Photo from sofroniovasquez/Instagram
As fun filled the skies in celebration of American independence, it was a Filipino American voice that set the tone for the day.
“The Voice” Season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez opened the 4th of July festivities at the Belmont Derby Invitational with a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful,” captivating the crowd just moments before the prestigious horse race commenced.
Vasquez took to Facebook shortly after the performance to share a clip of the moment, with a caption, “The rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’ by The Voice Winner Sofronio Vasquez sets the stage before the Belmont Derby Invitational at Saratoga! Happy Independence Day America!!”
But it’s also this month last year when his life’s trajectory started to shift, in the best possible way.
“Exactly one year ago, I stepped on [The Voice US] stage for my Blind Audition,” he recalled in an Instagram post with some photos of him in the competition. “At the time, it was still confidential that we were taping until Season 26 was scheduled to air on TV, which greatly intensified my anxiety about advancing without being able to share the news publicly.”
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Little did he know then that he would go on to win the entire season, earning praise from industry icons along the way and becoming the first Filipino and the first Asian to win the international singing tilt. “What an incredible journey it has been,” Vasquez added. “I am grateful for the people I have met, most notably [Michael Buble].”
His message concluded with words that resonate with dreamers everywhere, “Never stop dreaming and keep working.”
With his upcoming headlining concert “Live in New York” just around the corner, set for July 19 at The Townhall NYC with musical director Troy Laureta and special guests, Vasquez is showing no signs of slowing down. He’s been flying in and out of the Philippines for shows and concerts.
