SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Pvt. 2nd Class Amber Duncan brought down the Nehelani, Oct. 28, at U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii's "Operation Rising Star" finals.
Her soulful and harmonious voice earned her $500 and victory at the "American Idol"-style competition.
She now qualifies to compete with singers from Army garrisons around the world.
More than 100 attended the finals to witness Duncan's victory.
Duncan had her very own exhilarating and encouraging section made up of Soldiers from her Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division unit.
In fact, her unit's cheering and vocal support that followed each of her performances earned it the Spirit Award for most supportive unit.
The unit also received $300 toward its family readiness group unit fund.
-- Evolving talent
"She still has a lot to learn; however, (she) has the potential to be a powerhouse singer, a young and absolutely beautiful singer. She can only get better with time," said Bennie James of Royal Events, one of the three professionals judging the competition.
Local singer and fellow judge Melanie Kaneaiakala said Duncan was a shoo-in to be selected for the Armywide finals of "Operation Rising Star."
"She was my favorite from the audition," Kaneaiakala said. "She blew me away at the semifinals and finals. I wish her nothing but the best. I know she'll be better and better. I can't wait to buy her CD."
Duncan is now eligible to be one of the six finalists to compete in the televised 2014 Armywide Operation Rising Star finals in San Antonio, Texas. The winning contestant of the 2014 Operation Rising Star finals and a guest will receive an all-expense paid trip to record a three-song CD.
Duncan has been singing since she was 5 years old and has been influenced primarily by the late powerhouse vocalist Whitney Houston.
"Music has played an important part in my life by being my getaway,"said Duncan, who has taken vocal lessons for about a year and competed in several talent shows.
"When I'm in need for a major calming retreat from the day-to-day happenings of living, music is my life!"
-- 2014 Results
•1st place, $500 winner, Pvt. 2nd Class Amber Duncan, HHC, 2-25th Avn. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th ID
•2nd place, $250 winner, Karlette Beasley, spouse
•3rd place, $100 winner, Pvt. 2nd Class Shannen McDonald, 205th Military Intelligence Battalion, 500th MI Brigade
The top three finalists were selected by a panel of professional judges: DJ B-Eazy, Bennie James of Royal Events and Melanie Kaneaiakala.
-- Streaming Video Finals
Mark your calendars, for the televised Operation Rising Star Finals and be sure to vote for our very own Duncan.
Round 1: Dec. 7 @ 3 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST)
Round 2: Dec. 9 @ 3 a.m. HST
Round 3: Dec. 11 @ 3 a.m. HST
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