Jenny-Lee Cruz is the winner of KTV-The Remix Season 3
This season of KTV-The Remix came to a close on Tuesday night with a spectacular show. The Bliss was overflowing with fans from all over in anticipation of the announcement of the 2019 KTV champ. A total of four bands performed as the three finalists belted away their closing number before enthusiast supporters. The audience was on their feet as Jenny Lee Cruz from Roaring Creek proved to have the talent to take home the ten thousand dollars in cash plus a long list of prizes. In second place was Maureen Budram and in third was Orelle Castillo, both from Dangriga. Here is a report with Dalila Ical.
Dalila Ical, Reporting
KTV the Remix Season 3 saw some of the best Belizeans performers take the stage for seven weeks. They brought excitement, laughter and even inspiration to viewers across the Jewel. The season saw ten contestants try to win the hearts of Belizeans as they took on various genres of music, including an original piece. This year, contestants also had a new challenge – a battle round which saw contestants paired to perform a song. The winner received extra points.
But the public, via text voting, had the say in who remained on stage, resulting in unexpected turns throughout the season. The elimination of two of the crowd favorites Stephanie Darker and Tyrone Jones was felt by fans. By the time the finals came around, only three remained – Jenny Lee Cruz, Maureen Budran and Orelle Castillo. Cruz and Budran were no strangers to the show, having won the online competition last year. Cruz, pretty much from the start was a top contender. Budran, however, almost fell through but bested Tyrone Jones at the eleventh hour. Castillo secured his place in the finals by beating Stephanie Darker.
William Neal, Host
“finishing in second place is….”
And so, on the final night, the public spoke.
William Neal
“Maureen Budram”
(Crowd cheers)
William Neal
“Ladies and gentlemen, our champion for KTV is Jenny Lee Cruz!”
An ecstatic Cruz spoke of her journey after the big announcement.
Jenny Lee Cruz
Jenny Lee Cruz, Winner, KTV-The Remix Season 3
“Oh my gosh I can’t even explain how i feel. I can’t even explain how I feel. I feel…mi heart mi legit deh da mi toe. Oh my god, I’m so happy. I’m so happy that all my hard work has paid off.”
Duane Moody
“You know when I did that interview with you, you talked about plans to represent Belize at Jamaica – It will happen now”
Jenny Lee Cruz
“Yes! Thank God because I couldn’t have done it without God and my entire family, Roaring Creek, all of Belize, Belmopan. I’m really happy. Yes! Roaring Creek did it!”
Duane Moody
“So what’s next for you?”
Jenny Lee Cruz
“Ok, well, I’m still going to be in my band, sing at churches. I’m still going to do me but sometimes you have to think big and this is not the last time you will see me. You have to start small so some day you will see me up.”
Second place winner Maureen Budram and third place winner Orelle Castillo were equally thrilled.
Maureen Budram
Maureen Budram, 2nd Place, KTV-The Remix Season 3
“Yes, yes. I’m so excited. I didn’t think i would reach this far. I didn’t even think i would get second or first. For real. I actually doubted myself so hearing that, it really lifted me a bit so i am quite excited for second place.”
Duane Moody
“Now we saw this performance form you that we’ve never seen before. What happened?”
Maureen Budram
“Well tonight, I said it’s my last night so let me end it with a bang and I said I will give it my all tonight to show that I can do a lot more.”
Duane Moody
“Yes. We saw you rap. We saw you sing. Is this who Maureen is?”
Maureen Budram
“This is who I am. I’m shy at first but once I’m out of it, I’m out of it.”
Duane Moody
“What’s next for you?”
Maureen Budram
“Well of course to help my mom and to push my music career further than it is.”
Orelle Castillo
Orelle Castillo, 3rd Place, KTV-The Remix Season 3
“It was good you know making it to the top three and getting to perform in front of these people, it was a good night. I enjoyed it. I knew we were all good performers so whatever it is we are all winners in the end.”
Duane Moody
“What’s next for Orelle?”
Orelle Castillo
“More music. I am working on more songs. Trying to get out. Try to perform at some schools and bring those songs with a message behind it to the younger people.”
At the end of an exciting night, all three winners had this to say to those contemplating competing next year.
Jenny Lee Cruz
“First I just want mek uno know to put God first in the center of anything you do. Also have a strong mind and continue push for your dreams.”
Maureen Budram
“No hold back. Give it your all, even when you want give up you don’t stop there because I wanted to but I had the drive and perseverance for what i want.”
Orelle Castillo
“Don’t dare be afraid. Show yourself, be yourself and you will become a winner even if you don’t win the show you are experienced, you will learn and you become somebody better.”
