In 2008 over 5000 prospective stars turned out for the auditions and this year is expected to be no different.
On April 18, 2009, the Portmore Heart Academy will come alive for the first audition of the 2009 season of Digicel Rising Stars.
“Portmore is always filled with so much energy, and talent, so we’re waiting with baited breath for Saturday,” commented series executive producer Tahnida Nunes.
The auditions will then move from Portmore to Montego Bay (April 25) then on to May Pen (May 2), from there to Ocho Rios (May 9), then ending in Kingston (May 16).
Auditions this year will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00p.m. sharp,. and will have Digicel Rising Stars hopefuls vying for the thumbs up from preliminary judges before going in for the final stamp of approval from the show’s regular judges, Clyde McKenzie, Nadine Sutherland, and Anthony ‘Killer’ Miller. If they manage to get the final nod of approval, they will advance to the next stage of the competition… where they will fight further for to be a part of the 16 finalists for the in studio finals of the show.
This year will be the first time the competition goes to May Pen for auditions and as is customary bumper crowds are expected.
So says series producer Sharon Schroeter: “Last year was really great, and this year I’m expecting the same amount of love from the people. I anticipate about 500 to 600 people coming out to the May Pen auditions.”
Digicel Rising Stars has a heritage of exposing Jamaican talent to the big stage and this year will be no different. Last year the Denham Town Princess seized the crown in a surprise move and only one thing is certain this year: there can only be one Digicel Rising Stars.