Today Diwakar has done himself proud. On Saturday last, he was adjudged the first runner up in Zee TV's grand finale of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa's L'il Champs programme. The No 2 spot went to Sameer Mohammad from Mumbai while the elated if disbelieving --Sanchita Bhattacharya from Kolkata walked away with the first prize. As the winners went away with the prizes, it was an exciting moment for the participants, audience and parents alike.

The judges of the contest were singers Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Bappi Lahiri and Alka Yagnik. It was a tough task for them to zero in to the winners as the competition was close and talents were aplenty. The popular anchor of the show was Shaan.

Stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey and Puja Bhatt graced the occasion. The biggest applause was of course reserved for Shah Rukh, who pointed out that the programme was " a great opportunity to see and listen to the children. I am here in my capacity as 'Don' uncle." Shah Rukh announced the winners amidst much fanfare.

Also present was Shreya Ghoshal, the first L'il Champs winner and recipient of a national award.

The finale was emotional as teary eyed young contestants and parents tried to hide their disappointment while the family of the winners were on cloud nine. Sameer sang Tere masoom...He was followed by Sanchita's rendering of Kabhi alvida na kehna. Diwakar in turn performed Main ne choo kar dekha hai. The judges too pitched in to sing several numbers.

The singers of the contest also received awards from choreographer and dancer Shiamak Davar. As a token of appreciation, the impressed Davar gifted Diwakar with a free lifetime membership supported by his trust Victory Arts Foundation. Similarly he presented Sameer and Sanchita with a three-year membership of Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA) centres in India.

The last word of the evening was that of actor Chunky Pandey who maintained, "Singers should retire because L'il Champs are here."