December 12, 2024 | 12:00am
Sofronio Vasquez became the first Filipino and Asian to ever win the popular US talent search “The Voice USA.” The 32-year-old singer, who was part of Michael Bublé’s team, emerged victorious after garnering the most votes. He took home the grand prize of $100,000 (or nearly six million pesos) and a recording contract.
Before the winner was announced yesterday, the former “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alum was able to express his gratitude to his coach.
“It’s so weird to say Michael, I call you Sir. Your mentorship is a blessing to me, to my family and to all the dreamers out there. You open the doors for everyone. Thank you so much,” he told the Canadian hitmaker.
A visibly touched Bublé responded, “Well, my Filipino brother, you are the hope of so many people. Not just in the Philippines, but Asians everywhere truly are looking at you tonight. So proud. You represent them so well. It’s such an unbelievable journey to be here with you.”
Sofronio’s win wasn’t only celebrated by Filipinos online, but it also resonated deeply with Filipino artists, including OPM icons Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and Pops Fernandez, who shared their immense pride and admiration for his achievement.
“I’ve never had a chance to hear him sing, but he’s all over my news feed. Siyempre, sobrang proud ‘di ba? Finally, napapansin talaga ang mga Pilipino for all our talents — whether it’s singing, sports or beauty (pageants). Nakaka-happy talaga,” Pops told The STAR during a presscon for her upcoming “Always and Forever” reunion concert with ex-husband Martin Nievera in February 2025.
She added, “Dati kasi it’s just a dream to make it internationally, to be noticed in the US or anywhere else in the world. But now, it’s happening.”
Martin, who has a personal connection with Sofronio, believed that it was the Mindanaoan singer’s bigger purpose that made him all the more deserving to become “The Voice” Season 26 champ.
“Not too many people know this, but I’ll just tell you now — Sofronio and I have been texting each other during the semifinals. Not just because I believe in his talent, but because I believe in his cause,” he revealed.
The concert king elaborated on how Sofronio’s journey mirrored his own dream of showcasing Filipino talent globally. “To be able to make it in this world today, you need more than just a good song and great voice — you need to have a calling and a purpose. His purpose was to make his country proud. That was my battle cry ever since I started in this business. Sofronio Vasquez finally did it, and he did it on Michael Bublé’s team.”
Sharing a behind-the-scenes story from Sofronio, which further connected him to the singer’s journey, Martin said, “Michael Buble, if you don’t know is my kumpare. Sofronio and I were going back and forth, texting and he’s giving me backstories about things Michael has been saying. No one knows that when his chair turned, the first thing he said, ‘You’re Filipino, do you know Martin Nievera?’ Of course, they edited it out because no one there knows who Martin Nievera is,” he quipped.
“But my point in this is Sofronio’s purpose is to put us all on the map — an unselfish move on his part because he’s not even yet in the business and he’s already thinking of someone bigger than himself. That’s why he deserves to be the champion of ‘The Voice USA.’”
He continued, “I’m just so happy for him because his dream came true! And he’s not just the first Filipino champion; he’s the first Asian champion to ever set foot on that stage. Sofronio Vasquez… on behalf of a grateful nation, maraming salamat!”
When asked whether he offered any words of encouragement to Sofronio before the finals where he performed “The Greatest Showman” theme A Million Dreams, Martin said, “I told him, ‘Of the million dreams you have, save one for yourself. Because I know you’re not dreaming for anyone else except for your country, the Philippines. But save one dream for yourself, and you’re already a winner.’ By God’s grace, he became the winner.”
His remarkable triumph was also a moment of pride for Mr. Pure Energy, Gary V. He served as judge on the “It’s Showtime” segment “Tawag ng Tanghalan” when Sofronio became third runner-up in 2019.
“Sofronio is a reflection of the many who have, countless times, endured and persevered to win. But, you know, even if Sofronio didn’t win it all, a true winner and a champion like him knows that losing is only a part of what makes a true winner. You don’t become a champion unless you learn how to lose as well,” said the veteran performer at the presscon for his “Pure Energy: One More Time” concerts on Dec. 20 and 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gary V said that he had a good feeling about Sofronio’s participation in “The Voice” going by the reactions to his performances from the onset. “From the very first time that all the judges turned their chairs, it was with conviction na sabi ko, ‘Bingo! This one is different.’
“When I saw his (finals) performance, sabi ko, ‘Ah, panalo ‘to, atin ‘to, this is ours already!’ Kasi, ‘di ba, yung sinabi ko dati sa TV na may kaibahan ang isang singer sa isang vocalist.
“Now, it sounds the same, but a singer is somebody who can use the talent of singing in excellent ways. A vocalist, on the other hand, is somebody who uses that talent and becomes a storyteller. And that’s what Sofronio is. When it comes to storytelling par excellence, (siya) yan eh.”
Gary said that he’s just happy that he was given the chance to witness Sofronio’s humble beginnings when he was a “Tawag ng Tanghalan” judge. He observed how much he has since grown as an artist. He looks forward to seeing what’s in store for the homegrown singer as he pursues a career in the US music scene.
He said, “Iba yung pagkanta niya ngayon compared to how he sang five or six years ago. He has matured. But maturity like that comes with all the ups and downs in life. That’s what shapes who you really are. Sofronio has grown, and who knows what’s going to happen next?”
Gary Valenciano (right) and son Gab Valenciano.
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