91Èȱ¬

Russian soprano Ekaterina Scherbachenko, 91Èȱ¬ Cardiff Singer of the World 2009.

Ekaterina Scherbachenko from Russia

After an exciting night in St David's Hall, we have a new 91Èȱ¬ Cardiff Singer of the World!

Two sopranos, one tenor, one bass and one counter-tenor, all performing at the top of their form. But there can only be one winner, and the winner tonight is Russian soprano Ekaterina Scherbachenko, with her dazzling programme of music in three languages - none of them her own.

The prize is £15,000 and a trophy, and the possibility of engagements with the 91Èȱ¬ and Welsh National Opera.

Also awarded tonight was the Audience Prize, on the basis of the performances in the preliminary round. Thousands of people phoned in to register their vote over the last couple of days, and the winner of the £2,000 prize is Giordano Lucà, the Italian tenor.

Giordano is the youngest competitor, aged 21, and this is the first time he has ever performed with orchestra. He clearly has a very big career ahead of him.

Frockwatch is back! Maggi Willis has taken time out of her busy schedule to get here for the last weekend - she's been keeping up with the competition all week from afar and gives us her thoughts on the styles seen onstage until tonight. Read her account and see photos.

Come back soon to see what Maggi made of the Final frocks.