Jenique crowned ‘Next Big Thing,’ amid mixed crowd reaction

Although she captured the 2012 Skinny Fabulous Vita Malt Next Big Thing competition, Jenique Nedd’s moment of victory was bitter-sweet.{{more}}

Facing off against 14 other talented singers and battling through two rounds of stiff competition at the Nutricia hard court on Saturday, May 26, Nedd’s victory was met with mixed reaction from a crowd of her peers.

When she was announced the winner, boos were hurled in her direction, after the seeming crowd favourites, New Starrz came in at second place.

As she collected her prize winning trophy and $4,000 cheque, someone from the crowd acted stupidly by throwing a plastic cup at the 18-year-old, striking her.

Despite what took place on stage, the brave and beautiful teen said she knew she deserved to win.

“It feels good to win, but it’s sad that some people didn’t think I deserve to win, but I know I did my best,” Jenique said with a smile.

The daughter of Soca star Lornette ‘Fire Empress’ Nedd, Jenique commanded her audience with her rendition of R&B legend R.Kelly’s “When a woman loves”. In the final round, which consisted of six competitors, Nedd belted out a medley of songs, including Lady Gaga’s “Born this way” and topped it off with Tina Turner’s “River deep, mountain high”.

However, Nedd says her mind is not focused on becoming a music star. She noted that she does not see it as beneficial at the moment, because she wants to get into the legal profession.

“I don’t think singing right now will bring in a monthly salary, but if I see a bigger door open in music, I would definitely take it. Until then, school comes first, because it would be nice to have something to fall back on,” she added.

The young talent also won a recording contract for a single.

New Starrz, the all male group from the Campden Park Secondary who took the second spot, had the young ladies eating out of their hands, as many flocked stage side to witness the four talented males.

Kelsie Haynes from the Girls’ High School came in at the third position, Genine Browne of the Community College placed fourth, the M&M sisters from the Campden Park Secondary School came in the fifth position, with Haliah Telesford of the Girls’ High School rounding out the top six.

The other students who did not make it into the final round were: Brianna Justice from the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia, Arena Foyjack from the Bishop’s College Kingstown, Devon Charles from the Technical College, Rebekah Simmons from the Girls’ High School, Euphoria from the Thomas Saunders Secondary, Javid Rouse from the Campden Park Secondary and Daniella Richards from the Girls’ High School.

The first, second and third places were rewarded with a Blackberry handset, compliments sponsors, Digicel.

Judge and representative from the Ministry of Education Carlton Hall said the Ministry was glad to be part of the event that has been promoting young people. He urged the young persons gathered at the event to stay in school and learn to develop their full potential.

Organizer of the event, Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle, who was unable to attend the function because he had to perform in Atlanta, USA, was still able to interact with his fans and patrons at the event via the use of Skype. Skinny, whose face appeared on a big screen, congratulated all the participants and his team for doing a great job.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, Doyle, on behalf of Stickman Entertainment, thanked all the parents, teachers and principals and especially the Ministry of Education for allowing them into the schools.

He expressed gratitude to all parents who allowed their children to compete in the event. He also congratulated those who made it into the top 12 and sent warm congratulations the winner, Jenique Nedd.

He said although some persons might have been unhappy with the results, at the end of the day, the judges did what they thought was best. He apologised for the late start of the show and stated it was a success.

The other sponsors for the show were SEARCHLIGHT, IKtv and Vita Malt.