18 year-old April Jackson (Miss Swift Cash) beat out 24 other young ladies to cop the 2008 Miss Jamaica Universe title. The grand coronation took place at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday April 12 before a capacity audience.

22 -year-old Doneika Plowright (Miss Cherry B**** Creative Labs) and 21-year-old Rebecca Silvera (Miss Digicel Tropical Plaza) placed second and third respectively. Francine Hall (Miss Jergens) and Adrianna Bryan (Miss Minott Services Mobay) completed the top 5.

The show was entertaining and the production of the event was commendable. Emcee for the night, Paula Ann Porter Jones, guided the proceedings with class.

The show kicked off at 8:43 pm with an opening dance number featuring members of the Ashe Ensemble alongside the 25 finalists who were dressed in red. The contestants then appeared in swimwear courtesy of Mushroom. Miss Jamaica Universe 2007, Zahra Redwood, made a cameo appearance with the Ashe Ensemble.

After appearing in evening wear courtesy of Uzuri International, the top 12 finalists were announced. These included Johnnell Eastman (Miss French Connection); Kadia Campbell (Miss Patmar's Car Rental); Kimberley Cummings (Miss McMasters Centre); Salome Campbell (Miss Superior Parts); and Noelle Kerr (Miss Cool Group of Companies).

A video presentation showcasing the journey of the contestants from eliminations to the grand coronation preceded the performance of boy group A2O, which gave a creditable account of themselves. The group performed two songs including their current video hit Take You There.

A rush to the front of the stage by overzealous patrons, thus blocking the view of those in the VIP area, greeted the arrival of rhythm and blues singer Keyshia Cole. Cole who rarely interacted with the audience, performed with a band, back-up singers and dancers. She delivered the hits that her fans came to hear. What sounded like audio tracks could be heard during Cole's performance.

Songs, including the mellow Love, Just like You, I Changed My Mind, I Remember, Shoulda Let You Go and Last Night, had the crowd jumping from start to finish. Eager fans tried to drag the singer off stage. But Cole's security detail wouldn't have any of this and she made a hasty retreat from the stage. Security personnel inside the venue then hurriedly rushed to disperse the crowd that had gathered in the front. However, the damage had already been done.

After the question-and-answer segment, the top 5 were announced and then the top three. April Jackson copped the Most Aware sectional prize, while crowd favourite Doneika Plowright was voted Most Congenial. The Bling Bling Style Award went to Jeseka Williams (Miss Springtime Laundry and Household Products), while Adrianna Bryan won Best in Swimsuit. Another crowd favourite Rebecca Silvera won Most Photogenic.

A hail of boos greeted the new queen. Many patrons stormed out of the venue visibly and vocally upset about the choice of the new queen. There were also complaints from patrons in the VIP section who raised issues about having to pay for drinks and unable to see the performance of Cole. Others complained about the presence of peanut and snack vendors who were seen plying their trade in the VIP section.

The new Miss Jamaica Universe title holder won for herself $1 million cash courtesy of title sponsors WorldWise Partners; a fully loaded BMW 120i courtesy of Stewart Motors; a trip to Vietnam to represent Jamaica in the 2008 Miss Universe pageant; guaranteed modeling contract with Pulse valued at one $150,000 over two years; lifetime gym membership at Gymkhana; Miss Universe wardrobe courtesy Uzuri, and Keandra Francis; accessories valued at $100,000 courtesy of Bling Bling; and active wear from Puma Jamaica collection among other prizes.

The second place winner will receive $100,000 cash; a modeling contract with Pulse valued at $100,000 over two years; one year membership at Gymkhana; and dinner for two at Strawberry Hill among other prizes.

Third place winner walked away with $50,000 cash; one year membership at Gymkhana; a modeling contract with Pulse valued at $75,000 over two years; and a gift voucher from Go West valued at $25,000.

Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 was produced by Pulse with title sponsorship from WorldWise Partners, in association with Stewart Motors, CVM TV, the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Fame FM, Zip FM, Irie FM, Heffes Sales, Gymkhana, Uzuri, Hype TV, Bling Bling, Grizzly's and Splash.