As the season 26 finale for The Voice kicked off on Tuesday night, Shye, Sydney Sterlace, Danny Joseph, Jeremy Beloate, and Sofronio Vasquez took the stage one last time. Hoping to win over the coaches and the viewers at home, each singer poured their heart out on the stage. But in the end, Vasquez was crowned the newest winner of The Voice. Bringing home a win not only for himself but his coach, Michael Bublé, it marked the first win for a first time coach on The Voice. With both thrilled about their victory, Vasquez and Bublé discussed the importance of the moment.

Speaking with Access Hollywood after winning The Voice, Vasquez appeared to still be processing the entire night and his victory. Trying to find the words, he said, “I’m just here. I can’t wait to call my mom and tell her we won The Voice. I can’t wait to celebrate the opportunity.

Jumping in to add to Vasquez’s comment, Bublé praised the singer for his commitment not just to singing but to his family. “There is real life stuff happening at home. With family. Real serious stuff man. The fact that he comes through all of this. And he knows that they are watching him. He is the reason they are able to get up and keep going. I don’t think there has ever been a television program in America where the stakes were so high for a person.”

Speaking on becoming the first-ever Filipino champion in show history, Vasquez noted, “It’s really crazy, I don’t know what to say.” Bublé was far more vocal on the accomplishment, stating “There is a whole country, it isn’t just the Philippines, it’s Indonesia, Singapore, its Málaga. And I’m telling you right now, it’s like the Super Bowl—mark my words they are going crazy.”

Sofronio Vasquez Gives Family The “Best Holiday Christmas Ever”

Describing what the win meant to him, Sofronio Vasquez insisted that dominating The Voice “Was hope for my family.” He continued, “I was able to give them the best holiday Christmas ever. I know up above, they are watching and are very happy for me.”

Besides walking away as champion of The Voice, Vasquez also walked away with a hefty sum of money. And when asked what his first big purchase would be, the singer admitted to wanting to buy Bublé’s CD.

With both singers sharing a laugh, Bublé was overjoyed for Vasquez and what the future held for him. At the end of the finale, Bublé explained, “You are the hope of so many people — not just in the Philippines, but Asians everywhere, truly. They are looking at you tonight and are so proud, and you represent them so well. It has been such an unbelievable journey to be here with you, so thank you.”