Sofronio Vasquez has made history, claiming the crown on The Voice season 26 in a thrilling finale on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The victory not only marks a milestone for Vasquez but also celebrates Michael Bublé's debut season as a coach, earning him his first-ever win on the show. 

The Filipino singer's emotional journey from his blind audition to the final performance captured hearts across America, and his win was the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and incredible talent. The emotional moment of the finale saw Vasquez overcome with emotion, dropping to his knees as his name was announced as the winner. Bublé, who has developed a deep bond with his contestant throughout the season, also teared up in the joyous moment.

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"My Filipino brother, you are the hope of so many people…it has been such an unbelievable journey to be here with you," said the chart-topping artist ahead of the much-anticipated announcement. 

Vasquez's win came after a fierce battle in the final five. He faced off against fellow finalists Shye, Team Snoop's Jeremy Beloate, Team Reba's Danny Joseph, and Team Gwen's Sydney Sterlace. Vasquez became a fan favorite throughout the season for his infectious vocals and jaw-dropping stage presence. 

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Fans fell in love with his toe-tapping covers and him as a person. They found his personal story inspiring, and even some called it relatable. Born and raised in the Philippines, Vasquez's musical journey began with his father, who instilled a deep love of singing in him from an early age. After his father's death, Vasquez made the courageous decision to move to the United States in 2022 to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional musician.

His perseverance paid off when he wowed the coaches during his blind audition with a powerful rendition of Rose Royce's "I'm Goin' Down," securing a four-chair turn and eventually choosing Bublé as his coach.

Although Vasquez had his eye on the prize. He told PEOPLE that he planned to celebrate whether he scored the trophy or not. 

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"We're just going to celebrate that this was a very, very good run for The Voice and we really felt that we are loved by the production and no one is superior…we are all loved," he explained. 

While Vasquez's victory was celebrated by many, it didn't come without controversy. Some fans expressed their disappointment on social media, questioning the integrity of the show. One fan pointed out that contestant Jeremy Beloate had mentioned that The Voice had "reached out" to him, leading to speculation that the competition may not be entirely fair.

Others voiced frustration over the finale results, with some declaring that other contestants, like Shye or Danny Joseph, were more deserving of the win. "Jeremy 5th place is just flat-out wrong. #TheVoice," one fan tweeted. Another commented, "Shye is head and shoulders above them all," while a third said. Despite the criticism, many viewers stood by Vasquez, celebrating his emotional journey and undeniable talent.

Jeremy 5th place is just flat out wrong. #TheVoice

— El Joker 👑 (@trashtakes0) December 11, 2024

There's also a reminder of the harsh reality that The Voice winners often struggle to succeed in the music industry after the show, unlike American Idol, which has a record of producing major stars. Still, viewers are optimistic about Vasquez's future. 

With season 26 now wrapped up, fans can look forward to the next season of The Voice, which will premiere on NBC on February 3, 2025.  Bublé will return as a coach, along with country artist Kelsea Ballerini, who will be making her debut as a coach. Returning coaches John Legend and Adam Levine will join Bublé and Ballerini, while Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani will take a break from the panel.

Photo Credit: @sofroniovasquez on Instagram.