Sofronio Vasquez shattered expectations as the first Filipino and Asian winner of The Voice USA

Sofronio Vasquez’s historic win as the first Filipino and Asian champion of The Voice USA isn’t just a personal achievement. For a music-loving country like the Philippines, it’s a breakthrough for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and tangible proof that Filipino artists can compete on the global stage.

However, instead of keeping the spotlight on himself, Vasquez is using his platform to support fellow musicians he believes are ready to succeed internationally.

Now under ABS-CBN and Star Magic, Vasquez sees his journey as a sign that Filipino musicians are prepared for a bigger platform.

During his live contract signing event, Vasquez told Manila Standard Entertainment which Filipino singers he thinks could follow in his footsteps.

Sofronio Vasquez officially joins ABS-CBN and Star Magic

“There are so many, but if we’re talking mainstream, we’ve seen Zach Tabudlo signing with an American record label. BINI is selling out the Philippine Arena. We have TJ Monterde. We have SB19,” he said.

He also sees potential in fellow “Tawag ng Tanghalan” (TNT) alum Carmelle Collado and Laika Estrella, who are both grand champions of the competition.

“And even our ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ grand champion Carmelle [Collado]. There’s also Laika. We have so many,” Vasquez said.

“Give it two years, four years—they are going to be global for sure.”

Facing doubts as a Filipino contestant

His own experience strengthened his belief that Filipino artists are ready to take space and be recognized.

He recalled how, even before he set foot on The Voice USA stage, many expressed doubts about whether a Filipino contestant could go all the way in an American competition.

“People used to say that Filipinos can compete but will never win. That was painful to hear, but I never let it discourage me,” he said.

He shared that people believed Filipinos were only invited to these competitions to showcase their talent but never to win.

“We are always given the chance to be on stage, but it seemed like we would never win. People thought we were only there as a good story, but not to actually take the title. It was heartbreaking to read comments like that,” he explained.

That cynicism fueled his determination to push forward, believing that Filipino talent isn’t just for the final rounds—it’s meant to take the win.

Bridging the gap between the U.S. and the Philippines

With Star Magic, Vasquez wants to connect local artists with opportunities abroad, acting as a bridge between the U.S. and Philippine music industries.

“I really started my music abroad using Philippine music, the OPM factor, and the OPM side of my music,” he said.

And while he gained recognition overseas, his roots in Filipino music remain strong.

“A lot of doors opened for me in America, and I want to use that to show the world that Filipino music deserves a bigger space,” he said.

“Even Coach Michael [Bublé] told me that if I win, we should use this as an opportunity to highlight my identity as an Asian and as a Filipino.”

Although navigating both markets won’t be easy, Vasquez remains optimistic, knowing that his position can help Filipinos waiting for their own breakthrough.

“Now, I think what I need to do is figure out how to sustain this, how to broaden the bridge so that I won’t be the only one. We should be given more opportunities, especially our local singers here because our artists are very, very global,” he said.