Sofronio made history as the first Filipino and first male Asian champion of The Voice Season 26.
Sofronio Vasquez: 'I am back home'
At a glance
Star Magic has welcomed The Voice USA Season 26 Grand Winner Sofronio Vasquez III to its roster of stars in Kapamilya Dream Come True: Sofronio Vasquez Contract Signing held at Studio 3, ABS-CBN.
“Gusto ko lang po ulit magpasalamat sa Star Magic, sobrang ganda po ng experience ko at this very moment. Sinasabi ng mga tao na willing ako mag-sacrifice, but may mga tao rin po na willing mag-sacrifice to help me achieve my dreams. Maraming salamat po kila Ma’am Cory, Direk Lauren, and Sir Reily," said Sofronio.
He added: “Sobrang salamat sa family ko here (Philippines) at sa family ko abroad, and of course sa aking coach, Michael Bublé...he made a very big impact sa paniniwala na Filipinos can be global and international. Thank you sa family ko sa The Voice America. I am back home; I will continue to bring and share kung ano yung napag-aralan ko doon."
The event was graced by the presence of ABS-CBN’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Cory Vidanes; head of Star Magic and Entertainment Production, Director Laurenti Dyogi; and It’s Showtime’s Business Unit Head and the head of Polaris Management, Mr. Reily Santiago.
In a message, Direk Laurenti said, “It was not only your dream; it was the dream of every Filipino artist to prove to the world continuously na mahusay ang mang-aawit na Pilipino. Umuwi ka dito, pwede ka manatili don, but you opted to come here to share your victory with your countrymen.”
Reily also shared a few words: “We knew for many years in TNT and It's Showtime that you had the skill, the talent, and the mindset, and then it's just a matter of time na ma-recognize ng buong mundo ‘yung talento mo...”
During a media conference on Feb. 25, Sofronio announced that he had been offered a role in the popular stage musical Miss Saigon at the West End.
"Nagbigay na sila ng dates so ang gagawin ko is kakanta na lang ako doon and I have to stay in London for four weeks. Sana magawan ng paraan. If ever naman na hindi, I feel blessed na may chance pala. May chance pala ako for musicals. (They have already given dates, so all I'm going to do is sing there and I have to stay in London for four weeks. I hope they can find a way. If ever that doesn't happen, I feel blessed that I have a chance. I have an opportunity for musicals)," he said.
Sofronio expressed his surprise, admitting that he was completely unaware of the chance he had been given to participate in a musical production.
Aspiring actors often partake in rigorous auditions to secure a role in a vibrant musical production.
However, in a remarkable twist of fate, Sofronio did not participate in the traditional audition process for this particular show.
Sofronio's journey into the musical world was unique, bypassing the usual hustle and bustle of audition rooms filled with hopefuls showcasing their talents.
He hadn’t anticipated such an opportunity arising and seemed genuinely intrigued by the idea of exploring his musical talents.
"Baka sabihin ng iba fake news yun. I still have the text message. Gusto kong i-post. Kaso lang with the lineup of shows that I have this year, it's going to be hectic talaga. Magiging challenging ang lahat. I've already asked an artist who has tried Miss Saigon si, Mark Bautista. Humingi ako ng advice. (Some people might say it's fake news. I still have the text message. I want to post it. It's just that with the lineup of shows I have this year, it will be really hectic. Everything is going to be challenging. I've already asked an artist who has tried Miss Saigon, Mark Bautista. I asked for advice)," he added.
Sofronio made history as the first Filipino and first male Asian champion of The Voice Season 26. Before this, he was a Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 2 finalist and third placer in its all-star edition in 2019. He shared his preparations before performing on stage.
"I vocalize before I perform. Dapat talaga nagvo-vocalize ang mga singer and hydrate whether cold or lukewarm water. Basta hydrate lang talaga. Before I sing, I brush my teeth because I get conscious. (I vocalize before I perform. Singers should vocalize and hydrate with either cold or lukewarm water. Hydrate. Before I sing, I brush my teeth because I get conscious," he said.
"Miss Saigon" has created opportunities for many Filipinos, including Lea Salonga, who has played the lead role in this tragic musical since its debut in 1994. For her powerful performance in the show, Lea became the first Asian to win a Tony Award.
Sofronio also said that he watches motivational videos and vlogs from the Philippines. "It makes me feel at home everytime na nakikita ko na nagkukulitan yung mga Pinoy. Yung iba nakikinig ng medication. Ako naman ang meditation ko is I smile. Filipinos are known to feel light. (It makes me feel at home whenever I see Filipinos having fun. Others are listening to meditation. As for me, my meditation is I smile. Filipinos are known to feel light.)
In December 2024, Sofronio was declared champion of The Voice USA season 26. He became the first Filipino and Asian to win a popular reality singing competition.
Sofronio opened the contract signing event by performing "A Million Dreams." He said the venue with Star Magic was significant because it was where he joined the Tawag ng Tanghalan portion of the noontime program "It's Showtime" in 2017.
There is much to look forward to in this new chapter of his journey, including an upcoming album, a life story special project, fresh endorsements, and a concert tour abroad.
Sofronio will be in the US, Canada, Middle East, and Australia on the following dates: March 15 in San Francisco, March 29 in Sacramento, March 8 in Los Angeles, June 14 in Utica, July 19 in New York City, April 25 in Winnipeg, May 2 in Calgary, May 4 in Vancouver, May 24 in Dubai, July 25 in Sydney, and July 26 in Melbourne, Australia.
As he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his career, there are numerous thrilling developments on the horizon.
Fans can anticipate the release of his highly awaited album, which promises to be a collection of innovative tracks that showcase his artistic evolution.
Additionally, there’s a special project in the works that will delve deeply into his life story, offering an intimate look at his personal experiences and milestones.
On top of that, he has secured fresh endorsements from notable brands, further enhancing his visibility and impact in the industry.
This journey is not just about music; it’s a multifaceted exploration of his creativity and influence.