Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

Seventeen-year-old Romain Virgo walked away from the studios of TVJ as the 2007 Digicel Rising Star. He won $1 million and a recording contract among his many prizes. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The judges of TVJ's All Together Sing choir competition were right. Week after week, they praised the lead singer of the Aabuthnott Gallimore High School choir and all agreed the boy was destined for stardom. This boy was Romain Virgo and their prediction came true on Friday night.

At just 17 years old, Romain became one of Jamaica's youngest millionaires when he walked away from the studios of TVJ as the 2007 Digicel Rising Star.

The shy schoolboy from Stepmey District, in St. Ann, sang his way into the hearts and wallets of Jamaicans and connected with viewers in a way that few before him did.

Though he is often described as one of this year's most consistent performers, Romain had no idea he would have made it this far, especially after his rejection last year.

Shortly after the announcement, he told The Sunday Gleaner that: "When I entered the competition, I did not expect to reach this far. I must say a big thank you to Jamaica and to God Almighty. I entered last year and only made it to the second audition day. Anthony Miller told me that I chose the wrong song. I did one of the songs Chris Martin did."

Still overwhelmed by his victory, he could not thank Jamaica enough.

"I am absolutely enthused. I can't explain how I feel right now. I know Jamaica is proud of me. I thank them for spending their money and allowing me to reach this far. They can look forward to seeing Romain doing real big things in the industry."

Heavy campaigning

The road to victory, however, was not as simple as just singing and waiting for votes. Heavy campaigning by his alma mater, community and family, did much for the young singer.

"Oh God, man, mi can't explain how much my school and community did," he said. " My school created a 'Romain Drive', where they got the school bus and drove around in the parish and across the country and tried to collect money for cards. The people in my community were also very supportive. They did things for me without expecting anything in return."

The proceeds from a few parties and 'dances' also ensured a steady stream of votes.

Menzie Gardner, Romain's proud stepfather, told The Sunday Gleaner: "Yeah, man. Wi mek up dance and keep party so wi can mek money. Mi feel very good. I'm proud of him."

Chantae Ferguson, Romain's little sister, also shared Gardner's sentiments. "I feel proud", she said shyly, " but I expected it." Before the official announcement, Chantae sang and danced during her brother's performances.

Although his mother is away in Florida, United States, Romain said that she was also a strong source of strength and support: "She very supportive, mi a tell yu. I told her that I won and is like she waan come now. Some weeks when mi tell her dat mi feel like mi a go drop out, she seh 'If I ever hear yu seh dat again.' I'm going to really try and get the tapes for her."

He also acknowledged the exposure gained from All Together Sing. He told The Sunday Gleaner: "Lots of people told me 'Mi a bring yu from dem days.' So, I know people love me from those days. I see it as a stepping stone to Rising Stars."

The youngster will graduate high school in November, with five CSEC subjects, and a portion of his winnings will go towards furthering his education which he intends to continue at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. However, he plans to wait a year, during which he will pursue music and resit the two subjects he did not pass in his recent exams. He told The Sunday Gleaner that "shows are going to start now and I wouldn't want it to affect my schoolwork."

Producing great hits

A part of his prize is the opportunity to record two singles and a video for Green Sleeves Records. Romain has his eyes set on producing great reggae hits.

"Romain will be a reggae artiste and maybe a little bit of soul. Reggae is my favorite type of music."

As far as potential collaborations go, he would love to work with fellow contestants, Deh Deh, as well as Luciano, his favourite artiste. He also listed Inga and Lenya as other contestants with whom he would love to record.

Although it did not show in his stellar performance at the Mas Camp Village, Romain revealed that he did not sleep much in the days leading up to the finals, perhaps his first real taste of life as a star.