‘The Voice’ Winner Scores Prestigious Singing Invite

Ever since winning season 26 of “The Voice,” Sofronio Vasquez has been working hard to advance his career. So far, he has been incredibly successful, even reuniting with fellow alums Shye Roberts and Sydney Sterlace for shows in New York this summer.

But Vasquez, the first Filipino to win “The Voice,” has just received his most prestigious and prominent booking to date. He will be singing the Philippine national anthem during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Sofronio Vasquez Singing at Philippine President’s State of the Nation Address

On July 15, the Philippines’ Presidential Communications Office confirmed in a press release that Sofronio Vazquez had been asked to sing the national anthem for President Marcos’ fourth SONA.

“Before his international success last year at Season 26 of The Voice, he competed in the second season of Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2017, finishing as a finalist,” the press release read. “Vasquez later returned for Tawag ng Tanghalan’s all-star edition in 2019, where he placed third. He has since performed on both national and international stages and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most distinguished vocalists.”

“Selecting Vasquez, a multi-awarded singer known for his powerful renditions of patriotic and classical pieces, reflects the administration’s intent to blend tradition and excellence in this year’s SONA ceremony,” it continued. “His participation is seen as a tribute to Filipino talent and national pride.”

Whoever sings the anthem is the one who creates “the tone for the President’s annual address before members of Congress, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and millions of Filipinos watching from around the world.”

Vasquez Has Been Performing Live as Much as Possible

Singing at such a prestigious event is quite an honor for Vasquez. Also, one that his mentor, Michael Bublé, is undoubtedly proud of. The two have kept in touch since the show and have posted selfies together.

“He told me… ‘You’re going to be working your ass off, and I’m going to be with you,’” Vasquez told American Songwriter. “‘That’s an assurance.’”

Vasquez also told WKTV that his former mentor “managed to pull in people that he worked with before—like writers, musical producers. And some of the songs that he has written have not been recorded, or he’s written new songs just for me.”

In March, he posted a photo with David Foster and his wife, Katherine McPhee. In the caption, he thanked Bublé for “always doing extra things just to rally my dreams in Music.” Bublé had introduced him to the couple, and Vasquez then performed at Katherine’s birthday party. There, he ended up meeting Bill Gates, which he was very excited about.

Vasquez has many supporters in his corner helping him on his musical journey. Hopefully, singing at the SONA in his home country is one of many highlights yet to come.