The youngest participant in Bulgaria's first Star Academy reality show grabbed the first prize of BGN 150,000 (about EUR 75,000) and the chance to present his country in Cannes.

Marin Yonchev, 17, won over Ivailo Kolev, nearly ten year older than the Plovdiv teenager at a glamorous concert Monday evening, which took place at the fully packed Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture.

The other two talents, who reached the show's final - Viara and Viktoria - dropped off first from the last fierce competition.

Marin was often called by both teachers and his rivals in the Academy "the prodigy" due to his rich voice and passion for the music.

For three months spent in the Academy Marin managed to loose 15 kg of weight and win the audience's support.

A total of 55% of the Bulgarian viewers gave their vote for the devoted Elvis fan by text messages and phone calls.

The Bulgarian version of the Star Academy reality show kick-started April 11 introducing the viewers to the fourteen pioneer participants.

The young talents were taught at the Academy for three months, and tens of cameras captured their every move on the route to stardom.

The Star Academy is seen as the second season of the Big Brother project, which has already gathered tremendous popularity in Bulgaria.

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