In a season packed with powerhouse vocals and emotional journeys, the live finale of The Voice Season 28 delivered a moment that transcended competition and captured the pure joy of the holidays. On December 16, 2025, holiday music icon Michael Bublé took the stage with his 14-year-old protégé Max Chambers for a spellbinding duet of “Blue Christmas,” turning what was already a festive extravaganza into an instant classic that fans are replaying endlessly. One a seasoned crooner synonymous with Christmas cheer, the other a rising young talent with an “old soul” voice far beyond his years – their performance felt like magic, blending generations in perfect harmony and stealing the show amid a star-studded night.
The duet was the pinnacle of a mentor-student bond that had captivated viewers all season. Max Chambers, hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, entered as the youngest contestant, turning chairs with his soulful Blind Audition cover of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” His Broadway experience – portraying young Michael Jackson in MJ: The Musical – shone through in his polished stage presence, but it was his mature vocal delivery that truly stunned. Choosing Team Bublé after turns from both the Canadian superstar and Reba McEntire, Chambers quickly became a standout, earning the show’s first-ever “Mic Drop” honor for his knockout rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.”
Bublé, coaching for his third consecutive season and chasing a potential three-peat victory, saw something special in the teen from the start. Their chemistry grew through battles, knockouts, and playoffs, with Chambers advancing as a wildcard finalist via America’s votes – a testament to his growing fanbase. Backstage clips showed a genuine father-son dynamic, with Bublé guiding the young singer while Chambers expressed awe at sharing the stage with his idol. “The best present I could receive is singing a Christmas song with my coach,” Chambers shared in a pre-performance segment, his excitement palpable.
When the moment arrived, the stage transformed into a winter wonderland: soft blue lighting, subtle snow effects, and a minimalist setup that let the vocals shine. Dressed in coordinated festive attire – think sharp suits with holiday flair – Bublé and Chambers launched into Elvis Presley’s 1957 classic “Blue Christmas,” a track Bublé had memorably covered on his blockbuster 2011 album Christmas. The arrangement stayed true to its melancholic yet groovy roots, with swinging rhythms and heartfelt longing.
Bublé opened with his signature smooth baritone, rich and velvety, setting a nostalgic tone. Then Chambers stepped in, his voice surprisingly deep and emotive for his age, hitting sustained high notes with effortless control and infusing the lyrics with genuine feeling. Their harmonies intertwined seamlessly – Bublé’s seasoned warmth complementing Chambers’ youthful clarity – creating a push-and-pull that felt like a conversation across generations. Chambers held his own on the soaring bridges, drawing cheers from the audience and visible pride from his coach. The performance ended with a shared smile and embrace, the crowd on its feet in thunderous applause.
What made it magical wasn’t just technical prowess but the authenticity. Bublé, the undisputed king of modern holiday music, passed the torch in real time, elevating Chambers while reminding everyone why Christmas tunes endure. Viewers at home flooded social media with reactions: “This duet gave me chills – Max sounds like he’s been singing for decades!” and “Michael Bublé and that kid just made my holiday season.” Clips went viral overnight, amassing millions of views as fans declared it the finale’s undisputed highlight.
The broader finale was a holiday spectacular, featuring coach duets like Bublé’s upbeat “Jingle Bell Rock” with his other finalist Jazz McKenzie, Reba McEntire’s orchestral “Mary, Did You Know?” with Aubrey Nicole, and Snoop Dogg’s fun “This Christmas” with Ralph Edwards. Guest performances from Khalid, XG, Journey, and Riley Green added star power, while Niall Horan – on vocal rest – had his spots filled creatively. Ultimately, Aiden Ross from Team Niall emerged victorious, but the night belonged to moments of connection like Bublé and Chambers’.
For Chambers, who placed fifth overall, the duet was a crowning achievement in a breakthrough season. His journey – from Broadway stages to national television – showcased raw talent honed by experience, with performances touching on faith (like his rendition of Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better”) and classics that revealed his versatility. Returning home to a hero’s welcome in Shreveport, he’s already poised for bigger things, with industry buzz suggesting recording deals and tours ahead.
Bublé, ever the gracious mentor, has long championed young voices, but this pairing felt destined. His holiday dominance – from multi-platinum albums to annual specials – found a perfect echo in Chambers’ precocious gift. In a competition often defined by rivalries, their collaboration reminded everyone of music’s unifying power, especially during the festive season.
As replays dominate feeds and playlists swell with “Blue Christmas” covers, this duet stands as a timeless holiday gem. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a passing of the mic, a celebration of mentorship, and a reminder that the best Christmas moments come from unexpected harmonies. Fans won’t stop replaying it – and neither should you. This was the festive magic The Voice needed, proving once again that great voices, young or seasoned, can light up the holidays like nothing else.
