FOR T Rizzy, the winner of the 2014 season of Digicel Rising Stars, it was all in the numbers.

The 20-year-old from Falmouth in Trelawny had grown up watching the popular televised talent show and always knew he wanted to be a part of the experience.

“I remember turning on the TV and the sound came up before the picture: ‘it’s the final audition show for the 2014 season of Digicel Rising Stars, Saturday, June 22, Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.’ I just knew it was my year.”

The youngster just kept using dates and numbers to motivate him to step from the shadows into the spotlight.

“I was born on November 14 and I am 20 years old, that’s 2014, and November is the 11th month of the year and this is the 11th season of Rising Stars… I just kept using that to inspire and motivate myself,” said the soft-spoken singer.

T Rizzy’s numbers and self-motivation came to a head last Sunday when he was announced winner of the season in which he faced off with St Thomas teenager JL.

“I am overwhelmed. I don’t think that I am not half as excited as the people who voted for me. They have just been amazing and I just want to thank them for the trust and hope they have placed on me.”

Armed with his new title and one million-dollar cash prize, T Rizzy, whose given name is Andre Tyrell, is ready to take his musical career to the next level.

“I am ready to find a good studio and surround myself with good people to make good music and fulfil the vision.”

That vision, he said, is to produce music that will bring about positive change, bridge the gap between the generations and break the chains of negitivity which oftentimes befall young, aspiring artistes like himself.

“The entire world is looking to Jamaica at this time, whether it is through our athletes or our artistes. I would love to become an ambassador for my country through music spreading a message of hope… giving hope to our elders. A lot of young people have also lost their sense of identity and I would also like to use my music to remind them to be themselves, everyone else is taken, so just do you,” said T Rizzy.