The Voice Australia fans celebrate ‘disappointing’ ending: ‘What happened to Australian television?!’

Voice Australia viewers have celebrated the show’s grand finale because of one very “disappointing” detail.

The 2024 finale aired Sunday night, and the winner of the singing competition was LeAnn Rimes’ Ruben De Melo.

The father of three was shocked when host Sonia Kruger told him he had won $100,000 in prize money and an artist development package from Studios 301.

However, dissatisfied fans complained that the ending was pre-taped, noting that Ruben’s reaction was somewhat disappointing.

While earlier series of The Voice had live finales, in recent years the singing competition has been pre-recorded with four alternate endings.

The final contestants will only find out the result when the show airs on Channel Seven following a public vote, with many viewers complaining that Reuben’s reaction seemed “fake”.

On social media, one fan fumed: “I wish this was actually live so we didn’t have pre-recorded fake reactions.”

Another asked: “Can they bring back live results?! His reaction seemed so disappointing.”

A third commented: “I can’t get my head around pre-recording the result. This takes the emotion out of the outcome. Ruben seemed completely upset.

“His family seemed so happy and crying, but we know they acted, so it takes the joy out of it to watch.”

And another was indignant: “Why was the ending recorded in advance?” Either have a live finale or don’t worry, it’s funny to end it like this, did you record each artist’s win? What happened to Australian television? On a happier note, congratulations to Ruben!”

Another added: “He seems like the nicest person ever. This was not a criticism of him, but a pre-registration process. At that time, no one had won, so all the reactions were fake. Congratulations to him – he is incredible.”

A friend of Reuben’s also commented on The Voice winner’s Instagram post, insisting the singer’s reaction was much more genuine when the show aired on TV.

“Ruben is one of my best friends. We had a group on duty, and believe me, he was not happy when we all heard the news!” they wrote.

“I’m sure he will share this on his social networks. It was a great moment and it couldn’t have been won by anyone more deserving!”

The show’s 2021 winner Bella Taylor Smith previously complained it was a “weird” experience to have to record four separate final results in one day.

“The night of the grand final was very busy because not only did we have to film the four alternate endings, but we also had to film the four singles performed at the end,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle.

“And then that night we also did duets with coaches and solos, and then we had to clean up the confetti at the end and do all that stuff.”

In Sunday night’s finale, Ruben admitted he never thought he would make it to the end of the competition as he was crowned the 2024 winner.

“I never thought I’d get this far, it’s crazy,” he said in a pre-recorded segment after his win.

Elsewhere, celebrity coach LeeAnne was quick to share kind words for her protégé following his triumphant victory.

“I’m so proud,” the “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” singer exclaimed.

“You deserve every bit of this moment and I am honored to be on this journey with you. You are incredible.”

Reuben competed in the grand final along with Annie Jones from Team Adam, Jaedyn Randall from Team Kate and SKE from Team Guy.

Ruben won $100,000 in prize money, plus a music masterclass and recording development package at Alexandria’s Studios 301.

This was the first year that the winner was not offered an automatic recording contract with Universal Music Australia or EMI Music Australia.

It has been argued that the controversial move could actually benefit the 2024 winner and break the “horrible cycle” of talent unable to capitalize on their victories.

Judge Kate supported the change, saying that being “shackled” to a major label early in one’s career could be more of a curse than a blessing.

“In the past, some of these artists were signed to major labels before they really understood who they were as an artist,” she told TV Tonight.

“As an artist, you need time to hone your craft. I think it’s too early to take a risk when you’re so young and inexperienced and be locked into a major label right away.”

In a thrilling final solo performance of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun,” Reuben left all four coaches in awe, with Kate-Miller Heidke calling him “exceptional.”

“I can’t stop smiling. You just gave it your all. It was just crazy,” added LeAnn, who also joined Ruben on stage for a soulful duet of Coldplay’s “Fix You.”

Reuben captivated Australian audiences – and show judges Adam Lambert, Guy Sebastian, Kate and Leanne – with his very first blind audition.

Eager to capture him, Leanne used her Ultimate Block to ensure he was on her team.

“I knew it as soon as he opened his mouth and heard him sing. There were so many feelings there,” she said at the time.

“I couldn’t let any of the other coaches get to him before me.”