The Darwin artist claimed the 2026 title for Team Melanie C, taking home $100,000 and a comprehensive recording-development package.

Yung Milla has been crowned the winner of The Voice Australia 2026, becoming the first rapper to claim the competition’s title.

The Darwin artist defeated fellow Grand Finalists Daisha Auda, The 60Four and Tommy Novak following a public vote, with host Sonia Kruger announcing the result during Sunday night’s live finale on Seven and 7plus.

“I just can’t believe it. I’m just so grateful,” Yung Milla said after his victory.

The win earned him $100,000 and an all-inclusive recording-development package covering production, recording, mixing and mastering, along with access to Australian A&R and label services.

An emotional Melanie C praised her artist following the announcement.

“I think I’ve run out of words,” she said. “You know you’ve affected me. Obviously, everybody who’s been in a room with you, everybody at home. I’m just so proud. You did this.”

Yung Milla thanked his coach for strengthening him both personally and creatively.

“You’ve made me stronger as a person, as an artist, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “I’m doing it for my people.”

Throughout the season, Yung Milla distinguished himself through his storytelling and commitment to representing his culture, community and life in the Northern Territory.

“I came here as a rapper from Darwin to share my story, my struggles, things that happen where I’m from and reach different audiences around Australia,” he said ahead of the result.

For his final solo performance, he delivered a rendition of Tupac Shakur’s “Changes,” describing the song as representative of everything for which he stands.

He later joined Melanie C to perform “Never Be the Same Again,” the former Spice Girl’s 1999 collaboration with Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

“I’m a Black boy from Darwin and now I’m on The Voice Grand Finale singing with Melanie C,” he said.

Melanie C said Yung Milla’s presence had challenged conventional expectations about the artists who belong on the program.

“I think you being on this show has changed what The Voice means,” she said. “Historically, we’ve always thought of a big singer, but it’s about having a voice and using it very powerfully.”

His Grand Final appearance followed an emotional Semi Final performance of Men at Work’s “Down Under,” which combined didgeridoo, choir and original rap and featured a surprise appearance by his mother.

Yung Milla described his mother as his “rock” and credited her with teaching him everything he knows. She later joined a mentoring session with Melanie C, encouraging her son to concentrate on delivering his best performance rather than worrying about the result.

“Yung Milla has evolved so much in this competition,” Melanie C said. “His confidence has grown. He’s a superstar. He was always a superstar, but now he believes it.”

The Grand Finale also featured Kate Miller-Heidke performing her new single “Butterflies” alongside Melanie C.

Yung Milla’s victory completed a remarkable rise through the competition, from a four-chair Blind Audition to becoming the first rapper crowned winner of The Voice Australia.