Dalton hailed as global ambassador for Digicel Rising Stars

Digicel, sponsors of local talent show Rising Stars, has saluted 2010 winner Dalton Harris for taking the X Factor UK title on Sunday.

In a release, the telecoms giant said that Harris, who grabbed Jamaica's attention with his rousing renditions and emotional voice with his 2010 Rising Stars win, went on to use his local experience to win the hearts and minds of the X Factor's global television audience.

The company noted that as he progressed through each round of the weekly competition, "Dalton emerged a crowd and judges' favourite even managing to pull glowing reviews from other competitors".

"Dalton has proven himself to be a very fine Jamaican musical talent, and now the entire world knows it. He has quietly continued to hone his music career since rising to fame in 2010 and has made another big impression when it mattered most. The Digicel family salutes Dalton for his extraordinary talent and for being a global ambassador for the Digicel Rising Stars talent series," said Justin Morin, CEO of Digicel.

Digicel praised Harris for rising from humble beginnings to X Factor glory.

"Dalton has proven himself as an example for others to follow, having risen above several challenges along the way, but remaining focused on his ultimate goal to the very end," the company said.

Digicel noted that under the guidance of veteran music producer and mentor, Donovan Germain, the newly crowned X Factor champion "is a story of perseverance and commitment to one's craft".

Digicel partnered with Television Jamaica to air live weekly X Factor episodes.

Fans from the diaspora joined local followers on Digicel's social media pages to show their support and urge those in the UK to vote for Harris as many times as they could.

The company also noted that on taking the series crown with his final song, The Power of Love, featuring James Arthur, "Dalton's exceptional performance is now competing against music industry heavyweights on the global charts".

"Dalton's story motivates us to continue to invest and support our talented young people; whether in music, education or sports. We believe that there's a tremendous amount of potential within our people, and that's why Digicel is always looking for ways to showcase that talent locally and to the world," said Morin.