Roxroy McLean, Star Intern

Brown Sugar's thank you list went well beyond friends, family and fans after she was last night crowned the 2009 Digicel Rising Stars winner at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston.

Dubbed as the 'sweet one' out of Montego Bay, Brown Sugar, who was by far the overwhelming favourite leading into the finals, had tears running down her cheeks when she collected her cash prize of one million dollars.

Her impressive journey started back in June, at the very first live studio performance show, and though her victory was something many had predicted, she was at a lost for words, saying "It is the most significant time of my life."

There were times when she felt as if she would be eliminated, and there were also times when she dreaded the thought of facing Judge Anthony Miller.

"So much had happened. I still feel like I'm dreaming," she said. And why not? Brown Sugar has now claimed the top spot of being the 2009 Digicel Rising Star winner, she is a million dollars richer, in addition to having several other fantastic prizes at her disposal.

numerous struggles

Brown Sugar has always mentioned about her numerous struggles faced back at home, in Montego Bay. But for now, she expects everyone to be in a jubilant mood.

"Me sure seh right now di whole a Mobay a mash up and a go mad right now," she pointed out.

Brown Sugar also recalled her most memorable moments throughout the competition, but it was having the exposure and being around the other contestants, whom she grew to love, that she counted as her ultimate.

"A nuff nice time me experience... but me affi say di exposure whe me get and having the other contestants around stands out," an expressive Brown Sugar said.

Princess Tia might be a 17-year old singer from Negril, but her gracious acceptance of defeat shows just how much she has matured throughout the competition.

Weeks ago, Judge Nadine Sutherland said Princess Tia had made a name for herself and was ready to show the world her talent.

And Princess Tia admitted that she had never thought about where she would finish in the competition, but said: "I'm very very proud of myself, more than what words can explain. I just leave everything to God."

Princess Tia walked away with a second place cash prize of $600,000 and several other awards.

Brown Sugar's victory has continued on a streak of female winners, which was started by Cameal Davis (last year's winner), who had performed earlier. The first four winners of the Rising Stars competition were males.