History was made last evening when Savita Singh was crowned the first female winner of Trinidad and Tobago’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition in its 31-year history.

A female victory appeared likely heading into the finals, as Singh, Lady Lava and Rasika Dindial topped the semifinals of the 2026 Chutney Soca Monarch.

Singh dethroned reigning monarch Machel Montano with an energetic performance of her song “The Ring.”

Rasika Dindial placed second with “Pong D Damadol,” and also captured the Best Traditional Song title.

Lady Lava secured third place with her hit “Cyah Pick,” a collaboration with chutney soca star Ravi B.

Montano finished fourth in the competition.

A total of 15 artistes were scheduled to compete for the Chutney Soca Monarch crown. However, only 14 performed after former monarch KI Persad withdrew days before the competition due to health concerns.

In a post on his Instagram stories on Sunday, Persad wrote, “It breaks my heart that I’m not able to compete in the CSM tonight anymore. We planned an out-of-this-world performance for you, including some of the most talented producers and designers in the region. I was definitely looking forward to competing against one of the best to ever do it and a hero of mine, Machel.”

Persad said he is recovering and plans to return to the stage soon.