2008 Miss Jamaica Universe, April Jackson

It was a shocked audience that received the announcement of April Jackson as Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 last Saturday night at the National indoor Sports Centre.
It was either second runner-up Rebecca Silvera or first runner-up Doneika Plowright, who were crowd favourites from the beginning, who the audience expected to be Miss Jamaica Universe. Cries of boos, 'mi vex' and 'what!' resounded as Jackson took home the title, a BMW motor car and $1 million among other prizes. The packed venue began to walk out during the sashing of the new queen. Jackson, who was voted 'most aware', was also amazed and elated to have won. She told The Gleaner, "I'm overwhelmed, tears were coming to my eyes, but I held them back."
The new queen plans to focus on community service during her reign as she prepares for the finals in Vietnam. Before the announcement, 25 contestants vied for the title in a four-hour long competition. The ladies paraded in swimsuits by the Mushroom as well as evening growns by Uzuri in mainly light shades with lots of sparkles. Entertainment was provided by the likes of A2O, who impressed with their voices as they wooed the women with I'll Take You There and Smile for Me.
Crazy audience
After a brief intermission, the much-anticipated performance by Grammy nominated artiste Keyshia Cole had the audience going crazy as persons stood up in the stands while those in VIP stood on their chairs to see the stage, which was bombarded by patrons from the stands. The security was lacking at the front but Cole's bodyguards kept a close eye on the tiny star. Cole, dressed in white, was lively, dancing with her male back-up dancers to Should Have Let You Go, Over and Over, I Changed My Mind, Let It Go, Last Night and the hugely popular Love. As Cole closed with Love, a few overzealous female fans tried to grab her off the stage but her bodyguards swooped in and removed the artiste.
The question-and-answer section of the show saw a few blunders being made by Adrianna Bryan, who the audience booed, as well as Francine Hall. Sectional prizes were given to Jeseka Williams for the Bling Bling's Style Award, most photographic went to Rebecca Silvera, best in swimsuits to Adrianna Bryan and most congenial went to Doneika Plowright.
Zahra Redwood made her final appearance, looking beautiful in a white gown, just before crowning April Jackson as the new queen. While the National Indoor Sports Centre was rammed packed, this being the first staging of the competition there, there were still a few staging and organisational mishaps that had members of the audience complaining. These included a lack of security and a very long show, among others.