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'You don't have to love me': 'The Voice' winner Gina Miles speaks candidly on Blake Shelton rigging row

'You don't have to love me, and you can love somebody else. It's okay,' Gina Miles told viewers who did not support her win

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Gina Miles, who won 'The Voice', has refrained from joining the rigging debate as she talked about her unexpected victory and judge Blake Shelton, who is leaving the popular talent competition after this season. The 19-year-old from Paxton, Illinois, won the Season 23 championship on Tuesday, May 23 during a two-hour finale on NBC that was attended by a host of A-list celebrities.

Many people were surprised by Miles' victory as part of 'Team Niall Horan'. Many had believed the competition would favor the performers mentored by Blake Shelton, 46, who was making his final appearance as a judge and coach on the show after 23 seasons, 12 years, and nine wins. Gina, however, declined to participate in the rumors, telling Daily Mail that it was "an honor to have even been on Blake's last season."

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'It's rigged!'

There were claims that 'The Voice' was rigged after videos and images of Gina Miles winning the competition appeared on social media. A user wrote, "the only reason gina miles won the voice was because people like niall and obviously voted for her because they like him, this show is so rigged :(( so sad blake didn’t win in his last season, grace deserved it way more." Another user wrote, "I'm boycotting #TheVoice next season. I'm tired of the show being rigged for the same type of singer to win every time. #notfair" "Welp that just confirmed that The Voice is most definitely RIGGED. Ain’t no way Gina won over D Smooth or Sorelle… not to mention Noivas in 5th? Literally the most boring two were first and second? Boooo! #TheVoice," mentioned another person. "the voice is rigged idc what anyone says," remarked one viewer. One user noted, "It's rigged! The Hot Wheels results are rigged! #TheVoice"

What did Gina say about the rigging rumors?

Gina hopes to capitalize on her recent success by putting out an album. She currently resides in Sacramento, California. When questioned about the allegations of rigging and her feelings after defeating Grace West, a candidate on Blake's last season, Gina appeared to disengage and said, "It's such an honor to have even been on Blake's last season," as per Daily Mail. "He's such a big part of the show and the tribute that they did to him was so sweet and amazing and I never thought that I would be here. So I'm just very grateful and he's had a really great run on the show and he's such a nice guy."

'If I'm not for them, it's okay'

In an attempt to gain the upper hand over those who didn't support her, Gina, who broke down in tears as the sparkles dropped around her, said: "I really do think that there's space for everybody." She went on to say, "You don't have to love me, and you can love somebody else. It's okay. There's so much space for everybody and the people who have been on the show this season are absolutely amazing." The winner added, "I feel like everyone has a story to tell and something to say - and they have their own uniqueness that you can love more than one artist at a time." Miles continued, "If I'm not for them, it's okay. Everyone on our season has been insane. So I really think that there, there's so much room for everybody."