Years after leaving The Voice empty-handed in his native Philippines, Sofronio Vasquez decided to try his luck on the U.S. version. Turning all four chairs with his soaring rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” the 32-year-old quickly earned a reputation as “the Filipino phenom.” After choosing Michael Bublé as his coach, Vasquez delivered one spectacular performance after another. When all was said and done, viewers crowned him the season 26 winner over fellow Team Bublé artist Shye. Wasting no time, Vasquez recently announced he has signed a contract with Republic Records.

Sofronio Vasquez Is Joining the Universal Music Group Family

During an interview published Thursday (Jan. 16) with Filipino journalist Karen Davila, Sofronio Vasquez revealed he has an “automatic recording label” with Republic Records after winning The Voice in December 2024.

The show’s first-ever Filipino winner did not elaborate further on any future plans for music. However, he is in good company at Republic Records. Global pop stars like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and The Voice coach John Legend are also signed with the label, which is owned by Universal Music Group.

Each season, the winner of The Voice typically receives $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group. Speaking with Davila, Vasquez further revealed his plans for the $100,000 prize money.

“I will use the money as an investment to develop my music career,” he said in Tagalog. “I always wanted to do music. Now I was given the chance to penetrate the mainstream, which is America. I am going to use it.”

On Saturday (Jan. 18,) Vasquez returned to his homeland for his first major concert since earning The Voice title. He performed in front of a sold-out crowd at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu, Philippines.