"The Voice" crowns a new champion

(NBCNC) - Tonight's the night for "The Voice".

The show's three finalists all turned in their final performances last night after a memorable opening to the evening.

The show's coaches and singers joined in a choral tribute to the victims of the Connecticut
school shooting.

"It's our job to be strong for these families. It's our job to stand there and pay our respects," said finalist Cassadee Pope.

"I couldn't get through one performance without crying," added Terry McDermott.

After that somber beginning producers gave finalist Nicholas David the unenviable challenge of starting the competition.

David turned in a literal rendition of a rock 'n roll classic, "Great Balls of Fire", one of his three performances on the night.

Cassadee Pope used a megaphone during part of her duet with coach Blake Shelton, but it was strictly her own voice the rest of the time, including the Faith Hill hit "Cry".

Scotsman Terry McDermott reached into his 80's reservoir for the Mr. Mister classic "Broken Wings", one of three performances he hopes scored with voters.

The finale airs tonight from 9-11 eastern.