The Voice UK 2026 has crowned its winner, with Cate McHugh taking home the title after Saturday night’s grand final on ITV1. Representing Team Tom Jones, Cate impressed the studio audience with her performances to secure the £50,000 cash prize, a recording contract with Universal Music Group and a holiday to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. Her victory also marked a lovely farewell for Sir Tom Jones, who is departing the coaching panel after becoming one of the show’s most familiar faces.

Cate faced three other finalists competing for the title, with Monique Nicholson-Porter representing Kelly Rowland, Naná Aldrin-Quaye on Team will.i.am and Frank Raven mentored by McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. Each contestant performed a solo song before returning to the stage for a duet with their coach, giving the studio audience one final opportunity to decide who should be crowned champion.

Unlike previous live finals, this year’s winner was decided by the audience present during filming, with the series having been pre-recorded. This meant viewers watching at home were unable to vote for their favourite contestant, a decision that prompted some criticism online during the broadcast.

What Happened in The Voice UK 2026 Final?

The evening kicked off with an energetic performance from the coaches, who joined forces for a rendition of CHIC’s “I Want Your Love”. Kelly Rowland opened the number before Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones brought out their guitars, Sir Tom Jones added his unmistakable vocals and will.i.am delivered his own rap verse.

The four finalists then took to the stage for their solo performances, beginning with Monique Nicholson-Porter singing Tom Odell’s “Heal”. Frank Raven followed with a theatrical interpretation of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time”, while Naná Aldrin-Quaye performed Adele’s “Hello”. Eventual winner Cate McHugh delivered a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ “Blackbird”, showing off the vocals that had impressed Sir Tom throughout the competition.

The finalists also joined their coaches for special duets, with Frank performing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” alongside Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, and Naná teaming up with will.i.am for a remix of Corona’s “The Rhythm of the Night”. Cate and Sir Tom performed John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, while Monique and Kelly Rowland brought the performances to a close with Mary Mary’s “Shackles (Praise You)”. Singer Ella Eyre also made a special guest appearance, performing her new single “Hell Yeah”.

Before announcing the winner, Emma Willis reflected on what she described as a sensational series, asking the coaches about their favourite moments. Kelly Rowland recalled Sir Tom’s emotional performance of “Tower of Song”, describing it as a beautiful moment when he showed his heart and soul. Will.i.am agreed, calling it “wowzers”, before Sir Tom jokingly responded that his own highlight was hearing Kelly say that.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for, as Cate McHugh was announced as the winner of The Voice UK 2026, securing the title for Team Tom Jones. It was a lovely result for Cate, and an especially meaningful moment for Sir Tom as he celebrated one final victory before leaving the famous red chairs.

The Voice UK Says Goodbye to Emma Willis and Three Coaches

The finale also marked the end of an era for The Voice UK, with Emma Willis stepping down as presenter alongside departing coaches Sir Tom Jones, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. Sir Tom has been loved on the programme for over a decade, mentoring singers across numerous series, so ending his time on the show with a winning contestant was a rather fitting farewell.

ITV has already confirmed a new line-up for 2027, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon taking over presenting duties. Cheryl and rapper Aitch will join the coaching panel alongside returning stars Kelly Rowland and will.i.am.

For CultureCues, what a lovely way to end the series! We were backing Cate throughout the final, and her performance of “Blackbird” was beautiful, so we’re delighted she took home the win. It’s also quite bittersweet knowing this was Sir Tom’s last series, but seeing him bow out with a winning contestant feels like the perfect send-off. Congratulations to Cate, what a fantastic voice, and what a brilliant moment for Team Tom!

Cate McHugh won The Voice UK 2026, representing Team Tom.