The Voice Winner's Prize: What Do They Get?

Published: May 21, 2025

The Voice has been a launching pad for many successful musicians, and the grand prize is a significant part of that. So, what do the winners of The Voice get?

The Grand Prize

The winner of The Voice receives a Universal Music Group record deal and a substantial cash prize, which has reportedly been $100,000 since the show first started airing in 2011>Season 27 Winner Adam David

Season 27 winner Adam David walked away with the grand prize, joining the ranks of previous champions. But what do they do with the prize money?

What Do The Winners Do With The Prize Money?

In a December 2018 conversation with PEOPLE, season 15 winner Chevel Shepherd opened up about the reward, admitting that she wasn't sure how she would spend the $100,000. "Maybe a car," Shepherd said. "We had to postpone getting my permit because of The Voice, so when we get back [home], I have to get it." She added, "I would love to have a Chevelle because that's my name. So me and my dad are probably going to get one and build a '72 [Chevrolet] Chevelle together."

After Todd Tilghman was crowned the season 18 champion in May 2020, the singer told PEOPLE he would likely splurge on a trip to Disney World with his wife and eight kids. Tilghman also contemplated how the money might change the "trajectory of [his] life."

What About The Second And Third Place Winners?

While the exact payouts for second and third place haven't been confirmed, plenty of The Voice alums have leveraged the massive platform they received on the competition show to turn it into a growing career.

One of the biggest names is country singer Morgan Wallen, who was eliminated during the playoffs round in season 6. Despite not winning the competition, the "Whiskey Glasses" singer reflected on his experience on The Voice during an October 2019 conversation with PEOPLE, saying, "I'm thankful for that time. I'm thankful for how it all turned out."

Several other artists got their start on The Voice, including Melanie Martinez, who found fame after coming in sixth place during season 3. She has since performed at several music festivals, including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Outside Lands.

Do Contestants On The Voice Get Paid?

It's not been revealed whether or not contestants on The Voice get paid. However, there are other perks that come with making it further in the competition.

During a February 2018 conversation with SheKnows, executive producer Audrey Morrissey shared that while contestants are on their own for auditions, they get a wardrobe upgrade upon making it on one of the coaches' teams.

Which Voice Winner Has Been The Most Successful?

The Voice has served as a springboard for numerous artists, helping launch careers that continue to evolve long after the show ends.

Among the most notable winners is season 3 champ Cassadee Pope, who was part of Team Blake. Since her 2012 victory, Pope has released several albums, including Frame by Frame and Hereditary. She also earned a Grammy nomination in 2017 for her duet with Chris Young, titled "Think of You."

Jordan Smith, who won season 9 in 2015, has also found success beyond the show. Since being crowned champion, he has released Something Beautiful, 'Tis the Season, and Only Love. In February 2025, nearly a decade after his victory, he released his sixth album, The People's Hymnal.

Season 21 winners Girl Named Tom — siblings Caleb, Joshua, and Bekah Liechty — made history as the first non-solo act to win the competition. Since their triumph, the trio has released a cover album, Hits from the Road, and in May 2025, they debuted a new song, "Waters."

Additionally, 15-year-old Carter Rubin was crowned the winner in 2020, making history by tying with season 14 champ Brynn Cartelli for the youngest contestant to win the show — and marking coach Gwen Stefani's first ever victory. Rubin has dropped several tracks since appearing on The Voice, including his most recent single, "play to win," which he released in April 2025.