18-year-old Cimberly Wanyonyi, with Kenyan-Finnish roots has clinched victory in the 19th series of the Swedish Idol.Despite nearly missing her audition due to a broken-down car, Cimberly’s talent shone through when someone intervened to secure her a chance with the judges.
“My mom was supposed to drive me to Luleå, but the car broke down. I was so sad because I had put my heart and soul into getting this opportunity, and to miss out was tough,” stated Cimberly.
Born to a Kenyan father and Finnish mother, the victor from Skellefteå, Sweden, expressed her gratitude on Instagram to the fans and supporters who played a pivotal role in her musical journey.
“Thank you! To all the nice messages, everyone who voted and all of you who supported. Not just my family and friends and my town, people who don’t even know me have seen how much this means to me. Thank you for letting me be myself, and that you have liked me for who I am, there is no nicer response to get than that. You have been there during some of the happiest and heaviest weeks of my life,” she said.
Cimberly’s ascent to victory was marked by her performance of the newly released track, ‘Won’t Be Sorry,’ a song that resonates with themes of self-worth.
Reflecting on the journey, Cimberly expressed gratitude to everyone she met along the way, from the jury to fellow participants.
“To everyone I met along the way of the journey, everyone from the jury, to participants, to every single one of you who works to make the program the magic it is. You are a newfound family, which will forever mean the world to me. Couldn’t have done this without you guys,” she added.
Her talent which propelled her to triumph over 100 other contestants adds another chapter to the legacy of the Swedish Idol, which has maintained its popularity since its inception in August 2004.
