Sofronio Vasquez, a talented singer who moved from the Philippines to Utica in 2023, captivated audiences and emerged as the winner of The Voice season 26 in December. Reflecting on his journey, Vasquez shared insights about his time on the show and the invaluable guidance he received from his coaches.

Behind the Scenes with the Coaches

Vasquez trained under the mentorship of Michael Bublé, whose advice proved transformative. “Michael is not just funny, as everyone knows, but also incredibly genuine and relatable. He started out like us—facing rejection before finding success,” Vasquez said. Bublé also provided honest feedback on style: “He would tell me, ‘I don’t like your outfit,’ and I’d change. He’s a great stylist, too.”

Despite not being his coach, Snoop Dogg played a significant role in Vasquez’s journey. “He’s like an uncle to me,” Vasquez said, noting how the rap legend checked in after every performance and even offered to fly Vasquez’s mother from the Philippines. “Snoop is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever worked with.”

Reba McEntire, whom Vasquez affectionately calls “mom,” left a lasting impression with her warm personality. “She’s even sweeter and more real than she seems on TV. She likes being called ‘mom,’ and I love calling her that,” he shared.

Vasquez also admired Gwen Stefani for her natural beauty. “I’ve seen her without makeup, and she’s always stunning,” he remarked.

The show’s staff curated wardrobes and provided professional hair and makeup for contestants, an experience that helped Vasquez redefine his personal style. He embraced new looks, including hats and trench coats, transforming his image into a signature brand. “In the Philippines, it was too hot for hats, and style wasn’t a big focus. A white T-shirt and pants were enough,” he said with a laugh.

Bublé’s mentorship extended beyond performance techniques. “He told me two things: just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should, and ‘be your own superhero,’” Vasquez shared. These lessons taught him to focus on authenticity and resilience, reminding him that even superheroes fail but still find strength to rise.