A winner was crowned in the Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International Scholarship competition on Saturday night.

Dancer Jacquelin Harris, 17, finished ahead of the pack, but not before guests Omarion and group Ladies of Sky took to the stage.

It was a night of jam-packed excitement at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.

The event began sharply at 7.30 p.m. and showcased talented girls from across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

The competition, which started 40 years ago, has been awarded to big achievers like Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Vanessa Williams in the past.

This year's 20 vibrant contestants were dressed in costumes from their aspiring professions — doctors, teachers, lawyers, entertainers and the like.

They swirled around the stage in their glittery outfits until the top ten names were announced.

This included contestants from South Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, St. Maarten, Florida, Connecticut, Georgia, District of Columbia and North Carolina.

Bermuda's own Claire-Lee Decouto, 17, showed confidence and grace, but didn't make it past the preliminary stage.

The second phase of the competition was judged based on personality, talent and appearance. Each of the girls delivered bold 20-second introductions, listing their accomplishments and achievements. And after a dance number from local group Swag Stars, the contestants showed off their own talents.

One of the strongest performances came from Delaware's 13-year-old NicKayla Tucker, who tackled 'Listen' from Dream Girls.

Siera Toney gave a sultry performance of Billie Holiday's 'Summertime'. While LennAsia Harvey brought people to their feet with gospel song 'Praise him now'.

All ten contestants danced, sang and acted their way into the judges' hearts.

I'Kira Reid, 17, performed a moving monologue about a young girl neglected by her father. Meanwhile Aisha Bellinger, 16, played a classical piece on piano. Still it was Jacquelin from North Carolina who blew judges away with her dancing abilities. Her piece, appropriately called 'Bird', combined aspects of ballet and modern dance with acrobatics and was truly awe-inspiring.

After a short intermission where judges tallied the points, sisters and band mates Ladies of Sky performed. Songs like 'Let's Celebrate' and 'Call me' got one or two audience members to their feet.

But it wasn't until Omarion, formerly of R&B group B2K, appeared that high-pitched screams could be heard across the room.

He danced and sang numbers like "Entourage" and "Ice Box" and brought a new level of excitement to the room.

Still, the real focus of the night was on the deserving girl whose life would be changed forever.

In addition to walking away with a full scholarship, the winner was given a diamond ring and travel opportunities to the British Virgin Islands and St. Croix. A wave of nervous energy filled the air — but in the end Miss Harris was announced the winner.

After she was crowned she told The Royal Gazette:: "I feel amazing, this is the most rewarding experience of my life."