A little over a month ago Danielle Mayne had no intention of entering a singing competition. The 26-year-old Clarendon native — who has been a practising Christian since age 10 — had one goal in mind: to complete her business studies at Regent College of the Caribbean.

On Saturday night, however, Mayne emerged winner in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Star competition. It was televised on PBC Jamaica and the JCDC’s social media platforms.

She won the title from four other finalists: Michaela Jack, Chantal Smalling, Regina Campbell, and Amoya Thompson Smith.

Smalling placed second, while Campbell finished in third place.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Sunday morning, Mayne said she was still coming to terms with winning the competition.

“When my name was announced as the winner I was overwhelmed with joy and I was quickly moved to tears. Throughout the entire moment I kept having flashbacks of the journey; from the orientation, to the rehearsals and the weekly live shows. Through it all, I kept praising God in my mind as I knew all the glory belonged to Him,” said Mayne.

“I’m still overwhelmed with joy. I’m still absorbing the reality of what God has done for me. The messages from all those who have supported me from start to finish have been heart-warming and this is indeed a milestone I will remember.”

Mayne performed a rendition of American gospel singer Erica Campbell’s A Little More Jesus, which wowed the judges as well as the voting public.

The televised gospel singing competition lasted four weeks.

Mayne’s involvement in the competition was really the initiative of a friend, Jodi-Ann Anderson.

“I was entered by a friend who believed in my potential. She was the one who convinced me that the JCDC Gospel Stars would be the perfect platform for me to take my voice and ministry to a wider audience.”

She described the support she received from family and friends as tremendous and said it kept her going throughout the competition.

“I definitely can’t complain. From the start to the finish they were there motivating, encouraging, voting, praying and allowing me to feel their love and support. The journey was challenging yet fulfilling. There were up days and down ones. However, I was never allowed to feel alone. There I met nine talented contestants who showed comradeship along each step of the way. Our coaches, trainers and the JCDC Gospel Stars Team headed by Director Mrs Andrea McCurdy made every effort to support and guide us along the way. This definitely made the experience fulfilling and pleasant,” Mayne disclosed.

Mayne is from Tweedside District in Clarendon. She worships at Tweedside New Testament Church of God.

She attended Alston High School and later did her sixth form studies at Christiana High in Manchester.

Asked about her long-term career goals, Mayne said: “Well, I am still creating and setting goals where this is concerned. It is in my intention to attend the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts to better equip myself for the music fraternity. I am also desirous of becoming a household name in the genre of Gospel music, both locally and internationally. I am also looking forward to working with our current local gospel ministers.”