SHOW business has always been about idolisation. We love to put our stars on pedestals. As an 'idol' to tweens, teens and grown folks across the island, new Rising Stars champ, Cameal Davis, is riding a huge tidal wave - the kind that should come with well-deserved success.

DAVIS... all this success is for my mommy and my siblings

She's enjoying it - but it's been a dizzying, gratifying run. Since recently creating history as the first female contestant to win the popular television talent show, it's been a non-stop ride for the girl-wonder. And on the morning of her interview with me in Liguanea, signs of exhaustion are visible. Her eyes struggle to stay alert and her voice barely registers above a soft rasp.

The spirited, hyper go-girl from Denham Town who wooed us and stole our hearts admits that she's starting to fold under the early weight of a gruelling schedule that's had her criss-crossing the country, performing, meeting and greeting.

"I am very tired," she says meekly. She pauses, then adds, "I have been up and down. I haven't had a proper rest."

But she perks up once we start chit-chatting. To say she hasn't been thankful for the 'fantasy ride' that some girls her age can only dream of would be classically untrue.

"I was really honoured to be in the top 10 because that alone is a major accomplishment. The competition became much more comfortable after that," she shares, as she toys briefly with her sleek new cellphone. "I was always hoping to be the first female to win. That was one of my main goals. It's definitely a dream come true and I am very grateful. Now I know I have to represent." That coming from a girl who had auditioned two consecutive years prior to the 2008 season only to have her hopes dashed. But that was then; the memo about her talent didn't arrive on time.

Today, the well-groomed songbird - dressed in a flattering sleeveless white blouse, jeans, her hair captured in a ponytail with ethnic-inspired earrings dangling by her temples - is basking in the joy God has sent her way. More significant for Davis, though, is dedicating her victory to her über-supportive mama, Juliet Brown.

"My family is definitely happy. My mom has always been there for me. She motivates me especially when things get hard. She's been both my mother and my father. And she's my best friend. People even mistake us for sisters," she offers, laughing. "I couldn't have done it without her or the support of all the voters."

She Worked Hard For The Money

Cameal Davis, now 23, has been performing since she was a kid growing up in Kingston. And as we all know by now, she can sing softly and sweetly but also possesses the chops to make her voice soar above the treetops. At the same time, while she seems to have come on fast, it was throughout the coming-of-age years and her time at Kingston Technical that she found and developed her confidence and rhythm - despite the negative criticism she often received from peers.

"I always did well in school and because I wasn't the kind of person to go around boasting about my abilities, you had persons who said I was 'stoosh' and 'stuck-up'. Sometimes the comments hurt, but it wasn't really a challenge for me to overcome. I just tried to stay at the top of my game always," says Davis, whose accomplishments include being appointed head girl, student of the year and valedictorian of her graduating class in 2003. That same year, she received a scholarship to attend a summer programme at Kettering University in Michigan.

"I want my accomplishments to motivate my younger siblings and I see it happening already. Sometimes I cry and people don't know why but it's because my dreams are coming true one by one and my family is happy," explains Davis, who shies away from discussing her father, who she said was never around. "My mother had me when she was 16, and I know she struggled very hard. Sometimes I went to school hungry and sometimes I walked because I knew she didn't have it. So all this success is for my mommy and my siblings [two brothers - 18 and 17 years - and an 11-year-old sis]."

Dreamgirl Stepping Out

"I am so overwhelmed and happy for her, knowing the struggles we have come through together. I'm glad she didn't give up on her dreams because she works very hard," says Juliet Brown, Davis' mom. "I know she has a lot more dreams, and I want to encourage her and wish her long life and all the best." Brown readily agrees, too, that Davis' girlish petulance is fast ripening into mature strength - will power growing steelier before our eyes.

Wisely, Davis vows to use Rising Stars as the launching pad to catapult her into the music industry.

"I want to be the best artiste I can possibly be. I want to write and record good music and also learn the business aspect of the industry and how to manage money," says Davis, who won a recording contract and a scholarship as part of her prize package.

And speaking of money, just how does the young millionaire plan to spend her big bucks?

"I am definitely going to help my siblings and my family and look at attending music school locally or overseas, and also do some investment."

Chatting with her, it becomes clear that Davis has both inner strength and clarity of thought, which should serve her well. Besides, I wouldn't bet against a girl whose dreams for the future are as big as her awe-inspiring talent.

"To achieve success, you not only need talent. You have to be real and level-headed. You can't be too cocky. You have to be able to work with people." Spoken like a true lady.

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