From Fil-Am popstar Olivia Rodrigo to KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza, the Filipino throat chakra is definitely taking over the global stage, and Pinoys just got a new name to be proud of. Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez just bagged the championship in season 26 of The Voice USA, and here are some fast facts about the new champion:

He’s the first Filipino AND first Asian to win the competition

Sofronio Vasquez is also the contestant who gave coach Michael Bublé his first win in his freshman season in The Voice.

During his blind audition, he performed Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down”, which earned him a four-chair turn from all coaches (Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg). For the final round, Vasquez performed “Unstoppable” by Sia and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.

He can sing from various genres (and even rap, too)

Sofronio Vasquez has proven his talent through various performances from diverse genres ranging from pop to RnB to rock to standard to jazz. And yes, he even raps.

He appeared in ‘It’s Showtime’

Before becoming known globally through the voice, Sofronio Vasquez had a stint in the It’s Showtime segment Tawag ng Tanghalan. He competed in the second season, finishing in 7th place, then again in the All-Star Grand Resbak season, finishing in 3rd place.

He joined several singing competitions, including The Voice of the Philippines

Sofronio Vasquez did singing gigs to earn money, while also trying his luck in various talent shows. The other most notable show he joined is the Philippine edition of The Voice, where he unfortunately did not earn chair turns from the judges singer-actress Lea Salonga, Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap, popstar Sarah Geronimo, and rock star Bamboo Mañalac.

“7x rejected auditions in TNT (singing contest in the Philippines). No chair turns in The Voice Philippines and Now! Top 5 Finale in The Voice USA,” a fan commented on The Voice’s YouTube video of the singer’s Top 5 performance.

He now has a recording contract

On top of the title of being “The Voice” of the USA, the 32-year-old singer received a grand prize of USD 100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Music Group. So fans can expect him to release a record soon.

He already has his his own songs

After his appearance in Tawag ng Tanghalan, Sofronio Vasquez released an original song called “Bakit Di Ko Sinabi” under Old School Records, a sub-label of ABS-CBN Music. He also has another song called “Bililhon”, but fans can expect for more to come with his new recording contract.

He hails from Misamis Occidental

Sofronio Vasquez was born in Ozamiz City to mother Aida Parojinog and father Oniol Vasquez, and has three siblings. The singer describes his life in Northern Mindanao as being made up of swimming and music. He credits his father as his first coach and the one who nurtured his love for singing.

He studied to be a dentist

Though he moved to the United States to pursue a singing career, Sofronio Vasquez currently works as a dental assistant in New York to provide for his family back home. But after this win, we’re guessing he’ll probably be spending less time in the dentist’s office and more time making us proud on stage.

Follow 8List.ph on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for the l8est entertaining, useful, and informative lists!