THIMPHU: After a gruelling competition that spanned over nine months and saw aspiring singers from across the country taking part, teenager Sonam Yangden, the only female contestant, has emerged victorious in Bhutan's first talent hunt contest.Nineteen-year-old Yangden, hailing from Trashigang district won the Bhutan Star title, receiving 38% of the 115,000 votes cast.
"I'm still wondering if all this is a dream. I wasn't expecting to win at all. And being the only female to compete against the men and win, I feel proud," Yangden said after beating school dropout Karma Phuntsho and farmer Tshering Namgay to claim the title.
Yangden, who wants to become a playback singer, also took home a Swift car and a year-long Nu 100,000 music contract.
According to records with telecom company B-Mobile, the show generated a total of about 578,000 votes since it began in April.
"I think I won because I had the support of the public, they liked my singing. Most of the villagers and my well-wishers were campaigning for me because they appreciated my efforts in making it to the top five and competing against the men," she claimed.
Organiser Nguldrub Dorjiks of Jigdrel Entertainment said the show will be an annual event from next year. An album will also be released featuring the five finalists.