Jessica Sanchez and Sofronio Vasquez make the Philippines their priority
There’s something quietly powerful about watching a global winner rehearse.
No pyrotechnics. No screaming crowd. Just a voice filling an empty space and is already sounding concert-ready.
“Rehearsal pa lang,” someone whispered as Jessica Sanchez sang, effortlessly commanding the room. “Pang-concert level na agad.” And this was before she even hit the stage for her New Year’s countdown performance at Newport World Resorts where we caught up with her just recently.
Jessica Sanchez, “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 winner, has always been a familiar name to Filipino audiences. But this visit felt different. This was her first time back in the Philippines after winning “AGT” and after becoming a first-time mother.
When I asked her why she didn’t bring her baby this time, she laughed softly, eyes lighting up as she pulled out her phone.
“I miss her, I miss her,” she said. “But she’s on my phone all the time. Look at her, she’s so cute.”
Motherhood, she admitted, has changed everything. Even the way she sings.
“All the hormones of being pregnant,” Jessica shared, “it changed the breathing. I had to learn how to sing again.”
That line stayed with me.
Because Jessica’s journey has never been about shortcuts. From her early days auditioning on talent shows, to “American Idol,” to the personal losses she has spoken about openly in recent years, her “AGT” win wasn’t an overnight victory, it was a culmination of more than a decade of perseverance.
I remember covering her journey back in Chula Vista up until the “Idol” stage where we even went to the finals of “American Idol” Season 11 where she placed as a runner-up. What a journey it has been indeed.
And yet, when asked what keeps her grounded, her answer wasn’t about trophies or titles.
“My family, my daughter, of course, God — my faith,” she said. “They’re the ones who let me keep going.”
That grounding was evident when she made a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace as well, where President Bongbong Marcos personally thanked her for bringing pride to the country on the international stage. A recognition not just of her win, but of her choice to keep returning.
“The love from the Filipino people,” Jessica told me, “I can really feel it. Meeting the President and the First Lady, they were so nice. I feel even more welcomed to bring all my energy to the stage.”
So much so that she has already been invited to perform at the ASEAN Leaders Summit this 2026, a request reportedly made by one of her fans: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Yes, even heads of state are fans.
And then came the reveal that made Filipino fans collectively sit up: new year, new music. She will be releasing Tagalog songs, including an original single. Collaborations with major artists, both local and international, are also in the works.
Global stage. Filipino heart.
A familiar pattern.
Because Jessica isn’t alone.
Just over a year ago, Sofronio Vasquez made history as the first Filipino to win “The Voice US.” Overnight, he was introduced to the world as a soul singer with some even calling him “the complete superstar.”
Fast forward to today, and Sofronio is proving that his win wasn’t a fleeting moment. From international performances, including a recent performance in Dubai, to a packed calendar ahead, his momentum continues.
But what’s striking is this: despite the opportunities waiting in the U.S., Sofronio keeps coming back.
His current priority? A powerhouse Valentine’s concert at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on Feb. 14, sharing the stage with OPM greats Martin Nievera, Jed Madela, Jona, and Klarisse de Guzman.
“Nagkataon lang din,” Sofronio explained, “na yung nangyari last year, sinagad namin lahat ng events sa holidays bago ako lumipad.”
When I asked him about balancing audiences, he didn’t hesitate.
“Honestly, I love the American audience,” he said. “Pero gusto ko rin kumanta with Filipinos.”
His career philosophy is simple: go where the wind blows. He remains under the same management team as his mentor Michael Bublé — which, according to Sofronio, has been nothing but supportive.
“I’m still handled by Michael Bublé’s team,” he shared. “They’re very supportive. Basta huwag kalimutan — may America din ako.”
That duality of Sofronio — America and the Philippines — isn’t a conflict for him. It’s the dream he balances. To merge careers. To honor both stages. To grow globally without losing the audience that raised him.
“I just trust the process,” he said. “Kung ano man ang mangyari, tatanggapin ko and with full excitement and learnings.”
It’s a sentiment echoed, whether spoken or unspoken, by many Filipino artists who succeed abroad.
The Philippines isn’t just a market. It’s an anchor.
For Jessica and Sofronio, returning here isn’t about validation, it’s about connection. It’s about grounding themselves in a place that doesn’t just applaud success, but understands struggle. A place where wins are celebrated collectively, and journeys are remembered.
In an industry obsessed with “breaking into” bigger markets, there’s something quietly revolutionary about choosing to come home and build from there.
The world may have discovered them on global stages.
But the Philippines is a place where we never stopped listening.
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