The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and confetti rained down like a glittering storm on the stage of NBC’s The Voice Season 28 finale. In that electrifying moment on December 16, 2025, host Carson Daly’s voice cut through the chaos: “The winner of The Voice Season 28 is… Aiden Ross!” Aiden, the 20-year-old engineering student from Texas representing Team Niall Horan, erupted in joy, hugging his coach as tears streamed down his face. But just a few feet away stood Ralph Edwards, the runner-up from Team Snoop Dogg, his expression a mix of gracious defeat and quiet pride. For Edwards, a Fresno native who had auditioned for the show an astonishing 12 times before finally making it, this wasn’t just a competition—it was the culmination of a dream deferred, fought for, and nearly seized.

yourcentralvalley.com

Fresno singer says ’12th time’s the charm’ to get onto The Voice …

As the cameras captured the victory, Edwards clapped for his rival, his broad smile masking the sting of coming so close. Yet, in the days following the finale, Edwards broke his silence with a heartfelt Instagram post that resonated with fans worldwide, transforming what could have been a tale of loss into one of triumph, gratitude, and unbreakable spirit. “Still trying to put this into words,” he wrote in the caption, his voice steady in an accompanying video filmed beside a twinkling Christmas tree. “Grateful beyond measure for this journey, the growth, the love, and every single person who voted, streamed, showed up, and believed in me.” It was a message that didn’t dwell on defeat but celebrated the victories along the way—lasting friendships, a skyrocketing fanbase, and a mentorship from hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg that promises to shape his future.

The Voice Season 28, which wrapped up just before the holiday rush, was a rollercoaster of raw talent, unexpected twists, and star power. With coaches Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire at the helm, the season featured a diverse lineup of contestants, from pop prodigies to soulful crooners. Finalists included the youthful Max Chambers (Team Miguel? Wait, no—Team Bublé’s Jazz McKenzie stole hearts with her powerhouse vocals, while Aubrey Nicole and DEK of Hearts brought unique flair. But the spotlight often shone brightest on the top two: Aiden Ross and Ralph Edwards. Ross, a Texas A&M student balancing equations by day and melodies by night, wowed with his versatile range, covering everything from ABBA hits to heartfelt ballads. His win marked Niall Horan’s third consecutive victory as a coach, a feat that had fans buzzing on social media about the “Horan effect.”

Edwards’ story, however, is the kind that inspires underdogs everywhere. Born and raised in Fresno, California, the 28-year-old singer grew up in a musical household where gospel and R&B records spun endlessly. His father, a local church choir director, instilled in him a love for soulful expression, while his mother encouraged him to chase his passions despite the odds. Edwards’ path to The Voice was anything but straightforward. He first auditioned at age 16, facing rejection after rejection—11 times in total before his breakthrough in Season 28. “The 12th time’s the charm,” he quipped in a pre-finale interview with Fresno’s local news station, reflecting on the perseverance that defined his journey. Each no only fueled his fire, leading him to hone his craft through local gigs, open mics, and self-released tracks on platforms like SoundCloud.

When Edwards finally stepped onto the The Voice blind audition stage in September 2025, he chose Journey’s “Lights” as his opener—a bold, arena-rock anthem that showcased his gravelly rasp and soaring highs. The performance was electric: all four coaches turned their chairs within seconds. Snoop Dogg, grinning ear-to-ear, praised Edwards’ “huge voice” and “raw energy,” while Niall Horan noted his “storyteller’s soul.” Ultimately, Edwards chose Team Snoop, drawn to the rapper’s laid-back vibe and promise of authentic guidance. “Snoop’s been through the grind,” Edwards later shared. “He gets what it’s like to fight for your spot in the industry.”

From there, Edwards’ trajectory on the show was a masterclass in resilience. In the battles, he faced off against a fellow soul singer, delivering a duet of Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” that left the audience on their feet. Snoop’s coaching shone through, emphasizing emotional depth over flashy runs. “Feel it in your gut, man,” Snoop advised during rehearsals. Edwards advanced, his performances growing more confident with each round. In the knockouts, his rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You” brought Snoop to tears—a moment that went viral, with over 5 million views on YouTube. “That boy’s got heart,” Snoop said post-performance, wiping his eyes. “He’s making me feel things I ain’t felt in years.”

youtube.com

Ralph Edwards & Snoop Dogg Perform “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway | The Voice Live Finale | NBC

As the live shows progressed, Edwards became a fan favorite. His semi-final cover of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” was a showstopper, blending vulnerability with vocal power. Snoop declared, “And the winner is… I love the fact that you never gave up and you’re still here.” Fans echoed the sentiment online. On X (formerly Twitter), user @caitlinclarks tweeted, “Ralph Edwards deserved to win based off the performances but I knew Aiden would win since Niall is his coach lol #TheVoice,” garnering hundreds of likes. Another post from @SoUWanaBaSinger praised, “Ralph Edwards shooting for the rafters. Fit him well, loved the build into the chorus. That rasp carries him a long way.”

The finale itself was a two-night spectacle, packed with duets, original songs, and high-stakes drama. Edwards kicked off with an original track, “Fresno Lights,” a heartfelt ode to his hometown roots and the struggles of chasing dreams. But it was his duet with Snoop on Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” that stole the show—a festive, soulful collaboration that had the audience swaying and singing along. The performance, complete with holiday lights and a gospel choir, highlighted the genuine bond between coach and contestant. “Ralph’s like family now,” Snoop said in a backstage clip. “We’re gonna make magic beyond this stage.”

Meanwhile, Aiden Ross delivered equally compelling sets, including a crowd-pleasing ABBA medley that showcased his pop sensibilities and a poignant original about balancing academia and artistry. As an engineering major at Texas A&M, Ross represented the modern multitasker—studying circuits by day, perfecting pitch by night. His win was announced amid cheers, but Edwards’ gracious hug to Ross spoke volumes. In post-finale interviews, Ross acknowledged Edwards as a “worthy opponent,” saying, “Ralph pushed me to be better every week.”

people.com

Who Won ‘The Voice’? All About Season 28 Champion Aiden Ross

The loss hit hard, but Edwards didn’t let it define him. Instead, he retreated to his Fresno home for the holidays, surrounded by family and the glow of his Christmas tree. That’s where he filmed his now-viral video, standing tall in a cozy sweater, the tree adorned with ornaments—including a playful “Snoop on a Stoop,” a twist on the classic Elf on the Shelf featuring his coach’s likeness. It was a subtle nod to Snoop’s influence, blending humor with heartfelt appreciation. “This experience was a dream come true,” Edwards said in the clip. “I had fun every step of the way.” He highlighted his fanbase’s growth, from a few thousand followers pre-show to over 500,000 by finale night, crediting their votes and streams for carrying him to the end.

Fans flooded the comments with support. On X, @PookisMahiCEO wrote, “Ralph Edwards is an example for the ‘Never Give Up’ (Mamba) mentality. Ralph auditioned 11 times for The Voice before making it… I’m looking forward to Snoop helping Ralph launch his musical career.” Another user, @Doh_KyungSooSoo, echoed, “Ralph didn’t survive those consecutive nominations… just to give up his spot that he earned again! Y’all are not ready for a man who knows his worth.” Even critics turned admirers, with one post noting, “This man absolutely crushed it. When you try to tackle the greatest song ever written… you have my vote.”

Edwards’ silence-breaking moment wasn’t just about reflection; it sparked conversations about resilience in the music industry. In an era where overnight virality often trumps hard work, Edwards’ story stands out. He didn’t win the trophy or the recording contract that comes with it, but he gained something arguably more valuable: a platform and a mentor in Snoop Dogg. Rumors swirl of potential collaborations, with Snoop hinting at helping Edwards secure a deal. “Ralph’s got that fire,” Snoop told Us Weekly in a recent interview. “We’re family now—watch what we do next.”

Looking ahead, Edwards is optimistic. In follow-up posts, he’s teased new music, including demos inspired by his Voice journey. “The growth didn’t stop with the show,” he shared. “I’m just getting started.” Industry insiders predict a bright future, comparing him to past runners-up like Chris Blue or Maelyn Jarmon who parlayed their exposure into successful careers. For Edwards, the loss to Aiden Ross isn’t an end—it’s fuel. As he put it, “I walked away with more than I came in with: love, lessons, and a whole lot of belief.”

In a world quick to crown winners and forget the rest, Ralph Edwards reminds us that second place can be the start of something extraordinary. His journey from repeated rejections to national stage, capped by a graceful response to defeat, is a testament to the power of persistence. As the holidays unfold and new seasons beckon, Edwards’ voice—both literal and metaphorical—continues to echo, inspiring dreamers to keep auditioning, keep performing, and keep believing. Who knows? The next chapter might just be his biggest hit yet.