"The Voice USA" Season 26 champ Sofronio Vasquez III during his reunion performance at It's Showtime at the ABS-CBN Compound on January 6, 2025. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File
"The Voice USA" winner Sofronio Vasquez has been chosen to lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Tuesday.
The PCO described Sofronio's participation in the SONA "as a tribute to Filipino talent and national pride."
"Selecting Vasquez, a multi-awarded singer known for his powerful renditions of patriotic and classical pieces, reflects the administration’s intent to blend tradition and excellence in this year’s SONA ceremony," the PCO said in a statement.
"The singing of the national anthem is a key ceremonial element of the SONA, setting the tone for the President’s annual address before members of Congress, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and millions of Filipinos watching from around the world," it added.
During the fourth SONA, to be held on July 28, Marcos is "expected to outline his administration’s key accomplishments, policy priorities, and plans to improve the lives of Filipinos," according to the PCO.
Sofronio won the 26th season of "The Voice" in the United States, competing under coach Michael Bublé.
Before joining "The Voice," Sofronio was a finalist in the second season of "Tawag ng Tanghalan" in 2017 and returned for its all-star edition in 2019, where he placed third.