Asher HaVon becomes first openly LGBTQ+ winner of ‘The Voice’

After 25 seasons, Asher HaVon has become the first openly LGBTQ+ person to win the popular reality singing competition show, The Voice.

According to ‘Advocate’, HaVon made history on Tuesday night with his win, which also marked legendary musician Reba McEntire’s first victory as a coach since joining the series just one season earlier. Season 8 winner Sawyer Fredericks is also LGBTQ+, but he did not come out as bisexual until 2022, seven years after winning the show at age 16.

“I am so proud to be a part of that community, and I just pray that everything that I've done on this show has inspired them all that they can do the same thing,” HaVon told Entertainment Tonight after his win.

Image Credit: Canva

HaVon also expressed his admiration for "working with a queen like this,” referring to his coach. McEntire was equally complimentary of her mentee, praising his journey on the show and final performances.

“Look how Asher is dressed,” McEntire said. “Every time you got on stage, you looked regal. You presented yourself with regalness. I was so proud of him.”

Throughout the season, HaVon captivated viewers with stunning performances of classic hits like Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain,’ Tina Turner's ‘We Don't Need Another Hero,’ Toni Braxton’s ‘Un-Break My Heart,’ David Guetta and Sia’s ‘Titanium,’ Boyz II Men’s ‘I'll Make Love to You,’ and Beyoncé’s ‘Irreplaceable.”'For his final performances, he moved the audience with Donna Summer’s ‘Last Dance’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You,’ securing his victory.

HaVon became emotional as he discussed his win and his experience on the show, joking, “I put too much mascara on!” He added, “I've been crying most of our sessions anyway.”

“I was so excited,” he continued. “My heart was filled with so much gratitude, and to look at Reba and to see her excitement, it was everything.”

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