IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
It was a night filled with pride, passion, and music at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium as Overture 25 Productions and Godzella International presented The Winner of NBC’s The Voice Sofronio Vasquez in Los Angeles, a celebratory concert honoring the newly crowned winner of The Voice USA Season 26. The show, held on October 11, 2025, brought together fans, friends, and families who had followed Sofronio’s remarkable journey to victory. For many, the evening was more than a concert—it was a celebration of heritage, talent, and perseverance, and a special treat for his kababayans, the Filipino-American community who had cheered him on from his first note on television to his triumphant finale.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Sofronio Vasquez rose to international fame when he captivated America with his soulful voice and heartfelt performances on The Voice (US). During his blind audition, he earned a rare four-chair turn for his rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” ultimately choosing Michael Bublé as his coach. Week after week, he showcased an extraordinary range and emotional depth that made him a fan favorite. By the finale, his performances of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman and a stirring duet of “Who’s Lovin’ You” with Bublé sealed his historic win—making him the first Filipino and first male Asian winner of the U.S. edition of The Voice.
His victory became a source of pride for Filipinos around the world, a moment that transcended entertainment and touched something deeply personal in the global Filipino community. It was that same pride that filled the air in Pasadena, where fans waved Philippine flags and shouted messages of love and support as Sofronio took the stage. “This night is for all of you,” he said to the cheering crowd. “You believed in me when I was still dreaming—and that dream is ours now.” The words set the tone for an evening that felt more like a reunion of hearts than a concert.
Under the musical direction of Troy Laureta, a celebrated Filipino-American music director, producer, and arranger known for his work with artists like Ariana Grande, Andrea Bocelli, and Charice, the concert became a masterclass in live performance. Laureta’s arrangements gave the show both cinematic flair and heartfelt intimacy, guiding Sofronio through a set that balanced powerhouse moments with tender reflection. The evening began with a series of show-stoppers where Sofronio’s commanding vocals and stage presence filled the auditorium with electricity. He then revisited some of his Voice highlights, including soulful ballads and emotionally charged duets that showcased his versatility and storytelling.
The night featured beautiful collaborations with fellow The Voice artists Jeremy Beloate, Danny Joseph, and Mikaela Bautista. Beloate, a soulful performer from Memphis, brought raw emotion and powerful storytelling to his duet, while Joseph added warmth and musical precision that complemented Sofronio’s tone perfectly. Bautista, the youngest among them, charmed the audience with her crystal-clear voice and effortless confidence. Together, they embodied the spirit of unity and artistry that defines The Voice—a reminder that music is not just competition, but community.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came when world-renowned composer and producer David Foster made a surprise appearance. As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “My Grown-Up Christmas List” began to play, the audience gasped in awe. Sofronio and Foster performed the song together—a piece originally composed by Foster himself—in what became one of the most talked-about performances of the year. For Sofronio, it was a dream come true. He shared that he had performed the same song years ago on Tawag ng Tanghalan in the Philippines, never imagining that one day he would sing it alongside its creator. The duet, filled with emotion and grace, became an instant viral moment, with clips shared widely across social media and praised by fans around the world.
As the concert neared its finale, Sofronio returned to the stage to perform his winning song from The Voice, “A Million Dreams,” as his closing number. The performance was both triumphant and deeply moving—his signature powerhouse vocals now filled with gratitude, pride, and the weight of a dream fulfilled. The crowd erupted in applause, singing along as he hit every note with the same passion that won him the title, bringing the evening to an unforgettable close.
The event was a success not only artistically, but also through the generous support of its sponsors, which included IV Rx Health Group Holdings, Skin 105 Premier Med Spa, Sugar Land’s Premier Med Spa, Philippine Airlines, Ms. Nilda Olano Quiambao, Barbara Beyond Skin, K&Co, Wirksam Consulting, Island Pacific, Bergamot Asset Management, Tsoko Cafe, SPV, Orchid Street Pilates and Physical Therapy, Ecospan, Breed Kindness Foundation, and Elena’s Original Lapid. The Filipino Channel (TFC) served as the official media partner, ensuring that the celebration reached audiences across the globe.
By the concert’s end, as the final notes echoed through the hall, Sofronio stood at center stage, visibly moved. The audience rose to their feet, applauding and screaming for more. Many recall Sofronio saying, “This isn’t just my story. It’s our story. And it’s only the beginning.”
That night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium was more than a victory lap—it was a homecoming. It marked the rise of an artist who carries not only a powerful voice but the dreams of a people. For Sofronio Vasquez, it was proof that talent, faith, and heart can cross oceans and unite nations—and for his kababayans, it was a night to remember forever.