In 2007, a 17-year-old Lenya Wilks entered Digicel Rising Stars, where she topped out in fourth place in a shocking elimination that rocked Jamaica. Now 15 years later, the now 32-year-old singer, who resides in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada with her brother and sister-in-law, decided to challenge herself by participating in Season 2 of the popular Canada’s Got Talent reality talent show.

Wilks, who performed a cover of Sam Smith’s Too Good for Goodbye’s, wowed the judges — which included Canadian actor, television personality and comedian Howie Mandel and rapper Kardinal Offishall who is of Jamaican parentage.

Prior to belting the Sam Smith hit, Wilks told the panel of judges “I was in a home invasion and so this is my opportunity to come back to challenge myself and put myself out there after being through something like that.”

Wilks also revealed that she was sexually assaulted. She credited her sister-in-law and her brother for being her backbone. Both accompanied her to the audition.

Wilks, who is originally from Ewarton in St Catherine, attended the Charlemont High School where she led the choir to victory in several Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival competitions.

After her exit from Digicel Rising Stars, Wilks joined singer Beres Hammond’s Harmony House label as a background singer and opened for the veteran singer on overseas tours.

After two years, she left to pursue a solo career which resulted in the release of her debut self-titled album in 2013. A cover of Regina Belle’s Baby Come to Me topped the Jamaica Music Countdown in early 2012.

Sharon Schroeter, the series producer for Digicel Rising Stars told OBSERVER ONLINE that she always knew that Wilks was destined for greatness.

“Lenya brought a powerhouse of a voice that blew everyone away. We hadn’t heard anything like it before. I remember when she sang Let’s Stay Together, I had goosebumps for days.”

She added that she was aware that Wilks had decided to enter the Canadian reality series and had immediately offered her support and engagement.

“I’m so proud of her. She told me about this months ago and all I could do is offer her encouragement. Lenya’s voice is incomparable. When I see my ‘stars’ on platforms like this, I know they will only bring their A-game. On behalf of the entire Digicel Rising Stars family, good luck Lenya. Shine like the star you are,” Schroeter added.

Wilks is the second Rising Star alum to enter an international singing competition. Dalton Harris, who won Rising Stars in 2010, went on to win the UK’s X-Factor in 2018.

Canada’s Got Talent is broadcast Tuesdays at 7:00 pm local time on City TV. It can be found on channel 137 on FLOW.