The Voice UK has crowned its latest winner after Sir Tom Jones’ mentee Anthonia Edwards beat out David Adeogun to take home the coveted record deal.
Host Emma Willis announced the winner as the pair stood socially distanced on stage together, with Saturday night's instalment of the ITV show marking the final of this year's series.
Tom Jones’s finalist Anthonia and Olly Murs’ contender David had already bested Anne-Marie's Mark Howard and Team Will’s Naomi Johnson.
Ultimately, Emma announced it would be Anthonia that would receive the coveted record contract with Universal’s label UMOD.
After the announcement, a stunned Anthonia stood on stage motionless for a moment as David rushed to congratulate her.
David said: “I’ve had the most incredible time and I honestly want to say I’m so gassed that Anthonia has won this. She is incredible. To Olly, you are incredible, thank you so much.”
Anthonia then said: “This has been one of the best journeys I’ve ever been on. I’ve become the person I’ve always wanted to be.
“Working hard and just really sharing messages through song. The fact it connected with you all is just my dream. Sir Tom – the coolest guy. Thank you.”
The series underwent a shake-up this time around, as coaches Anne-Marie and Olly Murs returned for a second series, joining show legends Sir Tom Jones and Will.i.am.
The show this year featured a huge format shake-up after it returned to our screens on ITV, with a twist from the usual format.
This year some singers were given another chance to impress and ultimately win the show and a recording contract.
The new twist to the contest was called The Callbacks and allowed certain contestants another shot to battle it out and earn a place in the semi-finals.
To mark the show’s tenth anniversary, The Voice has added the new feature to ‘add drama to the show’.
Will.i.am previously explained: “We got rid of the Knockouts. Callbacks are really awesome, because it’s a new thing for us to have these contestants compete against each other in a more intimate way, rather than a big spectacle.
“This is a little bit more challenging because singers can see exactly what the competition is doing right in front of them.
“So, if you’re going first, you’re kicking it off, but the last person gets to see exactly what their competition has done. So, you have to step it up. You’re either donezo before it’s over or you get a chance to redeem yourself and really come with the skills.”
