jamarchThis week’s theme was our very own, internationally established: Reggae. All the contestants were sporting outfits showing their Jamaican colours, and the colours of their roots, however, these wonderful, culturally appealing outfits did nothing to improve their performances. One would think that when compared to last week’s show, an amazing tribute to the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson, a show about the music that most of us were raised on would be even greater. However, credit must be given where it is due, and all the performances had a smooth enough vibe to satisfy the audience, but the lack of enthusiasm coming from the audience as opposed to previous shows would show that there were waiting for the mind blowing, goose-bump inducing performances they are used to.
This week’s judges, Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland, and guest judge Mikey Bennett, producer and a founder of Caribbean Management and Artiste Development (C-MAD), seemed almost completely unimpressed and Miller left some contestants with a few hilariously devastating comments.
This Week also saw the introduction of the Producer’s Pick, Lady Danielle, who will be competing against those remaining for this year’s Digicel Rising Stars title.
Outstanding Performances
Not all performances were a few bars short of awe inspiring however, as two really stood out this week. Moments brought their usual smooth moves and perfect harmony with This Time I Promise by Da’ville. The audience showed their appreciation, and the judges were also satisfied. One of the two performances that did not disturb Anthony, he complemented them saying: “Your voices complement each other really nicely, nice performance.”
Mikey agreed: “Your sound fits you. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the studio.”
The other memorable performance was by Sandy Smith and came almost as a complete surprise to the judges. Performing I’m in Love by Digicel Rising Stars’ very own judge, Nadine Sutherland, Sandy blew the roof off the house, impressing everyone, judges included. Her performance gave her her first real complement from Killer Miller who told her: “You are not the first contestant to curry favour with the judges by doing a Nadine Sutherland song, but I’m here to tell you, you did it really well.”
Nadine herself at first seemed speechless, but finally said: “That song is a passionate song, and I love the passion that you brought to it. Yeh, you’re in love with a stranger!”
Fashion
This week’s theme brought out some colourful and culturally appropriate outfits, especially amongst the women, but the gentlemen seemed a tad plain. Princess Tia lead the way fashion wise, in a black strapless jumper, with a sequined top and bubbled, mid-calf pants, paired with a bright yellow belt and green earrings, with a pair of pumps representing all the colours of the Jamaican flag. In close second came Brown Sugar who wore an army green jumper, a gold sequined hooded jacket, red feather earrings and black boots with gold chains.
Notable Judges Comments
This week’s performances saw a lot of displeasure from the judges, particularly from Anthony ‘Killer’ Miller who did not hold back as he ripped the contestants apart.
After Angele’s crowd pleasing performance of Start a New by Tarrus Riley, Miller who didn’t care for it at all, said: “Angele this is not a modelling contest. I am having serious doubts about your vocal prowess.”
Princess Tia’s performance was another one that rubber Miller the wrong way. “Your outfit was pretty, but I think your performance was pretty awful. I think based on what I heard, vocally you are a non-entity.”
But the worst blow went to usual crowd pleaser, the uncle and niece duo, Chrissy and Winston, whom after their performance of Walk Away From Love by Bizzy Mclean, Anthony told rather irritably: “Basically I think the both of you could be walking away from the competition. I think it was the most awful thing, I preferred listening to the backup singers”.
Producer’s pick Lady Danielle’s first set of comments from the judges were mixed. While Nadine thought it was a great introduction, Mikey saw things differently: “I don’t know how well you can sing. I would think that given a second chance you would choose a song that really shows your voice.” he said in regards to her performance of Life by G Whizz.
Miller on the other hand, who had neither negative nor positive opinion stated: “You were better than Brown Sugar and Princess Tia, but so what?”
Audience Comments
The audience overall seemed pleased with the performances, though at the same time were hoping for something a bit more memorable. However, most believed that the judge’s comments were a bit harsh, especially Miller’s.
One audience member stated: “Di show did nice, Mi nuh know did what wrong wid Anthony”.
While another stated: “I’m not fully disappointed, a few times I got goose bumps, but not as much as last week’s show”.
To see the outcome of this week’s show and who will go home, make sure to tune in to TVJ this Friday night, at 8:30PM, and don’t forget to vote!
Media Writer
