Auckland teen’s tribute takes rich US songwriting prize

Gin Wigmore

Virginia "Gin" Wigmore was 16 when her father died of liver cancer, and the young songwriter didn't write any music for a year.

When inspiration came, it brought a winning song.

The emotional tribute to her father Peter Wigmore - Hallelujah - won the grand prize in the 2004 International Songwriting Competition, an American event known for its prominent judges that this year included P Diddy, Macy Gray and Bo Diddley.

The grand prize has twice been won by New Zealanders in the event's three-year history - Moana Maniapoto, former lead singer of Moana and the Moa Hunters, won the grand prize last year.

Wigmore, now 18, was last night celebrating her victory in New Plymouth, where she is on holiday from her bachelor of teaching studies at AUT in Auckland.

"I can't believe I've won. It's just really wicked, insane."

Wigmore said it was hard not to get emotional when playing the song.

"I get a big lump in my throat, as if about to cry. When my Dad passed away, it affected me pretty badly. I didn't write anything for a year.

"The song is about how special he was, and how I saw him through my eyes. Basically, it was just so great to be a part of his life."

Wigmore won a US$10,000 ($14,000) cash prize and US$30,000 worth of equipment, including recording equipment and an acoustic guitar.

Wigmore's second song, Angelfire, written when she was 14, won the teen category which brought her a music performance scholarship.