LOS ANGELES — Noah Cyrus brought a heartfelt performance to the season 28 finale of NBC’s The Voice, joining Mega Mentor Zac Brown for a rendition of “Butterfly,” a track originally recorded by Brown and country legend Dolly Parton.
The duet highlighted Cyrus’s vocal range and showcased the intergenerational talent within her family.
The finale saw contestants Ralph Edwards, Aubrey Nicole, Aiden Ross, and Jazz McKenzie competing for the season 28 title, with wildcard votes propelling Max Chambers and DEK of Hearts into the Top Six.
Only one contestant could be crowned winner, making the night a high-stakes culmination of months of performances.
Cyrus, releasing her new album I Want My Loved Ones to Go with Me, brought an emotional depth to her performance.
The album, featuring collaborations with Ella Langley, Fleet Foxes, Bill Callahan, and Blake Shelton, offered a unique tie-in to The Voice, where Shelton has been a prominent figure.
“Performing with Noah was inspiring,” Brown said. “Her voice carries emotion in a way that connects instantly with the audience.”
Noah Cyrus grew up in a household steeped in entertainment. Daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, she follows in the footsteps of her sister, Miley Cyrus, who has achieved global recognition in music and acting.
Noah has carved her own path, with critics noting her evolution as an artist. Dr. Helena Ruiz, a musicologist at UCLA, noted, “Noah Cyrus exemplifies how familial influence can shape but not define an artist.
Her tonal clarity and phrasing have matured, giving her performances a distinctive emotional resonance.”
Audience reception of Cyrus’s performance was overwhelmingly positive. Social media posts praised her vocal ability and musical growth. Comments included:
“Honestly, I don’t think Noah realizes just how good she is. Such a beautiful voice! Love her!!” “Noah is one of the most underrated performers in the business.” “I can’t believe I am just now finding Noah’s music, she’s so great.”
According to Nielsen Music, streams of Cyrus’s latest album increased by 35 percent following the finale, demonstrating the impact of televised performances on music consumption.
The collaboration between Cyrus and Brown reflects a broader trend of mentorship and cross-generational partnerships on competitive music shows.
Industry analyst Jonathan Keller said, “Bringing in Mega Mentors like Zac Brown not only elevates the performance but provides younger artists exposure to veteran expertise. It’s a strategic blend of star power and developmental support.
Blake Shelton’s influence on the series was also evident, with his past mentoring of artists like Cassadee Pope, Craig Wayne Boyd, and Bryce Leatherwood cited as examples of how mentorship can launch careers.
The season 28 finale solidifies The Voice’s continued relevance in showcasing emerging talent while bridging connections between established artists and new performers.
For Noah Cyrus, the duet and album release provide momentum for her career, as well as opportunities for future collaborations. Dr. Ruiz said, “Televised platforms like The Voice remain critical for career growth.
For artists like Cyrus, the exposure and credibility gained from performing alongside figures like Zac Brown and Dolly Parton’s legacy material can have long-term professional benefits.”
As The Voice season 28 concluded, the finale balanced competition with musical celebration, highlighting both emerging talent and established artists.
Noah Cyrus’s duet with Zac Brown underscored her growing artistry and continued the show’s tradition of connecting new voices with musical legends.
The performances and results will remain available to stream on Peacock, ensuring audiences can revisit the season’s highlights.
