Quick Read
- Niall Horan coached his third consecutive winner on ‘The Voice’ with Aiden Ross.
- Ross credits Horan for helping him focus on the emotional heart of his performances.
- Ross balanced college life at Texas A&M with the demands of the show.
- He plans to release new music soon and is open to moving for his career.
- Ross almost quit music before auditioning for ‘The Voice.’
Niall Horan: Building a Legacy on ‘The Voice’
As the confetti settled and the cheers faded on the Season 28 finale of ‘The Voice,’ one fact stood out: Niall Horan had coached his third champion in a row. For the viewers at home, it might seem like a routine victory. But for Aiden Ross, the 20-year-old Texas A&M student who clinched the win, Horan’s mentorship was anything but ordinary.
Ross’s journey began at the very start of the season, stepping onto the stage with Adele’s “Love in the Dark” and earning a rare four-chair turn. “I went in thinking Niall, but Snoop brought out his chain, and I lost my mind for a minute,” Ross admitted in an interview with Gold Derby. “But at the end of the day, it was Niall through and through—it was like big brother–little brother vibes.”
Mentorship That Goes Beyond Music
So, what sets Horan apart as a coach? According to Ross, it’s the way Horan helps artists tap into the emotional core of their performances. “On a show like this, it’s easy to get in the clouds,” Ross explained. “I’d be quick to throw on all these runs and big notes, but you can lose sight of the interpretation of the song. Niall helped me find the heartbeat of the song.” Instead of focusing solely on technical prowess, Horan encouraged Ross to let the music’s meaning guide his choices—a lesson that has clearly stuck.
Horan’s approach is rooted in authenticity. He steers artists away from showboating and toward honest, heartfelt performances. For Ross, this meant reimagining female-led songs in his own style—often singing them in their original keys, and infusing them with a bold, dramatic flair. “The logic behind picking female songs is just who I am and how I’ve grown up,” Ross said. “Mine’s a lot more growly and big … almost theater-esque.”
The Balancing Act: Music, College, and Life
While ‘The Voice’ was a whirlwind, Ross never lost sight of his academic commitments. He juggled engineering classes and live performances, managing to stay enrolled at Texas A&M while competing on national television. “This past semester I wasn’t a full-time student. I was taking an online class and it was very doable,” he told TV Insider. “I’ll do as much school as I can while being 100 percent honest that I’m giving everything I can to music.”
Ross’s ties to his college community run deep. His a cappella group, HardChord DynaMix, provided not only musical support but also friendship and belonging. “My freshman year was pretty hard—I didn’t have a ton of friends until I joined HardChord. They were the most loving, accepting people … they became my best friends.” Even after his victory, Ross remains committed to performing with the group when possible.
From Almost Giving Up to Center Stage
Ross’s journey to stardom wasn’t always assured. In a candid conversation with Reality Rocks, he revealed that there was a time when he nearly quit music altogether. “I never want to forget that feeling like I had lost everything,” he said, reflecting on the doubts and setbacks that almost derailed his dreams. Submitting an audition video to ‘The Voice’ turned out to be a life-changing decision, reigniting his passion and setting him on a path to victory.
Ross’s story is a testament to resilience—the kind that’s quietly built behind the scenes, long before the spotlight finds you. For viewers, his powerful performances might have seemed effortless. But for Ross, every song was a chance to prove to himself that he belonged on that stage.
Looking Ahead: Music, Dreams, and New Horizons
With his win, Ross joins a growing list of artists who have taken their careers to new heights after ‘The Voice.’ And with Horan’s guidance, his ambitions are clear. He’s eager to release original music, promising that his next song will take listeners on an emotional journey. “You might do all of it—laugh, dance, cry. I like to take the person on a journey … it has a very live, raw feel. There’s something honest about the song I think people will relate to.”
Ross isn’t afraid to dream big. Asked about a dream collaboration, he didn’t hesitate: “Lizzy McAlpine. One hundred percent. She’s one of my biggest inspirations—the way she writes and the way she carries herself. She’s the best.”
Despite his success, Ross remains humble and grounded. He’s open to relocating to music hubs like Los Angeles, Nashville, or New York, but for now, he’s staying in Texas for the holidays, grateful for the support of his family, friends, and fans. “Welcome to the family, we’re one big happy family,” he said, reflecting on the diverse and dedicated following he’s built since the show.
As for Horan, his undefeated record as a coach is more than just a statistic—it’s a reflection of his ability to connect with artists on a personal level, guiding them through both the highs and lows of the competition. For Ross, that mentorship made all the difference.
Horan’s influence on ‘The Voice’ is now undeniable. His coaching style, blending musical expertise with genuine emotional guidance, has produced champions who are not only talented but deeply connected to their craft. Ross’s victory is a powerful example of what happens when an artist finds the right mentor at the right moment—and the story behind their success is as inspiring as any performance on stage.