On the Dec. 2 finale, the show crowned its first-ever winner after a high-stakes final round. Host Jun Hyun-moo took the stage with the Top 6, clutching two envelopes: a pink one listing the names from sixth to third, and a purple one revealing the champion.
After combining pre-show votes with in-studio scores, Lee led the pack while Hong Seung-min sat at the bottom. Final standings, including live text votes, were announced from sixth place upward.
Song Ji-woo landed in sixth, with Hong Seung-min in fifth. Choi Eun-bin placed fourth, and Cheon Beom-seok took third. “This show helped me discover sides of myself I didn’t know,” Cheon said. “Thank you to everyone who has loved my music. I’ll keep working hard and stay humble―please look forward to what’s next.”
That left Lee Ji-hoon and Lee Ye-ji waiting for the final reveal―until Lee Ye-ji’s name was called as the winner.
After a breakout, show-stopping debut earlier in the season, Lee completed her run at the very top. She couldn’t hold back tears, and her father―who had been cheering her on while keeping his emotions in check―also broke down as her name was announced.
“Thank you to everyone rooting for me as I start this climb,” Lee said through tears. “I’m grateful to my dad, my family and relatives, my fellow contestants, and my bandmates.”
Runner-up Lee Ji-hoon shared that he grew deeply attached to his finale song and wanted to sing it for lyricist Jung Seung-hwan. He also sent a tender “thank you, I love you” message in his mother’s native language―she’s from Kazakhstan―drawing attention from the crowd.
Jun Hyun-moo credited Cha Tae-hyun as a major force behind Lee’s victory and invited him to say a few words. Cha responded, “If anyone deserves credit, it’s her father―and fathers everywhere. Many were moved by Ye-ji being such a devoted daughter. I hope she keeps this heart and becomes an even greater artist.”
Composer Jung Jae-hyung added, “I’m choked up too. Congrats to all six. Each of you has such a distinct color that if you dropped an album tomorrow, no one could complain. You’re wise beyond your years―trust your path and run with it.”
Host Park Kyung-lim referenced Cheon Beom-seok’s finale number “Bus Stop,” saying, “At the bus stop on your journey, your dreams and the people cheering you on are waiting to welcome you.” She then sent a playful message to Lee’s father in the Jeju dialect―roughly, “You really got us―thank you for everything”―earning a big laugh and warm applause.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)