The 2008 Bermuda Idol winner said 'this is my season', Saturday night at the Fairmont Southampton's Amphitheatre.

With a packed audience, nine contestants, one male, all took to the stage fighting for the title of the fifth annual competition for singers produced by radio station Hott 1075.

Added this year to the competition, hosted by comedian Tony Schulfield, was a People's Choice award where the audience has a chance to vote for their favourite using a CellularOne number provided for voting.

Winner Rickeesha Binns, sashayed on stage in an elegant blue evening gown and belted out the Dreamgirls number 'I Am Changing' made popular first by Jennifer Holliday and most recently Jennifer Hudson.

The judges who consisted of musicians Wendell 'Shine' Hayward, Gita Blakeney Saltus and Daniel Hill and Hott1075 CEO Elroy R. C. Smith all gave the 32-year-old a glowing review as the crowd rose to their feet and applauded her.

During the judging, Mr. Hayward told her that she did just what he thought she was going to do and brought it on and she was thanked by Ms. Blakeney -Saltus for delivering the package.

Mr. Hill, however, questioned how many times she could comfortably sing the song consecutively.

In her second performance, she sang a gospel song entitled 'For Every Mountain' by Kirk Carr, which received an equal amount of praise from the audience. She said of her win: "I am elated and excited. This is my season!"

When asked about what she found most difficult of the whole competition she said: "I found the rehearsals my most difficult part. Between the changing of the bands and them learning my songs, it was really stressful. That is why I decided to bring in my own background vocalist."

She was wearing an evening gown in shades of aqua, turquoise and blue, which she said she chose to wear because it is her favourite dress.

First runner up, Sloane Lightbourne also gave a good performance on stage as she belted out the Jazmine Sullivan song 'I Need You Bad' and Jennifer Hudson's break out song 'Spotlight'.

During the judging Mr. Smith told her that she did great on engaging the audience. About her overall performance he said: "There's something about you I like."

The 26-year-old was also told that she has depth and warmth in her voice and to keep growing by Ms. Blakeney-Saltus who added: "I enjoyed you and you are comfortable in your skin."

Mr. Hill told her that although he enjoyed her song she should work on her presentation by practising in front of a mirror.

"Hang in there," was Mr. Hayward's advise as he told her how he enjoyed how she pulled the audience in.

Miss Lightbourne said of being the first runner up: "I'm excited and I will do the competition again next year is mine!"

She said her performance of 'Spotlight' was her most difficult song but she is not going to give up.

Gaining the title of second runner up was the youngest competitor and the only male, Neal Morris, who was told by all four judges that he did very well in his stage performance and dress but needs to work on his vocals.

In his two performances he sang the Stevie Wonder classic 'Knocks Me Off My Feet' and 'Closer' by Usher.

Vocally, both performances came off a bit nasally and pitchy. Mr. Smith told him: "If you presented that record to me, I would not play it. But looking at you is different."

Other contestants consisted of Phyliss Furbert, Ingrid Brown, Fajr Bashir, Terri Burgess, Shimika A. Rojas, Charla Jae' Joell. Also celebrating in victory was 2008 Bermuda Teen Idol Candace Furbert who also sang 'Spotlight'. The Teen Idol competition was held earlier in the night.