Alexia Jayy Shatters Records as The Voice's First Black Woman Champion

A historic achievement has been recorded in the entertainment world, as Alexia Jayy has emerged as the first Black woman to win the esteemed singing competition, The Voice. This remarkable victory occurred on April 14, 2026, concluding the show's 29th season and marking a significant moment in its 15-year run.

Jayy, a 31-year-old R&B; vocalist hailing from Alabama, was a standout contestant on Team Adam. Her win bestowed upon her coach, Adam Levine, his fourth career victory on the show. Jayy's finale performances, including powerful renditions of Patti LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade" and Adele's "One and Only," captivated the audience and earned a standing ovation from the coaches. She also performed a duet of Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" with Levine.

The journey to the championship began at the Blind Auditions, where Jayy's soulful rendition of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman" impressed all four coaches, leading to a chair turn from each. She ultimately selected Adam Levine as her coach, a decision partly influenced by her 9-year-old son Matthew's admiration for Maroon 5.

Throughout the competition, Jayy demonstrated consistent excellence, progressing through the Battle Rounds, Knockouts, and Semifinals. Fellow coach Kelly Clarkson lauded her vocal talent, comparing her tone to that of legendary artists Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill.

Beyond her performance on The Voice, Alexia Jayy has a substantial background in the music industry. Prior to her reality show success, she performed as a background vocalist for Muni Long on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in 2022. Earlier in 2026, she shared the stage with Leon Bridges during Lauryn Hill's tribute to Roberta Flack at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

Jayy also has a growing solo career, having released her debut single "Who Raised You" in 2021, followed by her EP "Mixed Emotions" in September 2025. As a mother, she has spoken about her son Matthew's unwavering support throughout her career.

With her victory, Jayy receives a $100,000 prize and a recording contract with Republic Records. Her new single, "Rent Free," produced by Grammy winners Jack Splash and Jim Jonsin, was released immediately after her win. The song, as described by Jayy, explores themes of self-worth and moving on from past relationships, reflecting the sentiment that "Sometimes people don’t realise what they had until it’s gone, and by then you’ve already moved on. But somehow, you’re still the one on their mind."