Many dreamers would pack their bags and call it quits when faced with rejection after rejection, but fate often has a funny way of leading you to where you’re meant to be.

For Sofronio Vasquez, a singer from Misamis Oriental in the Philippines, the path to stardom didn’t unfold in his homeland, but on an international stage. On Dec. 10, 2024 (US time), Sofronio made history as the first Asian to win “The Voice USA.”

“Every time I sing, I just show off my vulnerability. Filipinos are used to facing adversities in life, challenges and struggles. When I’m on stage, I want them to know that it’s okay to not feel your best. It’s okay to have struggles and it’s okay to question your capabilities. But don’t ever forget to stand up and be yourself because you deserve to be wherever you are,” shared Sofronio in an ABS-CBN interview prior to winning.

‘The Voice’ journey

True to his statement, Sofronio’s finale renditions of Sia’s “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” were raw and emotional that embodied his pursuit of his dreams.

“It would be a wonderful Christmas gift for Filipinos if we win this one,” Sofronio shared. When victory came, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino community, both abroad and back home.

Sofronio had turned all four chairs during his audition with a soulful rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down”. Choosing Michael Bublé as his coach, he consistently credited him for his guidance throughout his journey on “The Voice.”

What makes his story even more compelling is that no one turned for him during his audition on “The Voice Philippines,” proving that setbacks can’t hold back a true dreamer.

Background

In his Dec. 11 interview with Vogue Philippines, Sofronio shared memories of growing up in a squatters’ area, where the fear of losing their home was ever-present. Yet amid the struggles, music was a constant companion. With karaoke filling the air and his family often singing, his passion for music blossomed quietly. Still, his father’s words about prioritizing education and securing a better future kept him focused on his studies.

“Now that I’m thinking about it, I realized that if not for dentistry, I would not be in America. Because the main purpose of me coming to America is to do dental school. I wasn’t able to finish [reviewing for my board exam] in the Philippines because I was doing ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan.’ I was doing my reviews and when I passed that audition, my reviews got cut off. After that competition, I thought maybe music is not for me anymore,” shared Sofronio.

In 2017, Sofronio Vasquez competed in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” and made it all the way to the semifinals. Reflecting on that experience, he shared how the show’s host, Vice Ganda, became a significant inspiration in his journey, saying it was one of the reasons he never stopped dreaming big. After his recent win on “The Voice USA,” Sofronio promised that when he returns to the Philippines, the first place he’ll visit is his “Showtime” family.

Now, Sofronio has won a $100,000 cash prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group — a landmark victory as Michael Bublé’s first coaching win on “The Voice USA” and a historic moment for Asia and the Philippines. Sofronio’s journey from a small province in Mindanao to the world stage proves that dreams, no matter how distant, are always within reach.