Over the last month, we asked you to pick out who you think has the potential to be the next YouTube Star. That is to say, who has the talent, chops, creative skills and audience to be the next Bieber...or better?

You searched, you voted and now we'd like to introduce the winner of our first Next YouTube Star contest!

Meet Reggie V.

This 22-year-old New Orleans native is a Jazz Studies graduate of the University of New Orleans and has been using YouTube as well as performing gigs around the Big Easy to get his sound out. We chatted with Reggie about his music, his inspirations and What's Next.

How did you start writing music?

REGGIE V: At two years old I heard a commercial on TV and ran to the piano to figure it out. My parents were amazed and knew then that I had taken on the family’s musical gene. I officially started playing bass at age ten. I started writing music at the age of fifteen when my dad bought me a small BR-1600 studio recorder. This was a year before Katrina. During Katrina, I began to write more and more. It kept me sane I guess.

Who are your influences?

My main influence is the late Alvin Batiste. I had the privilege of studying under him for my four years at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. He saw more in me than I saw in myself. Other influences include Stevie Wonder, Michael Buble, Bobby McFerrin, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Take 6, the great composer and conductor Eric Whitacre (Check out "Sleep"), John P Kee, and many others.

(Reggie V's winning video: "Champion")
 

Tell us a little bit about "Champion."

I wrote "Champion" because I really wanted to write a song that my peers could feel and enjoy but one that also sends a positive message. I really wanted it to be driven into them so that is why I arranged it that way. When I say "Loser get behind me" I am talking to anyone that will stand in my way of success. My songwriting philosophy: If your song doesn't give you chills, don't expect it to move anyone else.

Did you make the video yourself?

I did make the video myself. It was the day before the NBA All-Star Games. I knew Blake Griffin would win the dunk contest, so I used that to get others to hear my song. I knew Blake Griffin's fans would hit up YouTube after the contest.

What kind of musician would you like to be known as?

I try to keep things positive. Where I'm from, young men don't have a really good reputation, so I'm trying through my music to share a positive impression of New Orleans youth.

What do you think the next big trend in music is?

I think there's a lot of great underground jazz happening and that it's starting to show up in the mainstream. Just look at folks like Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae. There's a little bit of R&B flavor thrown in as well.

Watch more videos by Reggie V at his YouTube page. 

Randy checked out Reggie V's music and says:

"He was obviously well-loved as a child and definitely has done his homework."

Now we want to hear from you. Let Reggie know what you think of his music, ask him questions and share your advice with him.

Check back in two weeks for the next round of the Randy Jackson Next YouTube Star Contest.