Sofronio Vasquez had his pick of coaches after nabbing a four-chair turn with his Blind Audition performance of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” on season 26 of The Voice. After a lifetime of performing Michael Bublé songs in his native Philippines, Vasquez worried that nerves would get the best of him if he chose the “Feeling Good” crooner. Fortunately, he overcame that, and the 32-year-old former dental student became the first Filipino winner of The Voice on Dec. 10. And recently, Vasquez had another “pinch-me” moment when he appeared via Zoom on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

“Is This Real?” ‘The Voice’ Champ Meets Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is somewhat of a mythical figure in the singing reality competition world. The Burleson, Texas-born artist was just 20 years old when she won the first-ever season of American Idol. In 2018, Clarkson joined The Voice as a coach. She sat in the big red chair for nine seasons, winning four of them.

Since 2019, the “Behind These Hazel Eyes” singer has hosted her own NBC talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. That’s where she welcomed The Voice season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez via teleconference Monday (Dec. 16.)

Honestly, Vasquez’s reaction couldn’t be more relatable. “Oh my gosh,” he said, covering his mouth with his hand. “Is this real?”

A grinning Clarkson replied, “Congratulations! I’m so stoked for you and Michael.”

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this is happening, but thank you so much,” he responded.

The nerves remained even as Clarkson gently prodded the soul singer about becoming The Voice’s first-ever Filipino champion. “I don’t know what to say, but yeah, I’m the first Filipino winner of The Voice,” he said.

We suspect Sofronio will have plenty more moments like these in the future.

Michael Bublé Is “Super Canadian”

After exchanging pleasantries with Sofronio Vasquez, Clarkson got down to business. “Wait, how is Michael Bublé as a coach?” she asked. “Be real.”

The Voice champ answered honestly. “If I’m going to be real,” Vasquez began, “he’s very cool and he’s so funny.”

And the British Columbia native apparently quite enjoys fulfilling Canadian stereotypes. “He even always played hockey with us,” Vasquez revealed. “And it’s really weird because it’s not The Voice, it’s not part of The Voice, but he was like, ‘Do you know how to play hockey?”

Laughing along with the audience, Clarkson said, “He’s, like, super Canadian.”

Featured image by Trae Patton/NBC