In 2018, the hit NBC reality competition The Voice crowned two distinct champions across two separate seasons. In the spring, Brynn Cartelli was revealed as the winner of Season 14, making history as the youngest champion at the time. In the fall, Chevel Shepherd secured the title for Season 15, marking a back-to-back victory for coach Kelly Clarkson.
The year 2018 remains one of the most significant periods in the history of The Voice. It was a year defined by the "Kelly Clarkson era," a shift in contestant demographics toward younger talent, and a solidified dominance of the country and pop-rock genres within the show's format. To understand who the 2018 The Voice winner was, one must look at the two separate competitions that took place that year: Season 14 (February to May) and Season 15 (September to December).
Both winners shared a common mentor—Kelly Clarkson—who successfully disrupted the long-standing coaching rivalry between Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. This guide provides an exhaustive look at both champions, their paths to victory, the technicalities of the voting process, and the historical impact of their wins on the franchise.
The Champion of Season 14: Brynn Cartelli
The first champion revealed in 2018 was Brynn Cartelli, a 15-year-old from Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Her victory on May 22, 2018, was a landmark moment for the show. Before Cartelli, the series had seen several teenage winners, but her poise and vocal maturity set a new standard for young performers on the big stage.
The Journey from Blind Auditions to the Finale
Brynn Cartelli’s path to the title began with a soulful rendition of "Labrinth’s" "Beneath Your Beautiful." During the Blind Auditions, she caught the attention of both Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. By choosing Clarkson, Cartelli initiated what would become the most successful coach-contestant pairing of the year.
Throughout the season, Cartelli demonstrated a range that surpassed her years. Her performances of "Here Comes the Sun" and "Skyfall" showcased her ability to handle iconic arrangements while adding a contemporary pop-soul flair. In the technical aspects of the competition, Cartelli benefited from Clarkson’s strategy of song selection, which focused on "storytelling" vocals rather than just high-note acrobatics.
The Season 14 Finale Results
The Season 14 finale was a high-stakes reveal that pitted Cartelli against Britton Buchanan (Team Alicia Keys), Kyla Jade (Team Blake), and Spensha Baker (Team Blake). The tension was palpable because Blake Shelton had two contestants in the finale, often a statistical indicator of a win. However, Cartelli’s original song "Walk My Way," written by Julia Michaels, became a digital hit during the finale week, propelling her to the top of the voting charts.
When host Carson Daly revealed the results, Cartelli’s win was not just a personal victory but a strategic win for Kelly Clarkson in her debut season as a coach. This win proved that the "new coach" could immediately challenge the veterans.
The Champion of Season 15: Chevel Shepherd
As 2018 transitioned into its second half, The Voice returned for Season 15. On December 18, 2018, the second champion of the year was revealed: Chevel Shepherd. A 16-year-old "country powerhouse" from Farmington, New Mexico, Shepherd’s win was unexpected for many viewers who anticipated a victory for Team Blake, given the season's heavy country-music leanings.
A Classical Country Approach
Unlike many contemporary country artists, Chevel Shepherd leaned into a "classic" sound, drawing comparisons to Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Her Blind Audition performance of "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry earned her turns from Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Blake Shelton. In a move that surprised the audience, the young country singer chose Kelly Clarkson over the "King of Country," Blake Shelton.
Shepherd’s trajectory was defined by consistent improvement. Technical advisors on the show noted her "yodeling" ability and her pristine pitch control on ballads. Key performances included:
- "Little White Church" (Little Big Town)
- "Blue" (LeAnn Rimes)
- "You’re Lookin’ at Country" (Loretta Lynn)
The Season 15 Finale Showdown
The finale of Season 15 was one of the most competitive in the show’s history. Shepherd faced off against Chris Kroeze (Team Blake), Kirk Jay (Team Blake), and Kennedy Holmes (Team Jennifer). For the second time in 2018, Blake Shelton entered the finale with two strong country male vocalists, who were widely considered the favorites.
However, Shepherd’s performance of her original song, "Broken Hearts," resonated deeply with the voting demographic. The song was tailor-made for her "classic country" brand. When she was revealed as the winner, it marked the first time a female country singer had won the show without being on Team Blake, further solidifying Kelly Clarkson’s reputation as a top-tier coach.
Comparative Data: 2018 Winners at a Glance
The following table compares the two champions revealed in 2018, highlighting their coaches, genres, and the runners-up they defeated.
| Feature | Season 14 (Spring 2018) | Season 15 (Fall 2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Brynn Cartelli | Chevel Shepherd |
| Age at Win | 15 | 16 |
| Winning Coach | Kelly Clarkson | Kelly Clarkson |
| Runner-Up | Britton Buchanan (Team Alicia) | Chris Kroeze (Team Blake) |
| Winning Song | "Walk My Way" | "Broken Hearts" |
| Primary Genre | Pop / Soul | Classic Country |
| Hometown | Longmeadow, MA | Farmington, NM |
| Finale Date | May 22, 2018 | December 18, 2018 |
Technical Depth: How the Champion is Revealed
The process of revealing The Voice winner involves a complex integration of viewer participation, digital metrics, and broadcast production. In 2018, the "reveal" was governed by several specific rules that impacted the final outcome for Cartelli and Shepherd.
The Multi-Channel Voting System
In 2018, winners were determined by a combination of:
- The Voice Official App: Fans could vote up to 10 times per artist.
- Online Voting: Through NBC.com.
- iTunes Streams: During the finale, every stream of an artist's song counted as a vote. If an artist reached the Top 10 on the iTunes charts, their "votes" from streams were multiplied (the "iTunes Bonus").
- Xfinity X1: Users could vote via their set-top boxes.
For both Cartelli and Shepherd, the iTunes Bonus was critical. Brynn Cartelli’s "Walk My Way" and Chevel Shepherd’s "Broken Hearts" both performed exceptionally well on digital charts, providing them with the numerical cushion needed to overcome the "Live Vote" surges often seen by Team Blake contestants.
The Role of the Original Song
A key technical requirement for the 2018 champions was the debut of an original single. Unlike the earlier rounds which focused on covers, the finale required the reveal of a song that would serve as the artist's first professional release. The success of these songs often dictated the winner. Cartelli’s collaboration with Julia Michaels gave her a "radio-ready" edge, while Shepherd’s song tapped into the emotional core of the country music fanbase.
The Coaching Strategy: The Kelly Clarkson Factor
One cannot discuss the 2018 winners without analyzing the technical coaching strategy of Kelly Clarkson. 2018 was her inaugural year on the show (joining in Season 14). Her approach differed significantly from Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
Clarkson focused on "vocal health" and "identity." While other coaches often pushed for high-energy, "shouting" performances to garner applause, Clarkson worked with Cartelli and Shepherd on nuanced dynamics. For Cartelli, this meant leaning into the "breathy" textures of her voice. For Shepherd, it meant emphasizing the "break" in her voice that is characteristic of traditional country music.
This technical shift in coaching proved highly effective at winning over the "Middle America" demographic that makes up a large portion of The Voice's live voting audience. By the end of 2018, Clarkson had established a "blueprint" for winning with young, female vocalists—a demographic that has continued to perform well in the years following.
Life After the Reveal: The Legacy of the 2018 Champions
From the perspective of 2026, the 2018 winners represent a specific era of "talent development" within the NBC franchise. While many reality show winners struggle to maintain momentum, both Cartelli and Shepherd utilized their 2018 victories as launching pads for sustainable, albeit different, careers.
Brynn Cartelli’s Post-Win Path
Following her win, Cartelli signed with Atlantic Records. She moved away from the "contestant" image quickly, focusing on songwriting. Her EP Based on a True Story received critical acclaim for its sophisticated pop sensibilities. By 2026, she is recognized more as a singer-songwriter than a reality TV winner, having toured with major acts and established a niche in the indie-pop circuit.
Chevel Shepherd’s Country Career
Shepherd stayed true to her roots. After her win, she released the album Everybody’s Got a Story, which was recorded at the legendary Starstruck Studios in Nashville. She has become a fixture at country music festivals and has frequently performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Her career trajectory serves as a successful model for how The Voice can integrate into the Nashville music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the specific winner of The Voice in May 2018?
The winner of Season 14, which concluded in May 2018, was Brynn Cartelli. She was a member of Team Kelly Clarkson and was 15 years old at the time of her crowning. Her victory marked the first time a coach won in their debut season.
Who was the winner of The Voice in December 2018?
The winner of Season 15, which concluded in December 2018, was Chevel Shepherd. Also a member of Team Kelly Clarkson, Shepherd was 16 years old. Her win was notable for being a country-music victory on a non-Blake Shelton team.
Did any other coaches win in 2018?
No. Kelly Clarkson won both seasons held in 2018 (Season 14 and Season 15). This was a historic achievement, as it broke the long-standing dominance of veteran coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine.
What happened to the runners-up from 2018?
Britton Buchanan (Season 14 runner-up) has continued to release independent music and tour, maintaining a loyal cult following. Chris Kroeze (Season 15 runner-up) remains a popular figure in the Midwest music scene, frequently performing live sets that blend country and rock.
How did the voting work for the 2018 winners?
The 2018 winners were revealed based on a total tally of app votes, online submissions, and iTunes streams. A significant factor in both wins was the "iTunes Bonus," where an artist's song reaching the Top 10 on the sales chart triggered a vote multiplier.
Was 2018 the year the "youngest winner" record was set?
Yes, at the time of her win in May 2018, Brynn Cartelli was the youngest winner in the history of The Voice at 15 years old. This record highlighted a trend of increasingly younger talent dominating the competition.
Final Recommendation for Fans and Researchers
If you are looking to revisit the performances of the 2018 champions, it is highly recommended to view their "Blind Auditions" alongside their "Finale Original Songs." These two points of comparison illustrate the technical growth and professional molding that occurred under Kelly Clarkson’s mentorship. For those interested in the business side of the music industry, the 2018 winners provide an excellent case study on how reality television can effectively bridge the gap between amateur talent and professional recording careers through strategic digital voting and genre-specific branding.
