Rock music had its turn in the spotlight on this season of NBC’s The Voicethanks in large part to contestant Huntley. The Virginia blues-rocker, who goes by one name, was crowned the winner of Season 24 on Tuesday night (December 19th) after performing a number of rock songs throughout the competition, including Creed’s “Higher” in the finale.
The 33-year-old father of two sang “Higher” on Monday during night one of the two-part finale, lending his powerful and soulful rasp to the monster Creed hit. The 1999 song is having a moment in 2023, having also been used as a rallying cry for World Series champions the Texas Rangers.
On Tuesday night, Huntley was named The Voice champion, winning the national vote over runner-up Ruby Leigh, a 16-year-old country singer.
Huntley wowed the coaches throughout Season 24, beginning with a rousing rendition of The Black Crowes’ “She Talks to Angels” during the blind auditions — earning a four-chair turn from John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire. He brought his 6-year-old daughter Stella up onstage to help him pick his coach, and she ultimately chose Horan.
Other songs Huntley performed in the various rounds included Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Hold My Hand,” Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and the Joe Cocker version of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” He also duetted with Horan on the Bob Dylan classic “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” during Tuesday night’s episode.
Huntley’s win comes as Creed are set to have a huge year in 2024. The band is reuniting for their first shows in more than 10 years, beginning with a pair of cruises in April, and followed by a full-scale North American tour in the summer. Tickets are available here.
Watch Huntley perform “Higher” and learn that he’s the winner of The Voice in the clips below.
