Hailey Mia almost made it.
NBC’s “The Voice” announced Tuesday night its Season 21 winner and while local hopes were high that 14-year-old Hailey Mia Osorio of Clifton would be the show’s first-ever New Jersey winner, it wasn’t meant to be.
The Jersey teen instead finished fourth, smiling graciously as she exited the stage Tuesday. The Ohio sibling trio Girl Named Tom was named the winner soon after.
Before her elimination, Hailey said to her coach Kelly Clarkson: “I just want to say thank you, you’ve given me so much confidence every time I step out on the stage, I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”
Tuesday’s announcement came after Hailey, a student at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, crushed a couple of songs during Monday night’s Top 5 finale performances, where she sang “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo and “Idontwannabeyouanymore” by Billie Eilish.
Hailey kicked off the Monday night showcase with “Deja Vu,” working the stage in full pop star mode with an elaborate stage set-up of beds and backup dancers. Like many of her performances over the last two months, the teen’s voice was powerful yet nuanced, easily switching between full belts and wispy head voice.
But the alt-pop ballad “Idontwannabeyouanymore” was the true showstopper, as Hailey did well to mimic Eilish’s signature brood while still nailing a slew of beautiful runs.
Hailey was first introduced to the show’s millions of viewers in late September, when a strong version of Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First” in her Blind Audition earned chair turns from pop powerhouses Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande.
Hailey chose to be on Grande’s team but eventually moved to Clarkson’s when she was “saved” by the past “American Idol” winner in the Battle Round.
New Jersey remains brutally unlucky in TV singing competitions — zero winners in a combined 40 seasons between “The Voice” and “American Idol.” Before Hailey, three Garden State singers had made “The Voice” finale: Paterson teen Wè McDonald finished in third place on Season 11 in 2016, Marlton’s Christina Grimmie was third on Season 6 in 2014 and Colts Neck’s Jacquie Lee came in second on Season 5 in 2013.
On “Idol,” only East Brunswick’s Jackie “Jax” Miskanic made the finale, finishing third on Season 14 in 2015.
But that didn’t stop local fans from supporting Hailey, as some gathered at Pizzeria Uno in Clifton to watch the finale Tuesday night.
Joseph Costa and Krystle Cruz, both of Clifton, attend a watch party for 14 year old Clifton native Hailey Mia, a finalist on The Voice, at Pizzeria Uno in Clifton on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.John Jones | For NJ Advance Media
The supporters made signs and watched intently as the show was broadcast around the restaurant and bar.
A round of applause is given after 14 year old Clifton native Hailey Mia finishes in 4th place on The Voice at Pizzeria Uno in Clifton on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.John Jones | For NJ Advance Media
Hailey told NJ Advance Media earlier this month she’s a fan of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Grande and Clarkson. But she also enjoys experimenting in different styles, like during “Challenge Week” when she performed country star Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” — a song Clarkson suggested. She’s also sung Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts,” The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” and Sia’s “Elastic Heart” while on the show.
“Seeing this kind of response, people not just in New Jersey but everywhere, being supportive of me has been the best feeling,” Hailey said. “I’ve seen people who really just enjoy my singing, nothing more nothing less. I really want to inspire young people and people everywhere.”
NJ Advance Media staff writer Steven Rodas contributed to this report.
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Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.