In December 2024, Sofronio Vasquez, a 32-year-old singer from Mindanao, Philippines, made history as the first Filipino and Asian winner of The Voice USA Season 26. His soulful performances and undeniable charisma captivated audiences worldwide, but it was his heartfelt connection with coach Michael Bublé that became one of the season’s most inspiring stories. Months after his victory, Vasquez revealed that he and Bublé remain close, frequently connecting via FaceTime, where the Grammy-winning crooner offers guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. “Not only is he my coach from The Voice, which historically made us win, but he also became family,” Vasquez shared in a June 2025 Instagram post, captioning a screenshot of a FaceTime call with Bublé. “He calls and sends some wisdom and great news for people like me who dream bigger than the world” []. This enduring mentorship, rooted in mutual respect and shared passion for music, continues to shape Vasquez’s burgeoning career, offering a powerful narrative of representation, perseverance, and the bonds that transcend a reality TV competition.

From Mindanao to the Global Stage: Vasquez’s Journey

Sofronio Vasquez’s path to The Voice was anything but conventional. Born in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental, to Aida Parojinog and Oniol Vasquez, he grew up in a modest household where music was a constant source of solace despite financial hardships. “Anytime, our home could be demolished,” he recalled in an interview with Vogue Philippines, reflecting on the uncertainty of his childhood []. Music, instilled by his father—whom Vasquez calls his first coach—became his refuge. He credits those early years with shaping his resilience and identity, stating, “It made me who I am today” [].

Before The Voice, Vasquez was no stranger to the spotlight. In 2019, he competed on the Filipino singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan, finishing third. A 2022 performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” alongside fellow Tawag alums went viral, amassing over 9.8 million views on Facebook and nearly 867,000 streams on YouTube []. This moment hinted at his star quality, but his journey took a significant turn when he moved to Utica, New York, in 2022 after his father’s passing. The loss gave him “a new sense of motivation” to pursue music professionally, abandoning his plans to become a dentist despite earning an MD in dentistry from Misamis University in 2015 [].

Vasquez’s decision to audition for The Voice USA was a leap of faith. Having faced rejection on The Voice of the Philippines a decade earlier, where he received no chair turns, he approached the U.S. competition with trepidation. His Blind Audition performance of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” changed everything. All four coaches—Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani—turned their iconic red chairs, delivering a coveted four-chair turn. McEntire praised his voice as “like butter,” while Stefani called it a “Grammy performance.” Bublé, however, sealed the deal, declaring, “This dude could sing the phonebook!” []. Vasquez chose Bublé as his coach, a decision that would prove pivotal.

The Bublé-Vasquez Bond: A Mentorship Beyond the Stage

From the outset, Vasquez’s connection with Bublé was special. Initially intimidated by his idol, Vasquez hesitated to join Team Bublé, fearing he might struggle to express himself. “I was thinking, ‘What if I pick him and I cannot express myself because I’m always intimidated?’” he told Parade []. However, Bublé’s heartfelt pitch during the Blind Auditions changed his perspective. Vasquez noted Bublé’s “very Filipino” emotional depth, describing their conversation as a “heart-to-heart” that felt like home []. This emotional connection became the foundation of their mentorship.

Throughout Season 26, Bublé’s coaching was meticulous and personal. He guided Vasquez through song choices, arrangements, and even wardrobe decisions, fostering a sense of trust. “He wants to know what I will be wearing, how my arrangement is like,” Vasquez shared with GMA News. “After the show, he asks us, ‘What are you guys going to do after the show?’ He is like family” []. Bublé’s encouragement was particularly poignant during the Live Shows, when he brought Vasquez to tears with his feedback after a performance of Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream.” “Nobody in the whole universe besides you and your family know what you’re going through,” Bublé told him, praising his strength in overcoming adversity [].

Bublé’s support extended beyond technical coaching. Before the finale, he offered Vasquez a spiritual six-word message: “My brother, God has a plan for you.” He promised to stand by Vasquez, win or lose, saying, “I’ll be there, behind you, supporting you” []. This commitment proved genuine. After Vasquez’s victory, Bublé continued to mentor him, connecting him with songwriters and producers, including those he had worked with previously. “He managed to pull in people that he worked with before—like writers, musical producers,” Vasquez told WKTV []. Their FaceTime calls, as Vasquez revealed in June 2025, are filled with “wisdom and great news,” reflecting a bond that transcends the competition [].

A Historic Win and Global Impact

Vasquez’s journey on The Voice was marked by standout performances. He won his Battle Round against Aliyah Khaylyn with “The Power of Love,” triumphed in the Knockouts with “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” and moved audiences with “Crying” in the Playoffs []. His finale performances of Sia’s “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, along with a duet of “Who’s Lovin’ You” with Bublé, sealed his victory on December 10, 2024 []. Falling to his knees in tears when host Carson Daly announced him as the winner, Vasquez became the first Filipino and Asian champion of The Voice USA, a milestone celebrated across the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond [].

Bublé emphasized the global resonance of Vasquez’s win. “There is a whole country watching this like a Super Bowl, no joke,” he told NBC Insider. “And what’s more interesting is that it wasn’t just the Philippines. There were people everywhere that saw themselves in this kid” []. Vasquez’s victory was about representation, as Bublé noted: “We represent our countries, our family, our faith, our friends” []. For Vasquez, the win was a redemption after years of struggle. “Having to go through difficult adversities in life, I guess that’s the answer of me being redirected,” he told Good Housekeeping [].

Post-Victory: A Career in Motion

Since winning The Voice, Vasquez has hit the ground running. His $100,000 prize and Universal Music Group recording contract opened doors, but his collaboration with Bublé has been equally valuable. In May 2025, the two reunited in Los Angeles for a “productive lunch,” where they discussed Vasquez’s music career, with Bublé playfully pretending to forget his wallet in a lighthearted Instagram video []. Vasquez has been booking concerts across the U.S. and Philippines, including a June 2025 performance in Utica with fellow Voice finalists Shye and Sydney Sterlace []. He also performed at David Foster’s birthday party for Katharine McPhee in March 2025, rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Bill Gates [].

Vasquez’s plans include releasing an album with Bublé’s guidance. Acknowledging that English is not his first language, he expressed excitement about collaborating with songwriters recommended by Bublé. “I have a really good vision about my music,” he told Parade, emphasizing his desire to create inspirational music with a soulful, gospel edge []. Bublé envisions Vasquez as a soul-pop artist akin to Bruno Mars or Adele, noting, “He’s a soul singer honestly” []. Vasquez also dreams of performing at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall and winning a Grammy, aspirations he believes are within reach with Bublé’s support [].

His homecoming to the Philippines was a triumph. In January 2025, Vasquez returned as a guest judge on Tawag ng Tanghalan, performed his winning piece “A Million Dreams” on It’s Showtime, and met President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace []. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Filipino music icons like Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez, further cementing his role as a cultural ambassador [].

The Power of Mentorship and Representation

The bond between Vasquez and Bublé is a testament to the impact of mentorship. Bublé’s promise to support Vasquez “until I reach a billion” reflects a commitment that goes beyond the show []. Their FaceTime calls, filled with advice and encouragement, highlight a relationship built on mutual respect. “You know it’s always a pleasure, buddy,” Bublé commented on Vasquez’s Instagram post, a sentiment echoed by fans who celebrated their “genuine beautiful friendship” [].

Vasquez’s story resonates because it embodies the dreams of immigrants and underrepresented communities. “I’ve always been proud of my roots,” he told Vogue Philippines, emphasizing his intentional introduction as a Filipino during his Blind Audition []. His win inspired millions, with fans on social media calling him a “hero” for representing Asian and Filipino talent on a global stage []. Bublé’s pride in Vasquez’s achievement was palpable: “You are the hope of so many people—not just in the Philippines, but Asians everywhere,” he said during the finale [].

A Bright Future Ahead

As Vasquez prepares for his next chapter, his connection with Bublé remains a cornerstone of his journey. From a small town in Mindanao to the The Voice stage, Vasquez’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of mentorship. His advice to young dreamers—“never stop dreaming and not be afraid to fail”—reflects the lessons he’s learned []. With Bublé’s guidance and a global fanbase cheering him on, Vasquez is poised to become an international superstar, proving that dreams, when nurtured by talent and support, can indeed come true.