Sofronio Vasquez brings international flair to Tawag Ng Tanghalan; to sit as one of the judges

• Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino to win The Voice USA, has officially joined the 10th season of Tawag ng Tanghalan as a regular judge
• Joining head judge Louie Ocampo, Vasquez brings his world-class experience to mentor contestants from 18 different regions across the country
• The 10th season launch saw 19-year-old Sidro Quilicol emerge as the first winner, scoring an impressive 91.3% under the new panel's scrutiny
• Vasquez previously served as a contestant and vocal coach for the show, making his return as a "hurado" a landmark moment in TNT history

In a historic television homecoming, international singing sensation Sofronio Vasquez officially joined the judging panel of the legendary singing competition "Tawag ng Tanghalan" (TNT) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Fresh off his monumental victory as the champion of The Voice USA Season 26, Vasquez’s return to the It’s Showtime stage marks a full-circle moment for the artist who once stood as a contender on the very same platform.

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Vasquez made his debut as a "hurado" during the grand launch of Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 10, joining a distinguished panel led by veteran composer Louie Ocampo and TNT Season 4 grand champion JM Yosures.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to infuse the country’s longest-running noontime singing search with international expertise and a fresh, global perspective.

The Misamis Occidental native’s journey is the stuff of legend. Before conquering the American stage under the mentorship of Michael Bublé, Vasquez was a three-time finalist and eventually a vocal coach for TNT.

His transition from student to mentor, and now to judge, serves as a powerful inspiration for this season's aspiring talents.

Season 10 of Tawag ng Tanghalan has raised the bar with an expansive search covering 18 regions across the Philippines.

Contenders from these diverse locales will battle weekly, with regional victors advancing to a high-stakes final where 18 representatives will vie for the prestigious title of Grand Champion.

The competition kicked off with a high-octane showdown on Tuesday, where 19-year-old Sidro Quilicol secured the first victory of the season.

Scoring a remarkable 91.3%, Quilicol triumphed over fellow contender Vergel De Guzman, setting a competitive tone for the weeks to come.

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As the "hurado," Vasquez emphasized the importance of storytelling and heart in every performance, which are lessons he carried with him from his time in the U.S.

"I know exactly what it feels like to be on that stage, dreaming of a better life," Vasquez remarked during his introduction. "I’m here to help them find their own voice, just as I found mine."

Sofronio Vasquez is a powerhouse Filipino vocalist who achieved global fame as the Season 26 winner of The Voice USA. Making history as the first Asian male to win the American title, he previously honed his craft in the Philippines through gritty stints on Tawag ng Tanghalan and The Voice Philippines. Today, he is a celebrated international recording artist and a 2026 "hurado" for TNT.

In December of last year, Sofronio teamed up with his mentor, Michael Bublé, to release a new holiday cover of the track "Maybe This Christmas." The collaboration stands out for its inclusive production, featuring a blend of English and Tagalog lyrics to honor Vasquez's Filipino heritage on the international stage. Vasquez shared his heartfelt appreciation for Bublé, stating that the veteran crooner did more than just coach him; he offered his personal guidance, time, and vocal talent to the project. This duet serves as the lead single for Sofronio's debut EP, a high-profile project produced by Bublé that includes contributions from music legends Paul Anka and David Foster.

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Also last year, the Season 26 The Voice USA Champion delivered a powerful a cappella rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" to commence President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address in July 2025. As the first Filipino and first Asian male to secure a win on The Voice USA, Vasquez’s selection for the event served as a major recognition of world-class Filipino talent. The US-based singer made a specific journey back to the Philippines for the occasion, noting that the invitation significantly validated his worth as a professional performer. Vasquez described the performance as more than just a song, viewing the national anthem as a vital reminder for all Filipinos to bridge their differences and unite as one people.

Source: KAMI.com.gh