In an electrifying turn of events that has the music world buzzing, Sofronio Vasquez, the trailblazing Filipino winner of The Voice USA Season 26, is collaborating with music icons Paul Anka, David Foster, and his mentor Michael Bublé on an upcoming project. This star-studded partnership, revealed through social media posts and recent interviews, promises to blend timeless crooner styles with Vasquez’s soulful vocals, potentially launching him into global stardom. Fans across the globe, particularly in the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora, have erupted in excitement, flooding social media with messages of pride and anticipation. As Vasquez’s debut EP takes shape under Bublé’s production, this collaboration marks a “paying it forward” moment, echoing how Anka and Foster once mentored Bublé himself. With the project set to include bilingual tracks and festive duets, it’s no wonder enthusiasts are going wild, hailing it as a historic milestone for Asian representation in music.
Vasquez’s rise to this pinnacle is a testament to resilience, talent, and serendipity. Born on September 10, 1992, in Misamis Oriental, Philippines, and raised in the modest environs of Misamis Occidental, the 32-year-old singer grew up in challenging circumstances. His family lived in the slums, where everyday luxuries like running water and proper bedding were absent. Yet, amidst these hardships, music became the family’s beacon of joy. Vasquez often credits his late father, Oniol Vasquez, as his initial vocal coach and inspiration, who introduced him to singing through family gatherings that turned ordinary nights into melodic escapes. “Music was our happiness,” Vasquez has shared in heartfelt reflections, underscoring how these early experiences shaped his emotional depth as an artist. His mother, Aida Parojinog, remained a steadfast supporter, encouraging his dreams despite financial strains.
Pursuing stability, Vasquez initially veered toward a practical career, graduating with a dentistry degree from Misamis University in Ozamiz City in 2015. However, the allure of music proved unbreakable. Following his father’s death in June 2018, Vasquez channeled his grief into creativity, uploading viral cover songs on social media that caught local attention. He entered the Philippine singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime in 2019, advancing to the semifinals and securing third place—a feat that bolstered his confidence but didn’t yield immediate fame. Building on this, he cultivated a following on the Filipino streaming platform Kumu, clinching multiple contests and the Kumu Diamond Award in 2021. During this phase, he released independent singles such as “Bakit Hindi Ko Sinabi” in 2020, and “Bililhon” and “Mahalaga” in 2022, experimenting with poignant ballads that highlighted his rich baritone and falsetto range.
Doubts about sustaining a music career in the Philippines led Vasquez to relocate to the United States in 2022. Settling in Utica, New York, he furthered his dental studies and worked as a dental assistant, viewing it as a safety net. Music, though, remained his passion; he continued posting online covers, refining his skills in solitude. This persistence culminated in his audition for The Voice Season 26, a leap that transformed his life.
Vasquez’s The Voice debut was nothing short of spectacular. In September 2024, his Blind Audition performance of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” earned a four-chair turn from coaches Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani. His effortless falsetto and raw emotion left the panel speechless, with Bublé likening his tone to legendary crooners. Opting for Bublé as his coach, Vasquez cited a profound connection rooted in their mutual appreciation for classic ballads and standards. “I felt a connection,” he later explained, drawing parallels to his father’s guidance.
The season showcased Vasquez’s versatility and artistry. In the Battles, he paired with teammate Aliyah Khaylyn on Jennifer Rush’s “The Power of Love,” advancing thanks to his nuanced phrasing and soaring highs. The Knockouts featured a triumphant rendition of Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” where he outshone Kiara Vega and Jeremy Beloate with intense emotional delivery. The Playoffs brought a standout cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” earning a standing ovation for its vulnerability. Progressing to the Live Shows, he mesmerized with Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream” and The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” winning votes through authenticity and range.
The finale on December 10, 2024, sealed his legacy. Dueting with Bublé on The Miracles’ “Who’s Lovin’ You,” Vasquez matched the Grammy winner’s prowess with harmonious blends and passionate flair. His solo of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman encapsulated his underdog narrative, resonating deeply. Declared the winner, Vasquez became the first Filipino and Asian champion in the show’s history, sparking nationwide celebrations in the Philippines. The victory included a $100,000 prize and a Universal Music Group record deal, but the real treasure was his bond with Bublé, who notched his first coaching win.
Since his triumph, Vasquez’s career has surged. He expressed profound gratitude for the platform, noting how it unlocked unimaginable opportunities. His mentor-mentee dynamic with Bublé evolved into a creative alliance, with Bublé producing Vasquez’s debut EP. “I’m excited to share that Michael Bublé is producing my EP,” Vasquez announced in a media appearance. “We did some of the songs already, including a duet Christmas song.” The untitled EP, eyed for a November release, features at least five tracks, including the bilingual Christmas duet in English and Tagalog—lyrics partly penned by Vasquez to honor his roots—and other heartfelt pieces.
The collaboration escalated in early August 2025 when Paul Anka shared a social media post about a “Canadian day in the studio” with Bublé, Foster, Vasquez, and engineer Jorge Vivo, calling it a “great hang.” Bublé reposted, emphasizing mentorship: “Paul Anka and David Foster believed in me when nobody knew my name… Now, together, we get to do the same for Sofronio.” Vasquez responded emotionally in Filipino: “Kulang ang pasasalamat galing sa aking puso” (The gratitude from my heart is not enough). This session involved Anka, the legendary songwriter behind hits like “My Way,” and Foster, the prolific producer who has shaped careers of stars like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. Their involvement adds layers of expertise, with Foster previously collaborating with Vasquez via Bublé’s introduction in March 2025.
Fans have gone wild over the news, with social media exploding in support. Posts from users and media outlets garnered thousands of views, likes, and shares, with comments praising Vasquez’s humility and talent. One fan commented, “Proud po ako na nagsimula ako sa Tawag ng Tanghalan… We are proud of you, Kapamilya!” echoing national pride. Philippine media highlighted the “dream team,” while global Filipino communities celebrated online, with hashtags like #SofronioVasquez and #TheVoiceWinner trending. Reactions range from emotional tears to calls for concerts, with one post noting, “Grabe yung mata ni Michael Buble… proud na proud!” The excitement amplified with announcements of Vasquez’s upcoming performance at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on October 11, 2025, alongside other OPM legends.
This project not only elevates Vasquez but symbolizes cultural bridging. As the first Asian male The Voice USA winner, his collaboration with these Canadian icons—Anka, Foster, and Bublé—highlights themes of mentorship and diversity. Bublé’s “paying it forward” ethos resonates, as he rallies legends who once boosted him. For Vasquez, it’s a full-circle moment from Philippine stages to international studios.
Looking ahead, Vasquez teases more surprises, including potential Philippine homecomings and expansions beyond the EP. He’s already featured in dramatized life stories on shows like MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya), portrayed by actor Elijah Canlas. Fans eagerly await the release, with speculation rife about tours and further collabs. In a world craving authentic voices, Vasquez’s journey—from slums to stardom—inspires, and this new project is poised to make waves, proving dreams can indeed become reality.
