Pinoy is first Asian to top US singing tilt ‘The Voice’

A LONG WAY SINCE ‘TANGHALAN’ “The Voice” Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez moved to the United States in 2022 to pursue his dream of a music career after his father’s death. —Screengrab from “The Voice”

MANILA, Philippines — Pinoy pride broke out on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) after Sofronio Vasquez became the first singer from the Philippines—and Asia—to bag the top prize on NBC’s “The Voice.”

One of five finalists in Season 26 of the popular US singing competition, Vasquez sank to his knees and fought back tears when his name was announced as the winner.

He bested singers Shye, Jeremy Beloate, Sydney Sterlace and Danny Joseph after garnering the majority of America’s votes.

READ: Sofronio Vasquez: His journey to ‘The Voice’ finale

His win was doubly special because this was only the first season of his coach, balladeer Michael Bublé, on the show.

The two had built up a bond in the weeks leading up to the finals. “My Filipino brother, you are the hope of so many people. It has been such an unbelievable journey to be here with you,” Bublé told Vasquez before the results were announced.

Vasquez, who grew up in Misamis Occidental province, moved to the United States in 2022 to pursue his dream of a music career after the death of his father.

‘Tanghalan’ 3rd placer

While still in the Philippines, he joined a special edition of the music competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” where he placed third.

For his blind audition piece on “The Voice” in late September, Vasquez performed “I’m Goin’ Down” by Mary J. Blige. Mere seconds after he launched into the song, all four coaches—Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani and Bublé—turned their chairs in admiration.

McEntire described Vasquez’s voice as “buttery” and “easy on the ears” while Stefani said it was “a Grammy performance.” He eventually chose Bublé to be his coach.

In an interview with “Access Hollywood” after his landmark triumph on Dec. 10, an emotional Vasquez said he was looking forward to calling his mother about his victory.

Standing next to him was Bublé, who dabbed at his eyes, aware of his mentee’s journey.

Vasquez appeared at one point to run out of words to express his joy, so Bublé stepped in to share how much he loves the Philippines. “I spent a lot of time there. There is a whole country but it’s not just the Philippines. It’s Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia—and I’m telling you right now, [Vasquez’s win] is like the Super Bowl. Mark my words, they are going crazy right now,” Bublé said.

‘Stakes were so high’

“You all don’t know the adversity this kid has been through. There’s real-life stuff happening at home, with family, real serious stuff. The fact that he’s come through all of this and he knows that they’re watching him… he is the reason that they are able to get up and keep going,” he said.

“I don’t think that there’s ever been a competition on television in America where the stakes were so high for a person,” he added.

OPM singer Martin Nievera had only good things to say about Vasquez. “I’m really happy for him. I think what made him win, aside from singing so beautifully, is that he has a selfless purpose. He always thinks about the Philippines and putting it on the map,” Nievera told Inquirer Lifestyle.

“That has been the battle cry of Filipino singers for a long time,” added the veteran singer who kept in touch with Vasquez throughout the latter’s journey in the competition.

As a vocalist, Vasquez “has it all,” Nievera said, citing the former’s technical skills and storytelling ability.

‘A Million Dreams’

“He has the belting power and the range of the likes of Arnel Pineda, Jed Madela and other singers who can sing to high heavens. But he can also sing with restraint and passion,” Nievera said, adding: “That’s why I think it’s hard for others to compete with him. He has everything.”

It was only fitting, Nievera pointed out, that Vasquez performed “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack in the finale. “He’s so giving and generous. So I hope he can save one of those dreams for himself because he deserves it.”

Vasquez won a cash prize of $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.

He described his win in the “Access Hollywood” interview as “hope” for his family. “I was able to give them the best Christmas holiday ever.” —with a report from Allan Policarpio