Moricia takes crown again

Hosted by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco) in collaboration with Western Credit Union (WESCU), the final was staged at the Vas Lounge in St Clair, lending that upscale atmosphere to the competition.

Cagan won the $20,000 title with Singing Sandra’s (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington) “Ancient Rhythms”. She had her own drummers provide her with a rhythm. She nailed the performance and was given the most thunderous applause.

Second was Takeisha Melville (East Zone) who sang another Singing Sandra piece, “Dignity”.

Dressed like Sandra, Melville delivered a sound performance, akin to her mentor. She received $10,000. Meguella Simon (North Zone) also rendered a compelling version of Sandra’s “Dignity” that earned her third place and thus gave Sandra’s songs a clean sweep of the top three positions. Simon got the $5,000 prize.

Earning fourth spot was Lornette Nedd (Tobago Zone) who brought on dancers and delivered a spirited rendition of “People”, while Franklyn Garcia (South Zone) got the crowd in the Christmas mood with his delivery of “Leroy”, and earned fifth spot.

In sixth and seventh place were Vemell Wilson (South Zone) and Mark Eastman (North Zone) with “Hammer” and “Mae Mae” respectively, however, Allison Charles (East Zone) who sang “Raze” and had fans in the audience giving her total support could only muster eighth place.

Leno Ford (East Zone) singing “Feeling to Party” and Shay John (South Zone) with “Pump Me Up” placed ninth and tenth respectively.

Outside the top three, all other finalists each received $500.

Judges were fashion designer Ecliff Eli, news presenter Samantha John, and calypso/soca artistes Explainer (Winston Henry), Devon Seale, Karene Asche and Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez. MC was Damian Melville.