Team Sarah’s James Jason Dy was declared the grand winner of the second season of “The Voice of the Philippines” after receiving 52.94% of public votes at the top-rating program’s grand finale last night (Mar 1) at Resorts World Manila.

“I’m just very thankful. Thanks to all who voted and campaigned for me, and to those who believed in me – my coach and God, who gave me this blessing and opportunity. In God’s time talaga. I’ve been waiting for this chance,” Jason said.

Jason, who works as a ‘haranista’ and was able to get three coaches to turn around for him during his blind audition, beat runner-up Alisah Bonaobra of Team Apl who garnered 47.06% of the votes. Their scores were reset to zero before the poll reopened for their final performances.

“The most important lesson I learned from coach (Sarah) is to sing from the heart, because there are many great singers but what people look for is connection, for them to feel what you want to communicate,” he said.

Coach Sarah, on the other hand, said, “It’s hard to find an artist who does not need to belt out just to touch your heart. Jason has his own voice that you won’t find in other singers. It’s world-class.”

As the latest “The Voice of the Philippines,” Jason won a trophy designed and crafted by contemporary artist Leeroy New, a house and lot worth P2 million, a music instrument package worth P100,000, shopping spree and Asian tour package worth P350,000, a business package worth P1 million, a new car worth P1 million, a recording and management contract with MCA Music, and P2 million in cash.

Most Filipinos tuned in to Sunday’s finale as it recorded a national TV rating of 30.8%, based on data from Kantar Media. The first part of the live showdown on Saturday (Feb 28) also hit a national TV rating of 28%. Netizens also voiced out their support for their bets, with the official hashtag #VoicePH2Finale topping the worldwide trending topics on Twitter on both nights.

Before crooning his winning song “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” Jason earlier performed “If I Ain’t Got You” with coach Sarah, “With You,” and “Wrecking Ball” with Charice during the finale’s first three rounds.

For the duets with guest artists round, Alisah, Leah Patricio (Team Lea) and Rence Rapanot (Team Bamboo) took on the stage with Dulce, Jed Madela, and Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios, respectively.

Before the finale drew to a close, hosts Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga said that a new season of “The Voice Kids” will soon air. For updates on the program, visit thevoice.abs-cbn.com, like www.facebook.com/thevoiceabscbn, or follow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter and @abscbnthevoice on Instagram.