Cate McHugh Wins The Voice UK, Giving Sir Tom Jones a Victorious Final Series

Cate McHugh once sang for passers-by on the streets of Cardiff. Now the 31-year-old Welsh performer has won The Voice UK, securing a recording contract and giving mentor Sir Tom Jones a winning finish to his final series as a full-time coach.

The singer from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan was crowned champion during the ITV final broadcast on October 31, finishing ahead of fellow finalists Monique Nicholson-Porter, Naná Aldrin-Quaye and Frank Raven. Visibly overwhelmed by the announcement, she responded with a simple declaration: "I did it."

"I won The Voice! I'm entirely gobsmacked and absolutely haven't fully processed this information just yet," McHugh said afterwards, according to BBC Wales.

Her victory followed a final featuring The Beatles' "Blackbird" and a duet with Jones on John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Local station Bro Radio reported that their joint performance received a standing ovation. McHugh's prize includes £50,000, a recording contract with Universal Music Group and a holiday to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

Behind the television breakthrough lies years of performing experience. McHugh began busking on Cardiff's Queen Street at 16 and later spent around five years singing aboard cruise ships. Her journey to the final began with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' "Die With a Smile," before a semi-final performance of Harry Styles' "Sign of the Times."

Jones was the only coach to turn his chair during her blind audition. That single vote of confidence began a partnership that ultimately carried her to the title.

McHugh has also continued her career while living with significant sight loss. According to Bro Radio, she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease in her early twenties. BBC Wales reports that the degenerative condition has left her registered blind. Her success brings national attention to a performer whose musical ambitions have continued through that experience.

For Jones, the result carried an additional emotional weight. His departure from the full-time coaching panel was not his choice: he previously said he wanted to remain on the programme. However, ITV has left open the possibility of further involvement, telling Radio Times that discussions with the singer and his team about the next series were continuing. The finale therefore marked the end of his regular coaching role, rather than a confirmed permanent farewell to the show.

The winning decision came from the studio audience. Because the final was recorded in advance, viewers watching at home did not vote during the broadcast.

For McHugh, the broadcast offered a chance to celebrate with those closest to her. BBC reporting described footage of a Cardiff watch party where friends and family cheered as she watched her victory unfold. Her recording of "Blackbird" has also been released as her debut single, giving listeners a first opportunity to follow her music beyond the competition.