Runner-up Shye defends Sofronio Vasquez after The Voice fans call the show a fix

The Voice fans tuned in to watch the highly anticipated season 26 finale, but not everyone was happy with the results. After Sofronio Vasquez was crowned the season’s winner, a segment of viewers took to social media, accusing the show of being “rigged” after spotting a sign that hinted at the possibility of manipulation.

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Sofronio’s victory came after a tense episode, with the final five contestants being Jeremy Beloate, Danny Joseph, Sydney Sterlace, Shye, and of course, the newly crowned winner. Despite widespread excitement over Sofronio’s success, some fans were upset, claiming they had seen a clue that the outcome was pre-determined.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, “Now I know for sure The Voice is rigged. Jeremy just said the show found him and reached out to him!! Ain’t you supposed to voluntarily decide to go on The Voice?” The post quickly gained attention, sparking a debate about the integrity of the competition.

While many were dissatisfied with Sofronio’s win, others were upset by the positioning of the finalists. “Jeremy in fifth is criminal,” one person wrote, while another argued, “Shye is head and shoulders above them all.” A third viewer expressed frustration, saying, “Should have been Danny!!”

Some were particularly harsh in their criticism of Sofronio, accusing the show of selecting him for his “story,” rather than his vocal abilities. “NBC picked Sofronio & Bublé to win because he’s a sore loser and that guy is a horrible singer,” one person wrote. Another fan echoed this sentiment, claiming, “Another pity winner, great singer, great story, not the best voice.”

Despite the backlash, there were many fans who rallied behind Sofronio. One viewer commented, “The right person won. Great season.” Others shared their pride in the Filipino singer’s journey. “I’ve been watching The Voice my entire life, and I am super happy and proud of the first Asian winner,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Congrats to the Filipino Phenom, Sofronio Vasquez!”

Meanwhile, runner-up Shye, who was also a member of Team Michael Bublé, stood by her fellow contestant. Despite coming in second place, Shye showed nothing but support for Sofronio, admitting to Patch, “He really deserves it. I’m just glad Team Bublé was the one and the two.” She even revealed that she voted for him, showcasing her belief in his talent.

Shye, who earned praise throughout the competition for her vocal range, spoke about her surprise at how fulfilling the experience was. “I was bored. I really felt like I had nothing to lose at that point,” she explained. Initially auditioning on a whim, Shye ended up competing against some of the best voices, including Bublé, Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, and Snoop Dogg, all of whom supported her journey.

After the finale, Shye thanked her fans for their unwavering support, sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram. “Thank you so much for the love!!! 2nd is my favorite place to be and I am so hype for what’s next,” she wrote. “I’m going to miss this experience and the wonderful people who make it work.”

While fans may debate the results of the season 26 finale, one thing is certain: both Shye and Sofronio have left an unforgettable mark on The Voice.