The stage is set, the red chairs are ready, and the anticipation is electric as The Voice Season 27 races toward its grand finale on May 20, 2025. With a fresh panel of coaches—Adam Levine, John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Kelsea Ballerini—the season has already been a whirlwind of talent, drama, and jaw-dropping performances. But a new rumor has fans buzzing: Sofronio Vasquez, the Season 26 champion who made history as the first Filipino winner, is reportedly returning for a surprise performance during the finale. As of 2:00 PM on May 14, 2025, here’s everything we know about the upcoming finale, Vasquez’s incredible journey, and what his return could mean for The Voice fans worldwide.
A Season of High Stakes and Fresh Faces
Season 27 of The Voice premiered on February 3, 2025, bringing a mix of returning and new coaches to the iconic red chairs. Adam Levine, the Maroon 5 frontman, made his comeback after a six-year hiatus since Season 16, joined by John Legend, who also returned after a brief absence. Michael Bublé, fresh off his Season 26 victory, continues to charm with his mentorship, while country star Kelsea Ballerini steps in as a first-time coach, replacing Season 26’s Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani. The season has been a rollercoaster, with Levine’s signature wit, Legend’s soulful guidance, Bublé’s polished expertise, and Ballerini’s fresh energy creating a dynamic judging panel.
The top five finalists, though not yet announced as of mid-May, are expected to deliver powerhouse performances on May 19 and 20, with the winner claiming a $100,000 prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group, as per the show’s tradition. Fans on X are already speculating about potential standouts, with some predicting a Team Legend artist might take the crown, given Legend’s track record of nurturing soulful talent. Others are rooting for a Team Ballerini win, hoping the country coach can make a splash in her debut season. Regardless of the outcome, the finale promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring performances from the coaches, past contestants, and possibly a few A-list guests, as seen in previous seasons with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Sting, and Tears for Fears.
Sofronio Vasquez: The Season 26 Phenom
Before diving into the rumors of his return, let’s revisit Sofronio Vasquez’s remarkable journey on The Voice Season 26, which concluded on December 10, 2024. The 32-year-old from Mindanao, Philippines, now based in Utica, New York, captured hearts with his powerful voice and inspiring story. Growing up in poverty with “no bed or indoor plumbing,” as noted in his NBC bio, Vasquez turned to music as a source of joy and a way to support his family after his father’s death in 2018. His journey began with a blind audition that earned a rare four-chair turn, performing Mary J. Blige’s cover of “I’m Goin’ Down.” He chose Michael Bublé as his coach, a decision that would prove pivotal.
Throughout the season, Vasquez delivered standout performances, from a soulful “The Power of Love” in the Battles to Roy Orbison’s “Crying” in the Playoffs, which Snoop Dogg likened to the credits of a “$100 million movie.” His live show renditions of Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream” and The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” showcased his versatility, while his finale performances of Sia’s “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman sealed his victory. Vasquez beat out teammate Shye, Team Reba’s Danny Joseph, Team Snoop’s Jeremy Beloate, and Team Gwen’s Sydney Sterlace, becoming the first singer of Asian descent to win the U.S. version of The Voice. Bublé, emotional during the finale, called him “the hope of so many people,” particularly for Filipinos and Asians worldwide.
Vasquez’s win was a cultural milestone, resonating deeply with Filipino communities globally. His humility shone through in interviews, like one with People where he said, “We’re just going to celebrate that this was a very, very good run for The Voice.” Post-win, Vasquez has been working on new music, with fans eagerly awaiting his debut single under Universal Music Group. His victory also marked a triumphant debut for Bublé, who had two artists in the top five, cementing his status as a formidable coach.
The Rumor: A Surprise Performance on May 20
The buzz about Vasquez’s potential return began circulating on X in early May 2025, when a fan account claimed to have insider information about the Season 27 finale. The post, which gained traction with over 10,000 likes, stated, “Sofronio Vasquez is set to perform a new single at The Voice finale on May 20—get ready for an emotional comeback!” While NBC has not officially confirmed this, the rumor aligns with The Voice’s tradition of inviting past winners to perform during finales. Season 26, for instance, featured performances from Season 24 winner Huntley and Season 25 winner Asher HaVon, setting a precedent for such appearances.
If true, Vasquez’s return would be a full-circle moment, especially with Bublé back as a coach. Fans speculate he might perform a duet with Bublé, similar to their finale performance of “Who’s Lovin’ You,” or debut a new single, possibly in the soul-pop genre Bublé hinted at in a post-finale interview with NBC Insider. Bublé had said, “I think he’s a soul singer honestly… it has that edge of a little gospel, a little soul,” comparing Vasquez’s potential to artists like Bruno Mars and Adele. A performance on May 20 would not only thrill fans but also provide a platform for Vasquez to launch his post-Voice career, a critical step for winners who often struggle to break the show’s “curse” of limited mainstream success, as noted by some fans in Season 26 recaps.
What to Expect from the Finale
The The Voice Season 27 finale, airing on May 19 and 20, will follow the show’s two-part format. On Monday, the top five will perform two songs each—a ballad and an up-tempo track—vying for America’s votes. Tuesday’s results show will feature the winner announcement, coach-contestant duets, and special performances. Past finales have included emotional moments, like Vasquez’s tearful reaction to “A Million Dreams,” and star-studded appearances, such as Sting playing bass with contestants in Season 26. Fans hope for similar surprises, with some on X wishing for a Legend-Levine duet, given their history of playful banter.
Vasquez’s rumored performance could steal the show, especially if paired with an emotional tribute to his journey. His story of overcoming adversity—moving to the U.S. in 2022, working as a dental assistant, and competing at the Apollo Theater—resonates deeply. A performance could also spotlight Utica, New York, where he’s lived since 2023, following in the footsteps of other Upstate New York winners like Sawyer Fredericks from Season 8. The Filipino community, which rallied behind him during Season 26 with millions of social media views, would likely tune in en masse, boosting viewership.
The Bigger Picture: The Voice’s Legacy
The potential return of Vasquez underscores The Voice’s enduring appeal as a platform for diverse talent. Season 26 was hailed as one of the strongest in recent memory, with Vasquez and Shye dominating the finale. Season 27, with its mix of veteran and new coaches, continues to evolve, though some fans on X have criticized the show for not extending its finale to include more family celebration moments, a sentiment echoed after Season 26’s abrupt ending. Others argue the talent pool remains uneven, with Vasquez’s win seen as a rare instance of “America getting it right,” as one fan commented on GoldDerby.
For Vasquez, a finale performance could be a launching pad, addressing the challenge faced by past winners in sustaining a music career. His cultural impact as a Filipino artist, combined with Bublé’s mentorship, positions him uniquely. Whether he performs a soulful ballad or an upbeat pop track, his return would symbolize hope, resilience, and the power of dreams—themes central to his Voice journey.
Let’s Tune In
As The Voice Season 27 finale approaches on May 20, 2025, the excitement is palpable. Will Sofronio Vasquez indeed take the stage for a surprise performance, captivating audiences once more with his velvet voice? Will Team Legend, Levine, Bublé, or Ballerini claim the crown? Fans can catch the action on NBC at 9/8c, with streaming available on Peacock the next day. Whatever happens, the finale promises to be an emotional, music-filled celebration, and if Vasquez returns, it might just be the highlight of the season. Let’s tune in and find out.
