Singer Shanella James dominated Sunday’s Golden Voice Song Festival, beating her closest opponent by 52 points and earning the coveted singing title and trophy.
James, a mother of two, finished third in the preliminary round of the local song competition behind two veteran competitors Keila Gumbs and Shawn Jacquet. She stunned audiences with a second performance of Mary J. Blige’s “No More Pain,” and returned in the second round with a soulful rendition of gospel favourite “Silver and Gold.”
“For me, this is a new beginning,” James told reporters after winning the competition with a commanding 2162 points for voice, stage presence and dress. James was the first-ever winner of the competition that has become the Teen Times Talent Showdown. She was also a member of girl group, the Vocalettes.

Shanella James won Sunday's 'Golden Voice' Song Festival with a commanding 2162 points! www.morebacchanal.com photo

Jacquet, a local gospel phenomenon and one of the favourites to win, came in second at 2110 points.
French St. Martin native Shawn Wilkinson, who pulled the most online votes, finished third.

The final round was supposed to have been a showdown of the top 13 singers. But Keila Gumbs dropped out of suddenly to go abroad to “pursue other opportunities,” organizers said. Michael Parris and Donel “El-Key” Durand left for “personal reasons.”

Twenty singers competed in the first round on Valentine’s Day.

Shanella James won Sunday's 'Golden Voice' Song Festival with a commanding 2162 points! Next to her are second place winners Shawn Jacquet (center) and Shawn Wilkinson www.morebacchanal.com photo

Judges picked their favourite 13, giving these singers the chance at the 5,000-guilder cash prize and coveted title.
More people showed up at the Celebration Palace Sunday than at St. Maarten Festival Village two weeks earlier, but the crowd filled only about half the venue.