YONKERS, New York — Recording artiste Noddy Virtue delivered a splendid set at the third staging of the Miss Dream Castle Pageant held in the Diamond Room of the Royal Regency Hotel.

The 35-year-old, native of St Elizabeth who was a runner up in the televised talent show Digicel Rising Stars, began his set with the Jimmy Cliff original Trapped and then launched into Loving You was Easier.

During his performance, Virtue worked the stage while displaying sharp footwork and had the fair-sized gathering eating out of his hands.

Virtue then left the stage. However, emcee broadcaster, Barry G acceded to calls from the audience for “more”.

Virtue’s return was greeted with thunderous applause as he closed his set with Marc Anthony’s You Sang to Me.

On the heels of Virtue’s departure, American R & B group Ray, Goodman and Brown, was introduced.

The group, resplendent in black suits, began their set with Girls, then eased into Love on a Two Way Street, as they mesmerised the gathering with their slick moves and velvet voices.

The trio belted out several other hits, including Inside of You, A part of You, and Look at Me (I’m in Love), as they mingled with members of the audience, before closing with their monster hit Special Lady.

Earlier that evening, 25-year-old Shakera President was crowned Miss Dream Castle 2O12 from a field of eight contestants.

Her prizes included US$2,000 in cash, a trip for two to Jamaica and a four-day stay at Dream Castle Villa in Ironshore, St James.

But President told the Jamaica Observer that it was the trip to Jamaica that she was looking forward to most of all.

“I really don’t care about the money; I want to go to Jamaica,” she emphasised.

“I have been there once. Their food is great and I want to go back again because I really love Jamaica… the food, the beaches, the atmosphere, everything is just beautiful there,” said President, who is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

The new queen — who was named the Most Congenial contestant — is an aspiring model, as well as an entrepreneur looking to open a fashion boutique, catering to women and men.

In the keenly contested pageant, Shaska Coarteson of Jamaican descent was named first runner-up, while Victoria Bowie, who also has roots in Jamaica, was placed third.