Sofronio Vasquez recalls how Michael Bublé wanted to give back to PH: ‘Talagang lumuluha na siya’

Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez III recalled an emotional moment with Michael Bublé during The Voice USA, revealing that the Canadian singer wanted to give back to the Philippines because of the country’s role in his journey as an artist. 

In an interview on Think, Talk, Tea, Sofronio looked back on his experience competing in the 26th American season of the singing competition in 2024, where he became the first Asian to win the title under Michael’s mentorship. 

Sofronio made an impression during the blind auditions with his rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” earning a four-chair turn and a standing ovation from coaches Michael, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani. 

Although Michael was one of Sofronio’s idols, the Filipino singer initially considered joining Gwen’s team, admitting that he wanted to be strategic about his choice of coach. 

“Kasi kapag sumali ako kay Michael Bublé – eh idol ko nga siya – baka ma-starstruck lang ako sa kaniya kapag kausap ko siya…I was thinking [na] gusto kong mag-Gwen kasi si Gwen, hindi ko siya masiyadong ka-genre…Ako since iniisip ko na hindi ko alam kung anong genre ako, punta na lang ako kay Gwen.” 

However, Michael’s sincere appeal eventually made a lasting impression on Sofronio. He recalled how emotional the Canadian singer became while asking for the opportunity to mentor him. 

“Itong si Michael Bublé  nung nag-pitch na sila, talagang lumuluha na siya. [Sabi niya] ‘Please give me the opportunity to give back to the Philippines,” Sofronio recalled. 

According to Sofronio, the conversation went beyond what viewers saw in the televised blind auditions, as Michael also shared the story of how his career developed and how his experiences in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, helped shape his journey. 

The Filipino singer said Michael brought up OPM icon Martin Nievera while explaining how he had struggled to gain recognition in the American music industry before finding a wider audience through performances in Asia. 

“Pinag-usapan [namin] si Martin Nievera…kasi he started as nobody sa industry. Walang naniwala sa kaniya sa Amerika for years – ito ‘yung kwento niya. Not until nagpunta siya ng Asia and then one of the few sold-out concerts niya was Philippines.” 

“Then he became the Michael Bublé that we know. So gusto niya mag-give back,” Sofronio added. 

For Sofronio, the encounter felt like something beyond an ordinary television moment, describing the experience as amazing and almost like a “divine intervention.” 

He also emphasized that Michael’s support did not end when the cameras stopped rolling. Rather than treating their relationship as one limited to the competition, Sofronio said the international star continued to reach out to him personally. 

“Hindi talaga siya pang TV lang,” he maintained. 

“Kaya hanggang ngayon, everytime na tumatawag siya or nagri-ring ‘yung phone ko kapag Michael Bublé [yung nasa screen] nags-screenshot talaga ako kasi hindi ko alam kung mauulit pa ba eh,” he added. 

The Filipino singer said their relationship has since grown into a friendship, with Michael becoming a fatherly or older-brother figure to him. Still, he admitted that he could not help feeling nervous whenever the singer called. 

“Friends na kami. Para ko na nga siyang tatay or kuya. Pero I always get the jitters kapag tumatawag [siya]. Unang-una ang daming taong nakapalibot sa kaniya [pero] at that moment, ikaw ‘yung iniisip niya.” 

Sofronio also said that Michael preferred not to be addressed as “Sir,” explaining that the title felt unusual to him. However, coming from the Philippines, where showing respect through titles is customary, Sofronio said he still found it difficult not to address the singer that way. 

Reflecting on their relationship, Sofronio expressed his admiration for Michael not only as a musician but also as a person. 

“Isa rin talaga ako sa mapalad…si Michael Bublé talaga iba as a person. Mapagmahal siya. I felt like he was also tested by time.” 

Under Michael’s guidance, Sofronio went on to win The Voice USA Season 26, becoming the first Asian champion in the competition’s history and bringing pride to the Philippines. 

Their partnership continued beyond the show. In November 2025, the two singers released a collaborative version of the Christmas song “Maybe This Christmas,” featuring a Filipino translation of part of the song to capture the warmth and joy of the holiday season in the Philippines.