To Dream The American Dream

When Sofronio Vasquez belted out the soaring chorus of “A Million Dreams” during the grand finale of The Voice Season 26—where he became the first Filipino to win the international singing competition (at least in America)—it felt like a long-held dream finally realized, not just for him, but for the thousands of hopefuls who came before him.

The internet has dubbed Vasquez’s victory a redemption era for Filipino singers, harking back to when Jessica Sanchez (American Idol) narrowly missed the crown against fan favorite Phillip Phillips.

Of course, countless others have tried their luck in singing competitions, only to fall short. But Vasquez and Sanchez stood tall as flag bearers—emblematic of near-mythic victories and hard-fought outcomes.

Falling short of victory doesn’t diminish how highly the international singing scene regards Filipino talent—we remain a force to be reckoned with.

In an article from The Philippine Star, writer Jerry Donato traced this tradition of excellence back to the early 2000s when OPM icons like Dulce, Ivy Violan, Kuh Ledesma, and Regine Velasquez claimed top honors in their respective singing contests.

While Filipino talents have competed and flourished in international singing competitions across Australia, Great Britain, and beyond, there’s something uniquely special about glimpsing the fabled American Dream.

Sure, Broadway diva Lea Salonga cracked the code when she won Best Actress at the 1992 Tony Awards for her powerful portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon and became the first Filipino and Asian to do so. But why has no one reached that level, at least in this arena, since?

But what exactly is the American Dream, and why does the world care so much about it?

According to Investopedia, the American Dream is the belief that anyone—regardless of where they were born or their socio-economic status—can achieve their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for all.

But isn’t that a stretch? If success is defined by upward mobility, why go as far as America to achieve it? In countries free from political upheaval, this notion can be just as attainable.

What Sofronio Vasquez achieved may or may not bring him a taste of the American Dream, but one thing is certain: Filipinos will continue to shine on the international stage.

Because the dreams that truly matter, the ones that change lives, take root and flourish no matter where you stand. Or competed.