Sofronio Vasquez. Image: Instagram/@sofroniovasquez

Sofronio Vasquez revealed that he’s signed with New York-based Republic Records, which seems to be one of his prizes after winning the 26th season of “The Voice USA.”

Republic Records is home to big international acts like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and John Legend, as well as K-pop girl groups TWICE and ITZY.

Vasquez said he is “automatically signed” with the record label in a sit-down interview with Karen Davila, which was uploaded on the latter’s YouTube channel on Thursday, January 16.

“Meron din po ako talagang automatic na recording label dun sa Republic Records. Hindi ko aakalain,” he said, without disclosing any further details.

“When I look back, nakikita ko ‘yung mga kakilala ko na nagiging champion. Sinasabi ko sa [sarili ko] na sana maging champion din ako. Ngayon pala ‘yung moment na binigay sa’kin para maging champion,” he continued.

(I am automatically signed with Republic Records. I can’t believe it. When I look back, I witnessed colleagues winning as the champion. I would tell myself that I will be a champion. My moment to be the champion is finally given to me.)

When asked about his plans on how would he use his $100,000 (approximately ₱5.8 million), Vasquez said it will be used as an “investment” in hopes of taking his budding music career further.

“Gagamitin ko ‘yung pera as investment dun sa music,” he said. “Kasi music talaga [gusto kong gawin] eh. Now I was given the chance to penetrate the mainstream which is America, gagamitin ko talaga ‘yun.”

(I will use the money as an investment to develop my music career. I always wanted to do music. Now I was given the chance to penetrate the mainstream which is America, I am going to use it.)

The singer said that he doesn’t mind facing rejections at some point in his career, saying he is open to work hard to “produce” himself or reach out to “big names.”

“If I have to produce myself, if I have to reach out to people, big names, always [open] naman akong ga’un. Kumbaga, a no is a no and a yes is a yes. So try lang ako. Kung makatanggap ako ng no, then move on to another,” he said.

(If I have to produce myself or if I have to reach out to people, big names, I’m always open. In other words, a no is a no and a yes is a yes. I’ll keep trying. If I receive a no, I’ll move on to another.)

During the interview, Vasquez also spoke about his bond with his “The Voice USA” coach Michael Bublé, while likening him to his late father. “I’m blessed. He is just an amazing person.”

“He’s so kind. He’s very genuine,” he continued. “Forever kong itetreasure gaano niya ako minahal. Nakita ko ang Tatay ko sa kanya (I will forever treasure how he loved me. I see my father in him).”

Vasquez was named the winner of “The Voice USA” season 26 in December 2024, making him the first Filipino to win the singing contest. He previously competed in “It’s Showtime’s” “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment and “The Voice Philippines,” but wasn’t successful.

Following his win, the singer has been gracing several appearances in the Philippines and also received a courtesy call from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.