December 12, 2024 | 12:00am
Dreams do come true.
However, there’s a caveat or condition for one to make it happen.
The dreamer has to show persistence, passion, and patience.
It’s safe to say that Sofronio Vasquez, a Pinoy and Mindanaoan, has taken that to heart.
It could be attributed to his successful participation in the recently-concluded season 26 of “The Voice USA” and to his eventual and convincing win.
Just like most Pinoys who have dreamed of a singing and recording career, Sofronio, now a Utica, New York resident, had to start somewhere, such as joining a local or national singing contest.
He displayed his talent in the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” (“TNT”) segment of the Kapamilya noontime show, “It’s Showtime,” going through the daily rounds and getting constructive comments from the hurados or judges.
Michael (center) with his mentees Sofronio (left) and Shye.
Sofronio also participated in the “TNT All Star Grand Resbak” as a contender and a grand finalist, where he gave his own rendition of Feeling Good. Yes, his “The Voice” USA coach Michael Bublé also had a recording and a cover of such a song.
There, he showcased his versatility by performing English and Filipino tunes.
Two years ago, he moved to the US with the initial plans to pursue dentistry, but he couldn’t resist the call of singing, according to available online reports.
THE VOICE’S FACEBOOK PAGE
With that, he tried his hand again at joining a singing contest, which is “The Voice” USA.
Filipinos in the Philippines are familiar with “The Voice” as a platform for aspiring singers. There’s the usual “The Voice of the Philippines” and the editions for kids, teens, and generations.
That’s why Filipinos were thrilled when news and videos about Sofronio’s participation in the show’s “Blind Auditions” were made available to them.
He interpreted I’m Goin’ Down of the R&B and soul artist Mary J. Blige, and his delivery of the first line, “Time on my hands,” made coach Snoop Dogg press the button and turn for him first, followed by Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani.
Before he completed the lines, “I ain’t got no plans,” Sofronio had secured a four-chair turn nod of approval from the well-known artist coaches.
The Filipino phenom with coach Michael Bublé.
It’s a coveted feat for any “The Voice” aspirant.
His soothing voice and natural, “being in the zone” performance brought him to the “Battle” round, and he chose to be on “Team Bublé.”
He showed what he was made of, as a manner of speaking, in the duet with fellow “Team Bublé” artist Aliyah Khaylyn. They sang the Celine Dion tune, The Power of Love. In the end, Sofronio secured a slot in the “Knockouts.”
In the latter round, he chose to sing You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me and wore the hat of a storyteller. His voice was clear, and the words were presented with clarity to put across another tale of heartbreak. That’s why viewers considered the performance heartfelt and touching.
That advanced him to the “Playoffs,” which saw him do Crying by Roy Orbison. Given that he had found his footing in the competition and on stage, his rendition was described as phenomenal and inspired. Sofronio was able to bank on his voice to tell the emotions of longing for a loved one, trying to move on, loving from a distance, and being attuned to one’s true feelings.
Then, he performed I Can Dream by Elvis Presley in the “Lives” and many thought that they were already watching the finale round.
As expected, his consistent singing brought him to the finals.
From getting the coach’s approval, Sofronio had to win the hearts of the viewers and convince them that he was this year’s winner or champion. The public had a say via voting.
For the finale, he sang Unstoppable of Sia and A Million Dreams from “The Greatest Showman.”
In the announcement of ranking, Sofronio was standing with fellow Team Bublé singer Shye and Team Gwen artist Sydney Sterlace.
Sydney was called in third place, and Sofronio was named as the new “The Voice” USA winner, with Shye in second place.
He has made history as the first Filipino and Asian to win in the American singing competition, and has proven that there’s the right and perfect time for everything.
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