From Marcelito Pomoy to Sofronio Vasquez: Filipino singers in global stage

(from left) Marcelito Pomoy, Sofronio Vasquez, and Jessica Sanchez | Image: Instagram, @marcelitopomoy8/Facebook, Sofronio Vasquez/Instagram, @jessicaesanchez

Filipino singers or those with Filipino blood have long been making their mark in international music scenes and competitions. Sofronio Vasquez‘s recent victory in “The Voice USA” to become the first Filipino and Asian to win the grand title is a testament to the country’s prestige as a musical powerhouse.

Vasquez’s win not only highlights his individual brilliance but also reinforces the magnitude of Filipino talent on the global stage, amplifying the success of trailblazers like Marcelito Pomoy, Jed Madela, and Jessica Sanchez, among others.

As fans continue to delight in Vasquez’s triumph, let’s also put on the spotlight on the other Filipino singers who have previously brought pride to the Philippines.

Marcelito Pomoy

Pomoy first rose to fame after winning “Pilipinas Got Talent” Season 2 in 2011. He then joined “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” in 2020 and wowed with his performances of “The Prayer” and “Beauty and the Beast,” among others. He advanced to the finals and finished fourth in the competition overall.

Jessica Sanchez

Sanchez gained international fame after finishing as runner-up on “American Idol” Season 11. Her performances of “I Will Always Love You,” “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and “Dance With My Father” earned her praise from the judges and viewers alike. Despite finishing second, Jessica secured her place as one of the most successful ‘Idol’ contestants, showcasing her Filipino-Mexican heritage with pride.

Jed Madela

Madela made history in 2005 when he became the first Filipino to win the Grand Champion Performer of the World title at the “World Championships of Performing Arts” (WCOPA). He swept all major awards in the competition, including Champion Vocalist and Champion Vocal Group (with Team Philippines). He bested over 3,000 contestants from 52 countries to win the grand prize, cementing his status as one of the best male singers the country has ever produced.

TNT Boys (Mackie Empuerto, Keifer Sanchez, and Francis Concepcion)

The trio began their journey on “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” in the Philippines. Despite winning the competition individually, Empuerto, Sanchez, and Concepcion were then later formed as the TNT Boys. In 2018, they won as the grand winner in the second season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.” 

Katrina Velarde

Known as “Asia’s Vocal Supreme,” Velarde gained wider recognition after competing in “The X Factor Philippines” in 2012. Despite joining as a solo act, she was among those who got chosen as the last act in the group category that made it to the Top 20 and was mentored by Gary Valenciano. Their group made it to the Top 12 before losing to Daddy’s Home via text votes.

In 2020, Velarde joined the Asian singing competition “Asian Dream,” where she won under the mentorship of Michael Bolton. She previously shared that she regretted not continuing her singing journey to “American Idol” or “Britain’s Got Talent.”

Elha Nympha

In 2015, Nympha emerged as the winner of “The Voice Kids Philippines” Season 2, impressing judges and viewers with her powerful rendition of songs like “Emotions” by Mariah Carey. Her journey continued internationally when she appeared on “Little Big Shots” in the US and UK the following year.

KZ Tandingan

Tandingan began her career after winning the first season of The X Factor Philippines in 2012. She gained international acclaim after joining the Chinese singing competition “Singer” 2018. Her rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” during her debut episode trended worldwide, earning her first place that week. 

In 2021, she recorded the first full Filipino Disney song Gabay for the film “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Tandingan’s impressive catalog of music earned her a place in the most streamed female artists list in the country.