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Dalton's journey... The long leap in London

Published:Sunday | December 2, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Harris ... I am so much better now.

Shereita Grizzle, Staff Reporter

Between reverberating cheers and piercing screams in a London concert hall yesterday, Jamaican producer Donovan Germain sought to sum up in seconds, the journey of X Factor finalist Dalton Harris, 24.

He told the 10,000 patrons at the live show and millions more in TV land that Harris has always been a determined performer destined for greatness.

And, it's that gutsy determination that has helped the singer, described as a mega-star by an X Factor judge, to remain on top despite distractions and emotional tests this season. 

Harris, the 2010 Digicel Rising Stars winner, progressed to the finals of the UK competition along with the United Kingdom's Scarlett Lee and Anthony Russell and was on Sunday declared winner.

Here's a flashback of the journey:

The Audition
Harris made headlines when he wowed judges with his performance of Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word by Elton John. The former Digicel Rising Stars winner would maintain a high standard in the competition week after week, becoming the clear favourite for the title.

The stories by his mom
Shortly after Harris stunned the world at his audition, news emerged about his rocky relationship with his mother. Harris' mother claimed he had been exaggerating about his upbringing in an effort to gain sympathy votes. Harris had told the media: "I grew up in a one-room house without electricity or running water, but it’s not a sad story. It’s how I came out of it and I’m triumphant." Harris' mother has refuted many of the things her son divulged to the media including claims she abused him as a child. She claims Dalton was a 'rude' child growing up and had to be punished physically for his many wrongdoings. 

The viral photo:
Two weeks ago, the singer was subjected to harsh criticism from many Jamaicans after a photo of him sitting in the lap of male contestant began making the rounds on social media. The conversation quickly changed from Harris' talent to one surrounding his sexuality as he was labelled. He took to social media declaring that he would not respond to the critics as his sexuality was not an issue but would remain focused on his dream of winning the X Factor.

The final show night:
In the final hours leading up to his last performance on Saturday Harris declared that "now he's so much better" and urged fans to pay attention to his melody if his words don't come together. But his words came together beautifully as he thanked his fans in the UK and Jamaica for their continued support.  "Because of you the public, I have been able to live out my dreams of becoming an international artiste," he said.

 


Dalton Harris Exhales After Scintillating X Factor Win

"Ohhh!!!" he shouted. Then he was out of breath.

Jamaica's Dalton Harris, 24, had just been announced the winner of the 2018 UK X Factor.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Harris bent forward then placed his hands on his knees to support a weakened torso.

"I won the X Factor?" he asked. "You won the X Factor," host Dermot O'Leary replied amid the screams in the concert hall, by then at deafening decibels.

 

Scarlett Lee was earlier announced second and Anthony Russell, third in this the 15th season of the UK talent show.

 

And when the Jamaican delivered the duet The Power of Love with singer James Arthur, the audience went wild.

 

Harris' win was predicted by every single artiste who appeared on today's results show as guest performers.

 

"That's the sound of your future," judge Ayda Field Williams said amid loud cheers in the London auditorium.

 

"You are the power of love. It made me feel like I’m sitting at one of your concerts," she said.

Arthur was also stunned by the vocals of the Jamaican singer.

He said he knew he would have to show off his skills performing alongside Dalton Harris.

“Dalton still has a lot to learn but I have no doubt he will continue to do well,” Arthur said.

The season, which started with the auditions on September 1, has proved to be an emotional and groundbreaking journey for the Northwest Clarendon-born rising star.

Harris has won a £1 million (approximately J$162,632,400) recording contract with Syco Music in association with Sony Music.

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