“Since the show I have been recognised in the streets which is really strange but nice. My friends think it is cool,” Mary-Jess said.
The 19-year-old only entered the competition after she was spotted by producers in a local singing contest for foreigners.
“I had to go to China for the year as part of my course. I entered a singing competition when I got out there which was for foreign people and I won that.”
"I didn't really realise how big it was but it is screened in the Jiangsu province which goes out to about 70 million,” she added.
She became the only foreigner on 'Min Xing Chang Fan Tian' (I Want to Sing to the Stars) and won with a rendition of Yue Guang Ai Ren (Moonlight Lovers), the theme tune from Ang Lee's film Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
Unlike Britain’s X Factor however, the Chinese equivalent does not offer a lucrative recording contract, but Mary-Jess still scooped a prize of 10,000 yuan, equal to £897, a trophy and a CD recording of her performances.
“The money has really helped and without it I wouldn't have been able to come home for Christmas because I wouldn't have been able to afford the flight, and I was really missing my family,” the young star revealed.
Mary-Jess, who is fluent in Mandarin and Italian, studies for a joint honours degree in Chinese and music, and had to perform to a panel of judges in a similar format to Britain’s Got Talent or The X Factor.
“There were sometimes three judges, at other times five, though none seems to have been quite as mean as Simon Cowell!” she joked.
She eventually triumphed winning the live final after impressing the judges with her gutsy renditions of opera and pop songs.
The show was shown only to the Jiangsu province, in the east of the country, but was still viewed by millions at a time.
"It was all televised and we had to film for around three weeks in a row. It was the most exciting thing I have done in my life," she said. "I was so pleased to have the opportunity - it's not something you think could happen to you - and I was very happy when I won.”
Mary-Jess, who lives with her mother Liz and sister Chez, 17, in Gloucester, is no stranger to singing.
"I have always loved singing. My grandmother was a semi-professional opera singer and I started from age nine.
"My grandmother was a real inspiration but my mum is my main inspiration she is amazing. We even sing together in a duo when I am home."
Mum Liz said yesterday: 'I would have loved to be there but I saw some of the videos and seeing Mary Jess in the limousine and on the red carpet was amazing. I'm so proud of her. I hope she can continue in the industry."
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