Carter Rubin Welcomed Home With Cheers, Car Parade

SHOREHAM, NY — Carter Rubin fever was in full swing Friday in Shoreham as a line of cars stretched for miles during a car parade to welcome home the youngest male performer ever to win "The Voice."

From the first, drivers heading into the Shoreham-Wading River High School parking lot to join the car parade were greeted by a neon sign with a message from the school district congratulating Carter on his win.

Cars filled with parents and excited kids drove past the Rubin family home in Shoreham, where Carter, his parents David and Alonna, and brother Jack, stood outside waving.

In a scene straight out of a movie, Carter's signature song "Rainbow Connection" wafted over the snow-covered street, and balloons and a large poster of the young singer decorated the front lawn. People hopped quickly out of their cars and took photos as Carter waved happily — home at last after the experience of a lifetime.

For many waiting for their chance to wave to their hometown star, watching his journey has been a spot of joy during a very difficult year. "We watched him every week," one mom said.

"We love you, Carter!" kids yelled happily as they drove by the Rubin home.

Just days after Carter, 15, a sophomore at Shoreham-Wading River High School, won the final round on "The Voice," an elated community made plans to welcome him home in a big way.

Another event will be planned for Tuesday but details are still being outlined; information will be posted on the Wildcats Helping the Arts and Music, or WHAM, Facebook page or on the Shoreham-Wading River Community Group Facebook page.

"Let's welcome our star home with a proper parade!" organizers said before Friday's event.

Participants in the parade included the Suffolk County Police Department, the Shoreham Fire Department, Suffok County Legislator Sarah Anker, the Shoreham Civic Organization and members of the Shoreham-Wading River community.

The school district also lauded Carter on making history by being named the youngest male winner ever.

"The Shoreham-Wading River community has watched Carter perform over the years on stage and we just knew he would do great things," Poole said. "Carter has really brought light and joy to our school community for the holiday season."

Hours after winning the finale on "The Voice", Carter spoke to Patch about his extraordinary journey and how it felt to be the youngest male winner the show has ever had.

Describing how he felt when host Carson Daly said his name, Carter said: "I am still in shock. I am still not fully comprehending it; it's insane. It's madness."

Reflecting on his journey, Carter said he has been shaped in myriad ways by the months he's spent at "The Voice". "I went into this a boy and I am leaving a man. I've grown from this experience. It's matured me in so many ways." He also is proud of himself for having a dream and seeing it through, Carter said.

After his win, he hopes to continue on his musical path, guided by advice from his coach Gwen Stefani. "Gwen told me it's time for me to start writing music and I agree completely.: Once the pandemic has passed, Carter hopes to begin performing to live audiences and kick off a tour. "That's my dream," he said.

Carter dedicated his performance of "Rainbow Connection" to his brother Jack, who has autism; he has spoken on "The Voice" about the close relationship they share and said seeing the world through his brother's eyes was a beautiful thing.

He FaceTimed his brother after the win, Carter said. "He was screaming, 'You won 'The Voice'!" Carter said. "He's been so proud and patient through all of this."

Both Carter and his mother Alonna thanked the community for their excitement and huge outpouring of support. The Shoreham-Wading River community, Alonna said, has made signs and banners, named cookies, lattes and donuts after Carter, sent videos, and voted again and again for her boy.

"I'm so honored. The world has paused, and people need music," Carter said. "Music can really heal and move people. All I want to do is make people happy and bring people together. That's the biggest win."