The Season 28 finale of The Voice on December 16, 2025, was already shaping up to be an unforgettable holiday spectacle, but one performance elevated it to legendary status: the return of Season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez. Stepping back onto the iconic stage for the first time since his historic victory, the Filipino-American singer debuted his brand-new original song “Superman,” delivering a moment of pure confidence, vocal control, and undeniable winner energy that felt like the full-circle triumph fans didn’t even know they needed.
Vasquez, whose emotional win in December 2024 made him the first contestant from the Philippines to claim the The Voice crown, has been on an upward trajectory ever since. Guided by coach Michael Bublé – who earned his first coaching victory with Vasquez – the singer has transformed from a dental assistant in upstate New York into a rising global star. His journey began with humble roots in Mindanao, Philippines, where he honed his voice in local competitions before immigrating to the U.S. On Season 26, standout performances like “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman and Sia’s “Unstoppable” showcased his soaring tenor, emotional depth, and stage command, culminating in a finale that left audiences in tears.
One year later, Vasquez’s return was highly anticipated. Teased in advance as a special guest alongside acts like Journey, Khalid, XG, Riley Green, and Zac Brown Band, his slot carried extra weight: debuting “Superman,” a track co-written by Bublé himself with collaborators Ross Golan, Maureen McDonald, Johan Carlsson, and Peter Karlsson. Released simultaneously with the finale, the song is an uplifting anthem about resilience, inner strength, and rising above challenges – themes that mirror Vasquez’s own story.
As the lights dimmed, Vasquez took center stage in a sleek, modern outfit that blended sophistication with approachability. The arrangement started intimately, with piano and subtle strings building to a powerful crescendo, allowing his rich, emotive voice to shine. He hit every note with precision and passion, layering vulnerability in the verses before unleashing soaring highs in the chorus. The lyrics – touching on finding heroism within oneself – resonated deeply, especially coming from someone who overcame years of pursuit to claim victory on national television.
What made the performance transcendent was Vasquez’s presence: confident yet humble, controlled yet free. His stage command had evolved – more polished, more assured – radiating that unmistakable “winner energy” that separates champions from contenders. Bublé, watching from the coaches’ panel, beamed with pride, later sharing how he’d connected Vasquez with legends like David Foster and Paul Anka for his debut album. The ongoing mentorship has been key to Vasquez’s growth, with Bublé producing tracks and offering guidance that extends far beyond the show.
Fans erupted in applause, and social media lit up instantly. “Sofronio is BACK and better than ever – that voice levels up every time!” one viewer posted, while another added, “Full-circle moment we needed. Superman is a banger, and he owns the stage like the champ he is.” Many noted how Vasquez served as living proof of post-win success, inspiring the Season 28 finalists – including eventual winner Aiden Ross from Team Niall Horan – that the journey continues long after the confetti falls.
This wasn’t Vasquez’s only highlight in the past year. He’s released holiday collaborations like “Maybe This Christmas” with Bublé and “Grown Up Christmas List” with Foster, toured internationally (including triumphant homecoming shows in the Philippines), and performed the National Anthem at high-profile events like NFL games and horse racing derbies. Based in New York but with global appeal, he’s balanced music with personal milestones, all while staying grounded in faith and family – values that endeared him to viewers originally.
In a finale packed with festive duets (like Bublé’s “Blue Christmas” with young sensation Max Chambers) and emotional farewells, Vasquez’s slot stood out as a beacon of aspiration. It reminded everyone why he won: not just technical brilliance, but the ability to connect on a soulful level. Voices like his don’t fade; they evolve, inspire, and soar higher.
As the credits rolled on Season 28, Vasquez’s performance lingered – a powerful statement that some winners don’t just hold the trophy; they redefine what comes next. With “Superman” climbing charts and an album on the horizon, this full-circle return wasn’t nostalgia; it was a launchpad. The champion is indeed back, and he’s only getting started.
