Shauna-Kay Miller’s rendition of the John Legend song “Glory” brought down the house during the Gen-Y Factor Competition on Saturday at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall.
The first judge to speak after her song, however, was lukewarm, telling her that he thought the song was too short and not her best work.
But the audience disagreed, booing him loudly, and the other judge who spoke felt differently.
“Shauna, you have an extremely powerful voice,” said Dr. Alison Flax-Archer, drawing growing cheers from the crowd as she described Ms. Miller’s act as “absolutely mesmerising.”
That sentiment would carry the day, as the Sea Cows Bay resident went on to win, edging out 11 other performers representing the territory’s nine electoral districts.
But it wasn’t easy. The competition was stiff throughout the night as the artists took the stage one by one, with the crowd cheering, blowing horns and shouting words of support for their favourites. After each performance, two of the judges provided a brief critique.
Once all twelve contestants had performed, it was in the judges’ hands. While they deliberated, the audience was treated to songs by artists including 2016 Gen Y winner Durnel Jay Sanderson, who performed an original piece he wrote for a “special” someone.
Shortly thereafter, the results were in, and the top six contestants were announced with the help of special guests like the six contenders for the 2017 Miss BVI Pageant.
Besides Ms. Miller, the finalists were Kathlyn Archibald-Drew (District One), Abigail Christopher (District Five), Janae Estridge (District Six), Jamori Blaize (District Six), and Kadijah Roberts (District Nine).
Then the top six were narrowed down to three: The two District Six contestants and Ms. Miller were asked to step forward onto a podium, where the final winner was announced.
Ms. Miller’s cheering supporters then surrounded her, offering hugs and congratulations.
A success
Show organiser Brenda Lettsome-Tye, acting director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, said she was pleased with the event, adding that all participants gained something.
“It’s a journey,” she said, adding, “The experience from the journey will stay with them forever.”
Ms. Miller will take away more than the experience. Besides a cash prize, she’ll receive an original song written and produced by Andrew “Druski” Scott; free legal consultancy services from entertainment attorney Natasha Cobham; and a free recording session with HomeGrown Studio, according to government.
She will also represent the DYAS at its sponsored events and she’ll be a Digicel brand ambassador.
“I grew up singing, so singing is extremely important to me,” Ms. Miller said after the show, adding, “Now that I’ve won this competition, I can finally get to put my voice further out there. Winning this competition still feels like a dream. I’m happy God answered my prayers.”
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