noting that Ross always found “the heartbeat” of every song. On the second night, Ross was set to duet with Horan, but the coach was sidelined by illness and placed on vocal rest. In a heartwarming twist, Season 23 winner Gina Miles stepped in to perform Wham!’s “Last Christmas” with Ross, delivering a festive and heartfelt duet. Despite the last-minute change, Ross’ chemistry with Miles shone through, and the performance added a touch of holiday magic to the finale.

The Victory and Its Significance

When host Carson Daly announced Aiden Ross as the winner, the audience erupted in applause, and Ross stood on stage, visibly overwhelmed. His victory was a testament to his talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of his fans, who voted him to the top over fierce competition from Ralph Edwards (Team Snoop), Dek of Hearts (Team Niall), Aubrey Nicole (Team Reba), Max Chambers (Team Bublé), and Jazz McKenzie (Team Bublé). Ross’ win secured him a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group, opening the door to a promising music career.

For Niall Horan, Ross’ victory was a historic achievement. Horan, who previously coached Gina Miles and Huntley to wins in Seasons 23 and 24, became the first Voice coach to remain undefeated across all his seasons. His ability to identify and nurture talent has made him a fan favorite, and his genuine connection with his artists sets him apart. However, Horan’s humility shone through in the aftermath of the finale, as he deflected praise and turned the spotlight back on Ross.

The Private Message: A Bond Beyond the Stage

Hours after his win, Aiden Ross took to Instagram to share his gratitude with fans and reflect on his transformative journey. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, “I’m at a loss for words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am filled with so much joy and gratitude. I’ve had the time of my life performing for you all this season, and I am beyond honored to be the Season 28 winner of The Voice.” He spoke of growing as an artist and individual, forming lifelong friendships, and learning from industry giants. But the most touching part of his message was directed at Niall Horan: “Thank you for believing in me @niallhoran. WE DID IT #teamniall for life.”

This private-turned-public message underscored the deep bond between Ross and Horan. Throughout the season, Ross credited Horan with giving him the confidence to embrace his artistry. In an interview with NBC Insider, Ross shared that Horan’s advice before the finale was pivotal: “Of course, this is a big deal, but this is just another show. You’ve got to treat it like just another performance.” This grounding perspective helped Ross stay focused and deliver his best on stage. Ross also revealed that Horan taught him to “love what I’m doing and be glad that I’m doing it,” a lesson that resonated deeply with the young artist.

Horan, in turn, was effusive in his praise for Ross. In a candid moment with PEOPLE magazine, he admitted, “I’m definitely not as talented as that dude.” The comment was a testament to Horan’s humility and his genuine admiration for Ross’ vocal prowess. Horan also shared that he saw parallels between himself and Ross, noting, “Since the minute that chair turned around, I just felt like I was looking at myself up there.” He described Ross as “arguably the best singer I’ve heard around in a long time,” a high compliment from a global music star.

Niall Horan’s Mentorship: A Winning Formula

Horan’s success as a coach stems from his ability to connect with his artists on a personal level. His mentorship style is rooted in empathy, encouragement, and a keen understanding of song choice. Ross’ performances, from Adele to ABBA, showcased his versatility, and Horan’s guidance ensured that each song highlighted Ross’ strengths. Horan’s own experience as a young artist, rising to fame with One Direction, likely informed his approach, allowing him to relate to Ross’ aspirations and challenges.

Despite his absence from the finale duet due to illness, Horan remained a steady presence for Ross and his teammate, Dek of Hearts. Reba McEntire stepped in to perform with Dek of Hearts, while Gina Miles joined Ross, ensuring that Team Niall’s artists shone. Horan later expressed gratitude to McEntire and Miles, and his pride in Ross was palpable. “Aiden speaks about how much he loves this show all the time, how he’s watched this since he was a kid,” Horan told PEOPLE. “So for him, I really, really, really wanted it.”

What’s Next for Aiden Ross?

With a Universal Music Group contract in hand, Aiden Ross is poised to take the music industry by storm. His first single, “Everything and More,” released in September 2025, has already garnered nearly 150,000 streams, signaling a strong start. Ross has expressed his readiness to pursue music full-time, saying, “I’m ready to give music my everything.” His win on The Voice has given him the confidence to chase his dreams, and fans are eager to see what he’ll do next.

Ross’ journey is also a source of pride for his community in College Station and at Texas A&M. As the first Aggie to win The Voice, he’s become a local hero, with supporters like his girlfriend, Lauren Moore, cheering him on every step of the way. Moore’s Instagram post on finale night, calling Ross “joyful, humble, kind, and the sweetest man alive,” captured the affection and admiration he inspires.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Aiden Ross’ victory on The Voice Season 28 is more than a personal triumph; it’s a story of perseverance, mentorship, and the power of believing in oneself. His heartfelt message to Niall Horan and Horan’s humble response reflect the mutual respect that defined their partnership. As Ross embarks on his music career, he carries with him the lessons learned from Horan and the support of a nation that voted him to the top. For Horan, Ross’ win is a reminder of the impact a coach can have, even as he insists that the real talent lies with his artist. Together, they’ve created a legacy that will inspire future Voice contestants and music lovers alike.

As the curtain falls on Season 28, Aiden Ross stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists, proving that with talent, hard work, and a mentor like Niall Horan, the impossible can become reality. And for Horan, the journey continues, with his undefeated record and a heart full of pride for the “dude” who outshone even him.