Filipino finalist on ‘The Voice’ USA credits Vice Ganda for inspiration

Sofronio Vasquez, a Filipino contender in the Top 8 of Season 26 of ‘The Voice USA,’ shared his heartfelt gratitude to Vice Ganda for inspiring him to pursue his dreams.

Before gaining international recognition, Vasquez tried his luck in local singing competitions such as ‘The Voice of the Philippines’ and ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’. However, his journey wasn’t without setbacks.

“Sumali na ako sa ‘The Voice Philippines,’ walang lumingon sa akin, and ten years later, napasali ako sa ‘The Voice America’ and then naging four-chair (turner) ako,” Vasquez recalled during an interview on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime.

 

The singer reminisced about his earlier aspirations. “Dati pinapangarap ko lang sana kahit ‘di kami lingunan, kahit 0.1 second lang makita kami sa TV,” he said.

In the same interview, Vasquez took the opportunity to thank Vice Ganda for championing Filipino talents.
“Thank you for inspiring me to dream kasi kahit nung lumalaban pa kami, she’s trying to make sure na lahat ng mga contestants or lahat ng mga talent na dadaan sa Tawag ng Tanghalan stage ay napapansin. Binibigyan niya talaga ng highlight,” he said, adding, “Ako, inspired talaga ako sa kanya, so thank you Ate.”

Vasquez has been earning accolades in the U.S. competition, impressing audiences and coaches, including Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, and his mentor, Michael Bublé. His recent performance of ‘Crying’ during the Playoffs was particularly lauded.

With the Live Show rounds starting December 3 (Philippine time), Vasquez is calling on Filipinos worldwide to support him through votes as he aims for a spot in the Top 5 of the prestigious singing competition.