Another Jamaican entertainer has done it. Following in the footstep of his female compatriot Tessanne Chin who won the popular US TV talent show, The Voice in 2013, Dalton Harris, 24, to the delight of Jamaicans everywhere won the British TV talent show – X UK on Sunday following his live performance on Saturday night.
Harris, the favorite for several weeks to win the show aired on ITV did not disappoint the thousands of Jamaicans and ther fans who voted for him. Harris won the top prize over runners up Anthony Russell and Scarlett Lee of the UK.
One Million pound sterling recording contract
The winner of The X Factor is awarded a £1 million recording contract with Syco Music, in association with Sony Music. The deal consists of a £150,000 cash advance with the balance covering the costs of recording and marketing.
Congrats from Minister Grange
Jamaican Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange who attended the final of the X Factor on her way from a meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Republic of Mauritius, congratulated Harris on his victory. Grange said his win was a “well deserved victory for a young man with immense talent who works very hard. His victory caps a very good week for the promotion and celebration of Jamaican musical talent. Dalton’s victory comes at a time when the world is celebrating Jamaica’s most important musical creation, Reggae, which UNESCO added to its list of intangible cultural treasures for humanity. And here comes another Jamaican treasure in the form of Dalton Harris who has now won The X Factor, after winning our local Rising Star, has shown to the world the kind of talent we produce in Jamaica and is now set to become a global megastar. I couldn’t be happier for his success,” she said.
From PM Holness too
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also congratulated Harris, Holness tweeted, “Congratulations to our Dalton Harris! Winner of the X-Factor. The entire Jamaica is proud of you. Your phenomenal talent is now unleashed on the world.”
In his Finals performance on Saturday night’s live TV show, Harris gave a sterling performance singing his version of Danny Hathaway’s “A Song For You.” The audience erupted in spontaneous, raucous applause when his performance ended. Some were even seen shedding moved by Harris’ moving performance.
