And if Simon Cowell takes a cue from last night's judges, she's probably a clear winner next year as well.
"That was great. You have an unquestionable stage presence," said contest judge Joe Crawford. "You are a star in the making."
The competition, which started in June with dozens of contenders, was organized to benefit Clark County Community Services and provide a community event in the downtown district.
It was also a night of excitement for two other winners, who managed to stay alive through weekly contests and intense voting.
George Rogers Clark sophomore Brittany Means took home a win in the 15-and-younger category. She wowed judges with her version of Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away" and even earned comparisons to the Clarkson herself - the original American Idol.
She was competing with Victoria Madison Wise and Laura Hilen. However, Means walked away with the prize - an iPod.
Derek Hickman, a local music minister, also landed praise for his rendition of Elvis, singing "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." He beat out singers in the 29-and-older age group and plans to use his prize, a free studio recording, to lay down some Christian and gospel tracks.
"It feels great," he said. "It's a complete shock."
Hickman out-sung Eric Bauman and Raymond Gardner to procure the win.
Meanwhile, about 300 supports crowded into downtown Winchester for most of the night, for some cheering, dancing and eating. Results, which included votes from the judges panel along with the audience, were not announced until nearly 10:30 p.m.
Supporters voted by depositing change or dollar bills in the voting boxes with each coin or bill counting as one vote. Many brought jars or Tupperware containers filled with coins. Individuals could vote for as many singers as they wanted as many times as they wanted.
Proceeds will go to Community Services, but organizers were not sure how much was raised by the end of the night.
"I'm very pleased with the event," said Lara Early, who organized Winchester SuperStar with several sponsors. "It brings a ton a people downtown."
Early said SuperStar allowed Winchester to showcase a lot of the local singers, and organizers now plan to hold the competition on an annual basis.
"There's a lot of talent in Winchester, and I think this event allowed a lot of talent to come out," she said.
While organizers were counting votes, audience members were kept entertained with a hula hoop competition and several group dances including the electric slide and YMCA - complete with Village People costumes.
But for Rector, the night was an opportunity to showcase something she's loved to do all her life in church and school. Who knows how Cowell will feel about that.
"We'll see when I get there," she said. "But I will do my best."
