A million dreams keep ‘The Voice’ USA champion Sofronio Vasquez going, as he recently revealed that he signed with the powerhouse label, Republic Records.
In an interview with Karen Davila on January 16, the Filipino musician revealed that he recently joined the Universal Group family. Sofronio emphasized that the automatic recording label was part of the several opportunities and prizes that came after his triumphant win at the singing competition.
As Sofronio looked back on his journey, starting from auditions in the Philippines until his audition at The Voice USA, he realized something about his dream.
“Hindi ko talaga akalain na sobrang liit lang ng pangarap ko ngayon kasi, when I look back noong nakikita ko na yung mga kakilala ko na naging champion, sinasabi ko din na champion na sila, sana ako din maging champion,” he said.
Ngayon pala yung moment na binigay sa akin na champion na ako,” he added.
The singer even mentioned how he once whispered to the universe, asking it to let him win. As he kept replaying the vision he had, it seemed that all the chairs had turned in his direction after rising to the top of the singing competition ladder.
Now, he signed with a major record label and will be releasing music under the same roof as famous artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and many others. ‘The Voice’ winners typically receive $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.
Sofronio returned to the Philippines for the first time this year for his first major concert since earning the The Voice title. He performed in front of a sold-out crowd at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also honored Sofronio for making history as the first Filipino and Asian to clinch the title. During the ceremony, Marcos emphasized that the singer’s historic win made Filipinos "famous again."
Apart from the record deal, Sofronio bared his plan with the prize money. According to the singer, he would use the money as an investment to pursue music.
“Gagamitin ko yung pera na ‘yon as an investment sa music. Kasi music talaga eh. And now, I’m given the chance to penetrate the mainstream, which is America. Gagamitin ko talaga ‘yon,” he said.
“Kumbaga if I have to produce myself; if I have to reach out to people, big names. Always naman akong ganon. Kumbaga a no is a no, [and] a yes is a yes. Try lang ako. Kung makatanggap ako ng no edi move on to another,” he added.
Looking back, Sofronio mentioned how he came to America intending to be a dental assistant. Music was not part of his priorities at the time, and only thought of using it for "rakets" to sustain his daily living.
However, his life took a turn after trying his luck with music for one last time, singing his heart out to a rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” at The Voice blind auditions last year.
