In an unforgettable moment for music fans worldwide, Sofronio Vasquez III made history by becoming the first Filipino and Asian to win NBC’s The Voice Season 26.
His triumph marks a groundbreaking achievement not just for Vasquez, but also for Team Michael Bublé, as the Canadian singer secured his first-ever win as a coach in the competition.
Vasquez’s victory in the singing competition, which saw him take home a $100,000 cash prize and a lucrative music deal, was a dramatic journey to the top. His final showdown was against 17-year-old Shye from New York, also a member of Team Bublé.
The two powerhouse vocalists were the last performers standing after the competition whittled down the top five, which included Danny Joseph, Jeremy Beloate, and Sydney Sterlace.
As the season’s two-part finale unfolded, it was clear that Bublé’s team had dominated, making it all but inevitable that one of his protégés would take home the title.
The finale was aired Monday and Tuesday night in the US.
A surprising twist in Vasquez’s story is his unexpected return to music after a career in dentistry. Born and raised in the Philippines, he credits his late father for inspiring his love for singing. His comeback to music came after his father’s passing, and the rest, as they say, is history.
During the two-part finale, Vasquez showcased his incredible vocal range with stirring performances of Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler’s “Unstoppable” and the song “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.
The episode was filled with star-studded performances from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Dan + Shay, and Tears for Fears, further cementing the night’s celebratory atmosphere.
For Vasquez, this victory is a reminder that dreams are never truly out of reach, no matter where you start.
