After mulling through about 600 contestants, for over eight hours,  it was time to pick the top ten… a task left up to resident judges Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland and Clyde Mckenzie.

First on show was Prudence Brown who was not successful when she reached the studio finals as a part of a female group called Dzire  a few years ago, did justice to Diana Ross’s When You Tell Me That you Love Me. So good she was that Anthony Miller told her that he loved her voice and the other judges approved. Her vocal range was welcoming and she deservedly made the top ten.

Another contestant Norshous is the perfect example of determination and perseverance as he continued to try until made the top ten. His original piece Me Nuh Have It was a sure hit with the judges as his witty lyrics and controlled vocals made the song soar although the judges were new to it. Nadine gave Norshous a full ten for his effort.

The duo known as Inflame blazed Terry Linen’s Couldn’t Be The Girl for Me and once again Anthony Miller loved their voice combination and the other judges were more than eager to give them the thumbs up. They were destined for the top ten.

Annalese Martin’s rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Waters  was enough to get her into the top ten. Although there was nothing magical about the performance, the judges decided to give her a chance.

However, Shane Wright stunned everyone after doing R Kelly’s I Believe I can Fly which prompted McKenzie to exclaim “You didn’t fly, you soared.” The other judges agreed and he was the fifth person to seal the deal for top ten.

Jamaal Minott took on Benji Myaz’s Love You Higher and all three judges loved the level he rose to. It was fresh, clean and clear and definitely good enough for top ten according to the judges.

Another duo, Moments, made Anthony say, “I really liked that.” Nadine was in full agreement as she smiled and told the boys, “I like that. You can sing for me.” They also made it into the top ten. Their rendition of Pretty Blue Eyes by Teddy Robin and The Playboys was a hit with the judges.

Kaydean Mantock sang of her real ghetto pains and Real Ghetto Pressures. She did an amazing job that left Anthony saying her piece was “clean, beautiful and her voice was clear.”

Stratdon was the next person to graduate to top ten with Sweet Lies from the Maestro himself, Beres Hammond. Nadine gave him a, “You are a good singer,” which was enough to convince the other judges to give him a passing score.

Sapphyr wondered How Could an Angel Break my Heart and had her heart mended as she made her way to the top ten. Nadine assured her she had the goods with a “Top ten for you girl!” Toni Braxton would have been pleased with her rendition.

Jamaicans now need to vote to ensure their favourite becomes one of the top three entrants from May Pen. On Friday night at 8:30 PM, Digicel Rising Stars host Yendi will make Jamaica’s choices known.