By Jovani Davis
In a dazzling display of talent and artistry, Terri Lyons has clinched her second Calypso Monarch title, captivating audiences at the renowned Dimanche Gras show. Held at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad and Tobago, the event marked a triumphant return for Lyons, who first claimed the prestigious title in 2020. Her performance of the spiritually resonant song “Blessings” left an indelible mark on the grandstands, earning her a prolonged standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd.
The North Stand, which reopened for the competition for the first time since 2012, provided a vibrant backdrop to Lyons’ victory. Her unassailable performance secured her a grand prize of $1 million and a Suzuki Vitara, generously sponsored by Lifestyle Motors.
While Lyons’ triumph was celebrated by the sizeable audience, the announcement of the other results in the Calypso Monarch competition was met with mixed reactions. Some sections of the crowd expressed discontent with the judges’ decisions, with audible jeers and accusations of bias. However, the mood swiftly shifted to one of jubilation as Lyons was confirmed as the champion.
Rivaldo London, this year’s National Action Cultural Committee Young King, delivered an impressive performance with “Water Thicker,” earning him the second spot. Nine-time Chutney Soca Monarch Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) secured third place with his song “Doh Spoil Meh Name.”
Crowd favorite Karene Asche finished fifth with her politically charged piece, “Nobody Wins Until,” while the defending champion Helon Francis took sixth place with “Doh Forget.” Despite an impeccable performance, Francis faced challenges outside the venue with an audio drop during the live broadcast, leading to conspiracy theories of sabotage due to his political commentary.
Other notable finalists included Yung Bredda, who placed fourth with “The Messenger”; Nicole Thomas-Clarke, seventh with “Sacrifice”; and Ta’Zyah O’Connor, eighth with “Cast Them Away.” The list of talented performers continued with Giselle “GG” Fraser in ninth place with “No Village Can’t”; Muhammad Muwakil in tenth with “Calypso”; Kerice Pascall in eleventh with “No Conscience”; and Roslyn Hayes rounding out the top twelve with “Calypso Calling Me.”
- Terri Lyons — Blessings (263)
- Rivaldo London — Water Thicker (245)
- Rikki Jai — Doh Spoil Meh Name (241)
- Yung Bredda — The Messenger (240)
- Karene Asche — Nobody Wins Until (239)
- Helon Francis — Doh Forget (237)
- Nicole Thomas-Clarke — Sacrifice (236)
- Ta’Zyah O’Connor — Cast Them Away (235)
- Giselle “GG” Fraser — No Village Can’t (230)
- Muhammad Muwakil — Calypso (228)
- Kerice Pascall — No Conscience (225)
- Roslyn Hayes — Calypso Calling Me (212)
The 2026 Dimanche Gras show highlighted the enduring appeal and cultural significance of calypso music, celebrating its rich tradition and the new generation of artists who continue to elevate the art form. Terri Lyons’ victory is a testament to her exceptional talent and the profound impact of her music on audiences both locally and internationally.
Source: Terri Lyons wins second Calypso Monarch title at Dimanche Gras
