Jody Kay James, the 2013 Kingston and St Andrew Festival Queen, added another title to her resume at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on Sunday night when she won the Digicel Rising Stars contest.

James, 21, a biology teacher at St Andrew Technical High School, beat Marsha K (real name Marsha Kennedy) for the title.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, James (who uses the stage name Jody Kay) gave her reason for entering the popular talent competition.

“It was the right platform to exhibit my talent and gain exposure. My motivational factor would definitely be my family and friends. They’ve inspired me so much,” she said.

James’ prize package includes a $1 million cash from Digicel; airline tickets courtesy of Fly Jamaica; a talent development contract with Ashe; songs produced by Christopher Birch and Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett; a single produced by Grammy-winning producer and Digicel Rising Stars guest judge Jerry Wonda; and a publishing deal with BMI.

Marsha K, 26, who is from St Elizabeth won $600,000 cash courtesy of Digicel, a handset from sponsor Huawei, and a development session in New York courtesy of international dance choreographer and guest judge Tanisha Scott.

Sunday night’s two-hour televised finale saw performances from Digicel Rising Stars winners including Christopher Martin (2005), Romain Virgo (2007), 2015 top 10 finalists J Keida, Roxy J, Roshelle, Samantha Bogle and Vanity Club, as well as 2014 top 10 finishers JL and Sara Lee Moodie, and last year’s winner T Rizzy.

JL teamed with this year’s Magnum King of the Dancehall winner Devin Di Dakta for a show-stopping performance of their Sly & Robbie-produced single Ayo Ayo, while Kenny Smith collaborated with Darrio on Strong Like a Lion.

Other performances came from reggae singer Kelissa, dancehall act Vanessa Bling aka Gaza Slim and the Ashe Ensemble.