The Voice has etched its name in history with the crowning of a season 26 winner, Sofronio Vasquez. This Filipino native's victory marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Filipino singer to claim the U.S. version of The Voice. It also stands as a debut victory for first-time coach Michael Bublé.

The Voice's Season 26 Triumph and Sofronio Vasquez's Journey

He Was Born in the Philippines but Now Calls New York Home

According to his NBC bio, Sofronio Vasquez hails from Mindanao, Philippines. Growing up, he had very little, with no bed or indoor plumbing. His journey to stardom is truly remarkable. After performing Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream" during the Dec. 2 episode, Bublé offered heartfelt feedback, highlighting Vasquez's "strength" in the face of adversity. Despite living in Utica, N.Y. since 2023, he feels as if he was born and raised there. This shows the deep connection he has with the place.Vasquez's Instagram account showcases his life in the Philippines at Amanpulo Hotel. It gives a glimpse into his roots and the place that shaped him.

Music Ran Through His Family, Even in Tough Times

Despite a challenging upbringing, music was always a source of joy for Vasquez's family. His father was his original mentor, but coming to America meant adjusting to a new music scene. In December 2024, he told PEOPLE that the audience here was interested in "souls." He had to overcome this and focus on his own voice and heart. He said, "I think I was just like, 'Come on, Sofronio, settle in. You have your voice, you have your heart. Just sing it.'" This shows his determination and resilience.

Aiming for Dentistry but Driven by Music

According to his NBC bio, Vasquez didn't think he was as musically talented as others around him. So, he pursued a career in dentistry. But before his father tragically passed away, he decided to give music a chance while preparing for his dental boards in the Philippines. Driven by a desire to honor his late father and their shared love of music, he moved to the U.S. in 2022 to take his passion more seriously. This shows the power of music in his life and how it led him to pursue his dreams.

Previous Audition Experience in The Voice of the Philippines

Ahead of the December 2024 finale, Vasquez told the Utica Observer Dispatch that he auditioned for The Voice of the Philippines nearly a decade ago but didn't get selected. This time, his life experiences over the past few years changed his luck. He said, "I was just a happy kid and not a dreamer before. But now with all the adversities in life, I got to be just me, me." His attitude and growth are evident in his journey.After winning, he wrote on Instagram, "Dreams really do come true." This shows the significance of his victory and how it fulfilled a long-held dream.

A Four-Chair Turn During Blind Auditions

For his blind audition, Vasquez chose to perform Mary J. Blige's cover of "I'm Goin' Down," which led to a four-chair turn by all the judges, including Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, and Bublé. The panel turned almost immediately after he hit his first note, showing the immediate impact of his talent. McEntire said, "Your voice is like butter, it is so easy on the ears. But your soulfulness touched my heart." Bublé also gave him special feedback, saying his people are beautiful and he will make them proud. Together, they achieved victory.

Building a Family with Fellow Contestants and Mentor

Vasquez previously told PEOPLE that the hardest part of the journey was being away from his family. But he also found a "family" in The Voice. Bublé made sure he felt at home throughout the season. He said, "Michael as a coach and as a mentor is so genuine and that makes me feel that I am home even if I am super super far away from home. He loves us." During the finale, Vasquez expressed his gratitude, saying Bublé's mentorship was a "blessing" to him, his family, and all the dreamers out there.This journey of Sofronio Vasquez on The Voice is a testament to his talent, determination, and the power of music. It has inspired many and shown that dreams can indeed come true.