While many thought Season 23 would be rigged for celebrated coach Blake Shelton, who completed his time on The Voice this season, it was first-time coach Niall Horan who came out on top when Team Niall member Gina Miles took home the trophy.
American Idol 2023 Winner Iam Tongi – Every Performance Ranked
Unlike her fellow contestants, who had notable ups and downs throughout the season, the soft spoken yet big singer managed to rise higher each week, impressing all four coaches more with each performance. Let’s take a look back at Miles’ performances and rank them from worst to a winning best.
7. “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye – Knockouts
This song was a pretty obvious choice for Miles after her rendition of Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” during her Blind Audition, and as memorable as it is, it lands in last place.
While the song fits her alt-pop vibe, it didn’t fully fit her voice. She brought it back by the final chorus, but her other performances definitely shined a bit brighter throughout the season.
6. “Style” by Taylor Swift – Finale
One of Miles’ finale songs was this Taylor Swift hit from 2014, and I’ll admit, it wasn’t as great as I thought it was the first time I watched it when it aired live.
Despite being another song that seems right up Miles’ alley, she didn’t manage to perfect this pop tune, but it may be because her voice is just too big for its simplicity.
5. “All I Want” by Kodaline – Semi-finals
The semi-finals saw Miles beat out the fan-favorite Team Niall member Ryley Tate Wilson, and it was thanks to this performance.
In her very first live performance of the show, Miles showed some unexpected range this time around, bouncing back and forth between her deeper register and her beautiful falsetto.
4. “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver – Battles
I’ll admit, I rooted for Kala Banham at the start, so I was surprised when Niall named Miles the winner of this Battle Round.
But watching back, I think I now see why. As flawless as Banham’s voice is during this performance, Miles sings the ballad effortlessly and emotionally, and continued that trend throughout the rest of the season.
3. “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry – Blind Audition
Miles’ Blind Audition showcased her unique voice from the start, revealing her shockingly soft speaking voice after belting out this Katy Perry hit.
I personally see this performance as one of Miles’ best, a perfect fit for her voice, making it no surprise Niall and Kelly turned their chairs for her.
2. “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak – Playoffs
The Playoffs was another one of those moments where Miles showed off her range, from tender notes to encapsulating falsetto.
Miles sings with a longing in her voice during this one. She always seemed to perfect storytelling in her performances, but she nailed it in this performance.
1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor – Finale
This was an unexpectedly big ballad for Miles, especially in contrast to her previous performance, “Style,” which didn’t quite do it for me.
This performance, however, sealed it for me, and proved she had what it took to win the competition. Miles sails through the song with so much emotion captured within those perfect notes.
