‘The Voice USA’ Season 66 grand winner Sofronio Vasquez received a warm welcome during his homecoming performance on ‘It’s Showtime’, but the moment was not without controversy as criticisms resurfaced online.

Sofronio captivated the audience with his emotional rendition of ‘A Million Dreams’ from ‘The Greatest Showman’. Joining him on stage were OPM artists Darren Espanto, Nyoy Volante, Klarisse De Guzman, and Yeng Constantino, alongside past ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ (TNT) champions.

Sofronio’s connection to ‘It’s Showtime’ runs deep, having started as a ‘TNT’ contestant and later becoming a vocal coach for the show.

During his post-performance interview with hosts Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro, Sofronio shared his gratitude for the opportunities It’s Showtime gave him, even after his TNT journey ended.

“Hindi naman po nila alam na hindi naman po tumigil ‘yong pangarap ko sa competition, ‘yong Showtime po ‘yong mismong nagbigay sa akin ng trabaho, ginawa po nila akong vocal coach kaya maraming salamat po,” Sofronio said.

 

Vice Ganda then addressed the online backlash from netizens who accused the show of claiming credit for Sofronio’s success after his victory in The Voice USA.

“Ang daming nagtalakan sa Showtime sa Twitter, ‘Ngayon pinapansin n’yo si Sofronio,’ ‘Ngayon inaangkin n’yo si Sofronio kung maka-our very own kayo diyan,’” Vice explained.

Vice added playfully, “Yes, after niya mag-TNT, kahit hindi siya nagtagumpay dito, he stayed. Naging vocal coach siya ng mga contestant sa Tawag ng Tanghalan. Hindi ninyo alam ‘yon, kaya talagang pamilya siya, kaya…” before sticking out his tongue, earning laughter from the audience.

“Pinag-awayan nila ‘yan online!” he added. “We are very proud that you are part of this family, we love you very much!”

Co-host Vhong Navarro emphasized the show’s pride in Sofronio’s achievements, saying, “We’re proud that you chose to come back home first after your big win.”

The segment concluded with OPM legend Ogie Alcasid presenting Sofronio with a special trophy on behalf of Filipino artists, recognizing his contribution to OPM and his representation of Filipino talent on the international stage.