When the Master of Ceremony named 20-year-old Leona Peters of Anse-De- Mai winner of the 2013 Q95 Talent Search (QTS) on Saturday night, the Arawak House of Culture erupted in jubilation.
The cheering and shouting could be heard from a distance, as the other participants congratulated her and her family rushed on stage to embrace her.
Peters told DNO that is her second year in this competition, and she was confident she would make it this time around.
“I am very excited but it was something I was expecting, because trust me I worked very hard and I am very confident and I knew that I would place to be honest,” she said. “I always love singing, and I was in QTS last year and I decided that this year I am going for it to win this competition and make myself known”.
Peters, who is also a calypsonian, said she is looking forward to next year’s calypso competition and “whatever else comes my way in music. I really love to sing”.
Coordinator of the show Jael Joseph said the show was difficult to judge.
“Well the show has definitely raised the standard over the last years it was very, very difficult decision,” she said. “The judges’ scores all reflected who the winner was tonight, so there was no question about who the winner was in terms of the judging and I think the crowd definitely enjoyed it; the crowd was screaming and they were very appreciative of it and they really enjoyed it.”
Joseph said the winner was not judged based on popularity or because the crowd shouted at the top of their voices but according to criteria “and Leona Peters definitely nailed it right through.”
“Most of us would remember her from last year she was actually one of the finalist who didn’t make it to the top four and she came back, and this just goes to show she took most of what the coaches say and really came out and put on a show,” Joseph noted.
1st runner up went to Delma Daniel of Pichelin, 2nd runner up went to Stevauhn Morancie of Fond Cole and the 3rd runner up went Earl White of Bense.
The other finalists were: Hannah Massicot of Vielle Case, Jasmine Laville of Portsmouth, Tronnel Daniel of Grand Bay, Rosette Joseph of Fond Cole, Reah Lloyd of Canefeild, Kadeen Etienne of Bath Estate and Jerd Dorsette of Marigot.
Congrats Leona. You did it.
are there any videos online so we in the DIASpora can see?
visit leona peters on facebook, you will be able to see her video
congats to you miss peters
Leona, I don’t think people understand what kind of encouragement your winning is for young people especially those who think they have no chance at all. keep it coming young lady
Somebody cannot spell. There are TWO (2)’I’s in Vieille Case. “V I E I L L E CASE”
Leona you presented two excellent songs, the community of Bense, Anse de mai, Anse soldat we are proud of you.
Congrats to Earl as well, u were great, we lots forward to lots more from you guys in the near future just remain focused.
I hope some of the favorite subscribers to BNO find time to congratulate the young people on their positive accomplishments.Since some of them take so much pleasure in bringing them down.
The journey of who you were a year ago,and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of your QTS career begins. You were GREATTTTTTT. Congratulations and all the best in your musical career…..
Comgrats ‘Le’…So happy for you
I listened and in my opinion said that Leona Peters is the winner. Jasmine who is from my community was great but in her second song she stumbled abit. Congratulations to the runnerups and also the other competitors who were also wonderful in their rendition.
The winner should have been Delma Daniel, this young lady was very outstanding in her outfit and performance. She sang that song of kassav as if she was the original performer. i wanted to meet you Delma but i had to leave, i hope i will get the chance to meet with you in the near future.
i really did not like the judging yes ms peter won but lets be real stevaughn deserved to be first runner up hands down,that is how i feel and he is the people winner!