David Lindquist, david.lindquist@indystar.com

Viewers of "The Voice" made Josh Kaufman a champion Monday night, giving the Indianapolis singer a major-label recording contract and the chance to amplify his musical dreams.

As winner of the televised talent search, Kaufman begins his reign by singing on NBC's "Today" show Wednesday morning.

Before Tuesday's season finale, Kaufman cleared every hurdle and advanced through a month of live "Voice" episodes. Earlier in the season, celebrity coach Usher "stole" Kaufman after Adam Levine let the standardized test tutor go.

Unexpected controversy arrived after Monday's final-round telecast.



Kaufman's recording of Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" was listed at iTunes as an "album" rather than a "song." This categorization meant that voters couldn't find the tune where it was supposed to be.

At the beginning of Tuesday's episode, "Voice" host Carson Daly said, in the interest of fairness, all iTunes downloads during the overnight 14-hour voting window had been discarded. Daly also said that consumer engagement company Telescope certified the results were the same — with or without the downloads.

During Tuesday's show, Kaufman sang a duet with R&B star Robin Thicke, as well as a group number with previously eliminated contestants.

Kaufman doesn't leave Los Angeles empty-handed. "The Voice" sponsor Kia gave cars to Kaufman and fellow finalists Christina Grimmie and Jake Worthington, and the three singers will tour the United States this summer.

Call Star reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.