Cam Anthony won season 20 of The Voice Tuesday night. His victory makes him Blake Shelton‘s eighth winner – the highest number of any of the coaches on the show.

Anthony performed “She Drives Me Crazy,” by Young Animals with Shelton.

After host Carson Daly announced the winner, Shelton ran up to the stage to give Anthony a hug. Anthony beat Jordan Matthew Young, who was also on Shelton’s team, Kenzie Wheeler, who was on Kelly Clarkson’s team, Rachel Mac, who was on Nick Jonas’ team and Victor Solomon, who was on John Legend’s team.

During the competition, Shelton said that he believed Anthony could be the first “superstar” to come from the show.

“I can definitely say it gives me a newfound sense of confidence,” Anthony told People, referring to Shelton’s words. “Hearing someone like him speaking that highly of me definitely means a lot. It’s also validation that I’m doing the right thing, and I’m heading in the right direction and that being myself is okay and it works.”

Anthony grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was surrounded by violence and crime, so music was his escape. At the age of 11, a video of him singing a Bruno Mars song went viral, which changed his life.

After going viral on YouTube, Anthony was invited to sing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and open for singer Patti LaBelle. At the age of 12, Anthony was signed by Dr. Dre, which led him to spend his teenage years recording music and performing.

Anthony no longer works for Dr. Dre and said during the competition he learned that new beginnings are good.

“It’s something that you get comfortable with,” Anthony said. “I’ve learned how to be comfortable with the rapid change and growth that this opportunity forced you into.”

Anthony said that fans can expect a new album with a “bunch of different genres,” because he wants to “enjoy” himself and “make something that’s true for the moment.”

 

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