UPDATE: ‘It feels so surreal’- Shauna-Kay Miller
This year’s finalists were Kathlyn Archibald, District One; Jade Hodge, District Two; Shauna-Kay Miller, District Three; Essynce Evans, District Four; Lebritnie Legair and Abigail Christopher, District Five; Janae Estridge and Jamori Blaize, District Six; Lorenzo Thomas, District Seven; Zabdiel France, District Eight; and Kadijah Roberts and Jaani Ricketts, District Nine.
The competition commenced with an explosive performance from the students of Elmore Stoutt High School Rams and Nuvo Royal, alongside the 2016 Gen-Y Factor winner, Durnel Sanderson and finalist Kaywanna Pope.
The 2017 finalists then performed a song of their choice for two and a half minutes. Additionally, they gave beautiful renditions of songs written by the legendary Whitney Houston, John Legend and Demi Lovato.
Announcement of Winner
The Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall was filled to capacity with representatives from the different districts. They sang, cheered and blared their horns in support of their contestant.
While the audience anticipated the results of the competition, they were entertained by the 2016 Gen-Y Factor winner, Durnel Sanderson and finalists.
During intermission, Sanderson performed his first ever written song. Afterwards he was presented with a picture frame of some of his most memorable achievements.
The next segment of the show began with the announcement of the top six finalists. They were Kathlyn Archibald, District One; Jamori Blaize, District Six; Abigail Christopher, District Five; Shauna-Kay Miller, District Three; Janae Estridge, District Six and Kadijah Roberts, District Nine.
The host, Kareem-Nelson Hull, did not delay in announcing the top three. They were Jamori Blaize, District Six; Shauna-Kay Miller, District Three and Janae Estridge, District Six.
The audience waited with bated breath as the host prepared to announce the winner. After keeping everyone in suspense, he finally announced Shauna-Kay Miller from District Three as the winner.
The Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall erupted in a frenzy when the winner was revealed. Patrons rushed to the front of the stage to congratulate Miller.
Other prizes went to District Three for receiving the highest district score.
Surreal
A surprised but ecstatic Miller, who stated that this was her first competition win, was full of gratitude for the support she received from persons from her district as well as those outside.
She was particularly grateful to the Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, who she said assisted her throughout the process.
“It feels so good. It feels so surreal. It feels awesome. It was a challenge, especially tonight, for the semifinals it wasn’t that bad because you just want to make sure that you are a part of the nine or twelve that were being chosen. For this, it’s just one winner and I sat at the back listening to others. They were so good and I’m like, I don’t have this one, I really don’t,” Miller admitted.
Advice to upcoming competitors
Miller also had some advice for future Gen-Y Factor competitors. She advised them to take a chance and bring something new to the competition.
The 2017 Gen-Y Factor winner Miller plans to launch her singing career by doing studio recordings and more stage performances.
Talented young people
Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs Brenda Lettsome-Tye stated that the Virgin Islands is filled with talented young people and the Gen-Y Factor competition is a way of helping them to showcase their talents.
“We have some incredibly talented young people in the Territory and it just takes time and determination and being open to encouraging them to come forward and audition and get the opportunity to show their talents on a stage such as this,” Lettsome-Tye stated.
See previous story published June 17, 2017
Shauna-Kay Miller wins Gen-Y Factor 2017
Of the twelve persons that took to the stage in the finals of the 2017 Gen-Y Factor: District Battle Edition, it was Shauna-Kay Miller of District 3 who received the judges’ nod at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall in Road Town this evening, June 17, 2017.
The official Gen-Y Factor Talent Showcase and Competition provides local performers with the opportunity to share their talent with the public.
For her win, Miller will receive monetary awards; an original song written and produced by Grammy Award nominated producer, Andrew ‘Druski’ Scott; free legal consultancy services from award winning Entertainment Attorney, Natasha Cobham, for the duration of the contract; a free recording session with HomeGrown Studio; ambassadorial duties for telecommunication provider and event sponsor, Digicel; and many other prizes.
More details to follow.
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22 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘It feels so surreal’- Shauna-Kay Miller”
I guess some of us don't watch American Idol and America Got talent to witness the 14 yr old topping the 25 yrs old. Let's get real...
Peace Out..