Alabama singer thrills Reba McEntire in ‘Voice’ finals: ‘You made me a very proud mama’

Alabama’s Asher HaVon has forged a strong bond with Reba McEntire, his coach on “The Voice,” and their connection came through clearly on Monday’s episode.

HaVon, 31, is one of the five artists competing in the finals of the NBC reality series. If viewers had any doubts that the singer from Selma is Team Reba, through and through, they were dispelled during the two-hour program.

“Miss Reba has truly become a second mother to me, in creating a safe environment for me to know that there is not a stage that I can’t stand on,” HaVon said in a video package during the first half of Monday’s episode. Later, the country star responded in kind, telling her protege, “You made me a very proud mama.”

McEntire won’t decide if HaVon wins on “The Voice” during Season 25, however. Viewer voting kicked in Monday night during the live broadcast and ended on Tuesday morning. America’s votes will determine who claims the crown, according to “Voice” producers, and results will be announced on Tuesday’s grand finale.

Still, McEntire did everything she could to nudge viewers in HaVon’s direction, praising his vocal skills and tearing up near the end of the show.

“Love you with all my heart,” McEntire said to HaVon. “And for you to get up there and sing like you did, using your God-gifted talent, that God was so sweet to give you, makes me so proud and happy. You are so regal when you’re singing, and you carry it so well. So proud. Way to go.”

HaVon covered two familiar radio hits during Monday’s finals: Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” He received kudos from McEntire for both performances, but she seemed especially touched by the soaring ballad that ended the show.

“Asher deserves to win,” McEntire said. “Asher is what this show’s all about, finding talent that is so raw, they don’t even know what they’re doing. I would feel like a proud mama if Asher won ‘The Voice.’”

HaVon, for his part, described his song choice as a dedication to McEntire, thanking her for her help and guidance.

“I will always love Reba,” HaVon said. “When I think about the strength and how she has (supported) me in this competition ... everything she has taught I will forever remember. I’m ready to soar. I’m ready to jump out the nest and show her the wings that she has (given) me.”

Earlier in the episode, McEntire was all smiles when HaVon performed “Last Dance,” pointing to his energy and enthusiasm.

“I thought you were having a blast up there, were you?” McEntire asked. “And that’s what makes me so happy. You got the talent, you got the look ... but if you’re not having fun, go home. But you’re having fun; that’s what makes me happy.”

Win or lose, HaVon’s journey on “The Voice” will come to an end on Tuesday’s episode. He’s competing against Josh Sanders of Kannapolis, North Carolina; Nathan Chester of Chicago, Illinois; Bryan Olesen of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Karen Waldrup of Mandeville, Louisiana. HaVon and Sanders are on Team Reba, Waldrup is on Team Dan & Shay and Chester and Oleson are on Team Legend, coached by John Legend.

HaVon is the only Alabama singer to make it this far on “The Voice” during Season 25. Five singers from the state were featured on the show this season, but the others were eliminated during previous episodes. Along with HaVon, they were Val T Webb of Birmingham, Ducote Talmage of Auburn, Rivers Grayson of Muscle Shoals and Corey Curtis, a Saraland resident.

The state’s never had a winner on “The Voice” during its 13-year history on television. However, more than 30 contestants from the state have made their marks on the show over the years, starting with Nakia Reynoso in Season 1 and continuing through Season 25.

Four singers from Alabama have competed in “The Voice” finals during previous seasons, finishing in third or fourth place. D. Smooth, an R&B singer from Birmingham, took third place during Season 23 in 2023. Dexter Roberts, a country singer from Fayette, was the third-place finisher during Season 16 in 2019. Kirk Jay, a soulful country crooner from Bay Minette, took third place on Season 15 in 2018. Red Marlow, a country singer from Rogersville, was the fourth-place finisher on Season 13 in 2017.

READ: 5 Alabama singers who excelled on ‘The Voice’ (and why we loved them)

If you watch: “The Voice” two-part finale airs at 7 p.m. CT on Monday, May 20, and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, on NBC. The series also streams on Peacock. Early episodes in the season are filmed in advance.