Filipinos are known around the world as some of the best singers, and a few have proven it on different international stages. Recently, Kapuso singer Arabelle dela Cruz won the Korean singing competition Veiled Cup Korea on February 1.
Back in 2024, Sofronio Vasquez made waves when he won the 26th season of The Voice USA, making him the first Filipino and Asian to ever win the title.
Take a look at the Filipino singers who won international singing contests in this gallery:
After years of coming close but never claiming the win, Arabelle dela Cruz finally clinched the trophy, walking away with pride as the newest Veiled Cup Korea grand winner.
She admitted that it felt surreal to win the international competition and said she was in disbelief when her name was announced as the winner. "Ang dami kong nararamdaman, masaya ako na parang pina-process ko pa 'yung 'Nangyari na ba talaga 'yun?'” she said.
The Kapuso singer even admitted that she considered quitting after her most recent close call at The Clash in 2025. "“Ilang competitions na ang nasalihan ko, lahat grand finals na ang inabot ko, hindi ko pa nakuha 'yung title, laging malapit na. Pero ngayon, nabigay na. Sabi ko, 'Grabe talaga 'yung timing.' Kasi, before po ng Veiled Cup, noong katatapos lang ng The Clash sabi ko hindi na ako sasali, parang 'yun na 'yung last competition ko. Then came the Veiled Cup, so super unexpected," Arabelle said.
Filipino-Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, also known as JJ, proved the singing prowess of Filipinos when he won the 69th edition of the international singing competition Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
JJ performed "Wasted Love" as his winning piece, and after his win, he clarified that "love is never wasted," contrary to his song choice.
With JJ's win, he became the first Southeast Asian winner of Eurovision. In 2025, he also won two fan-voted Eurovision Awards in the categories Outstanding Vocals and #ALBM Cover of the Year for his and Conchita Wurst's mashup.
Filipino Singer Sofronio Vasquez made waves when he won and became the first Filipino and Asian to ever win The Voice USA back in 2024.
In an interview, Sofrionio admitted that the most challenging part of competing in the international contest was being away from his family.
Sofronio also shared how he noticed early in the competition that the audience was looking for "soul" in the contestants. He realized that since it was very different from how Pinoy singers perform, it was also something he had to overcome, which he eventually did.
The wins of Arabelle, JJ, and Sofronio have further cemented the singing skills of Filipinos in the minds of the global audiences. And as they continue to make names for themselves, they will also pave the way for other Pinoy singers in international contests.