In a thrilling development for music fans worldwide, Sofronio Vasquez, the groundbreaking winner of The Voice Season 26, was recently spotted in the studio alongside his mentor and coach, Michael Bublé. The sighting, shared via social media by legendary singer Paul Anka, has sparked widespread excitement, hinting at collaborative magic in the works. This comes amid announcements that Vasquez’s highly anticipated debut EP, produced by Bublé himself, is set for release this November—a perfect timing that aligns with the holiday season and promises to blend heartfelt ballads with festive cheer. As Vasquez transitions from reality TV sensation to emerging recording artist, this project marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his velvety vocals and emotional depth under the guidance of industry titans.
Vasquez’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspirational, rooted in humble beginnings and fueled by unyielding perseverance. Born in Misamis Oriental, Philippines, and raised in Misamis Occidental, the 32-year-old singer grew up in a modest home in the slums, where basic amenities like indoor plumbing and a proper bed were luxuries his family couldn’t afford. Despite these challenges, music was a constant source of joy and escape. Vasquez credits his late father, Oniol Vasquez, as his first coach and greatest influence, teaching him to sing from a young age and instilling a passion that would define his life. “Music was our happiness,” Vasquez has reflected in interviews, recalling how family sing-alongs turned simple evenings into cherished memories. His mother, Aida Parojinog, supported his dreams, even as financial constraints loomed large.
Initially, Vasquez pursued a practical path, earning a dentistry degree from Misamis University in Ozamiz City in 2015. However, the pull of music proved irresistible. After his father’s passing in June 2018, Vasquez dove deeper into his artistic pursuits, posting viral cover songs on social media that garnered attention back home. He competed in the popular Philippine singing contest Tawag ng Tanghalan on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime in 2019, reaching the semifinals and finishing third—a significant achievement that boosted his confidence but didn’t immediately catapult him to stardom. He also built a fanbase on the Filipino streaming app Kumu, winning multiple competitions and earning the Kumu Diamond Award in 2021. During this period, Vasquez released singles like “Bakit Hindi Ko Sinabi” in 2020, followed by “Bililhon” and “Mahalaga” in 2022, experimenting with heartfelt ballads that showcased his rich baritone.
Yet, doubts crept in. Feeling that a sustainable music career in the Philippines was elusive, Vasquez made the bold move to the United States in 2022, settling in Utica, New York, to study dentistry further and work as a dental assistant. It was a pragmatic choice, but music never left him. He continued performing covers online, honing his craft in quiet moments. This resilience paid off when he auditioned for The Voice Season 26, a decision that would change everything.
Vasquez’s entry into The Voice was electric. In September 2024, during the Blind Auditions, he delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” earning a rare four-chair turn from coaches Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani. The performance highlighted his effortless falsetto and emotional delivery, leaving the coaches in awe. Bublé, in particular, praised Vasquez’s tone, comparing it to classic crooners. Despite tempting offers from the other coaches, Vasquez chose Bublé as his mentor, citing a shared love for timeless standards and ballads. “I felt a connection,” Vasquez later shared, noting how Bublé’s guidance felt like an extension of his father’s encouragement.
Throughout the season, Vasquez’s performances were masterclasses in vocal control and storytelling. In the Battles, he dueted with teammate Aliyah Khaylyn on Jennifer Rush’s “The Power of Love,” advancing with his nuanced phrasing and powerful highs. The Knockouts saw him triumph with Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” outshining competitors Kiara Vega and Jeremy Beloate through sheer emotional intensity. In the Playoffs, his cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” was a standout, earning a standing ovation and praise for its heartfelt vulnerability. Advancing to the Live Shows, Vasquez captivated audiences with Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream” and The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” securing public votes through his authenticity and range.
The finale was a crowning achievement. Performing alongside Bublé on The Miracles’ “Who’s Lovin’ You,” Vasquez held his own against the Grammy-winning star, blending smooth harmonies with raw passion. His solo of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman encapsulated his underdog story, resonating with viewers globally. On December 10, 2024, Vasquez was declared the winner, becoming the first Filipino and Asian champion in the show’s history—a milestone that sparked celebrations across the Philippines and among diaspora communities. The victory came with a $100,000 prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group, but more importantly, it forged a lasting bond with Bublé, who celebrated his first coaching win.
Post-victory, Vasquez’s momentum has only accelerated. In interviews, he expressed gratitude for the platform, emphasizing how The Voice opened doors he once thought impossible. His relationship with Bublé evolved from coach-artist to collaborative partners, with Bublé committing to produce Vasquez’s debut EP. “I’m excited to share that Michael Bublé is producing my EP,” Vasquez revealed in a recent media event. “We did some of the songs already. In our recent conversation, a duet Christmas song…” The project, still untitled, features five tracks so far, including the aforementioned Christmas duet with Bublé and an English-Tagalog bilingual song that honors Vasquez’s heritage.
The recent studio sighting amplifies the buzz. Paul Anka posted on social media about a “Canadian day in the studio” with Bublé, David Foster, and Vasquez, describing it as a “great hang.” Bublé echoed this on Instagram, sharing photos of the group—including sound engineer Jorge Vivo—and reflecting on paying it forward: “Paul Anka and David Foster believed in me when I was starting out… Now, we’re passing the torch to Sofronio.” Vasquez, overwhelmed, responded with heartfelt thanks in Filipino, translating to “the gratitude from my heart.”
