Entertainment

Martin, 'Q' up for Kingston cd Studio finals set to beginers

(From Left to Right) KalvinTahal, Peter Edwards, Daharah Danni and Jerome Powell of the group 'Q' advance to the studio finals of Rising Stars. - contributed

THE STUDIO FINALS are now set, as the Kingston results show, held last Tuesday evening at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, completed the twelve finalists.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the audience waited for the top two from the Kingston auditions to be revealed at the Knutsford Court Hotel. It was clear that all ten who made it through to the finals from the Kingston audition were favourites.

Distinct acts

In spite of this, there were two distinct acts that won cheers from across the audience and gained the respect of the celebrity judges.

As the show progressed, judge, Anthony Miller predicted that 17-year-old Christopher Martin would be in the top two. Miller, who surprisingly went out on a limb, had his sentiments echoed by voters who placed both Christopher Martin and the group "Q" in the top two, earning their place in the studio finals.

'Q' members (Kalvin Tahal, Peter Edwards, Jerome Powell, Daharah Danni), are still feeling the effects of their success, as members are still in disbelief, but promise bigger and better tunes in the studio finals.

"Bwoy, mi couldn't believe it, now, a crazy, crazy harmony di people dem a guh get. From Q give dem best, people will give Q their chance to shine," said group member, Peter Edwards,

Daharah Danni says it's a fascinating feeling. "Everybody did love wi from before, and even if wi nuh win di overall thing, wi happy fi di start weh wi get. This mek mi feel so good and Rising Star really boost wi a lot."

Another group member, Kalvin Tahal, sums it all up by hinting that it is their time to shine now.

"Wi have di music locked already, but wi surprise seh wi actually get the top votes. We have a lot more to offer, in terms of original tunes and variations in the group, and as our name specifies, it's our 'Q' to bring our music now to Jamaica," he said.

Second place, Christopher Martin said he was also looking to the finals, but says his experience so far has been a pleasure.

"Definitely, I'm looking towards the studio finals, just being in the top ten was a pleasure for me, an mi home community, Backpasture district, just outside of Spanish Town, after you pass Kitson Town, dem support me a whole lot and I'm just elated that I got through," he said.

"The public at large can expect great things from me, the exposure is great and everybody who have talent should try," he urged.

Studio finals set

A total of twelve (12) finalists from the six auditions along with three (3) wild cards selected by the judges will compete in the cutting edge studio facilities of TVJ. Of the total fifteen (15), six (6) finalists and one (1) wild card will perform this Sunday July 24. These are: Christopher Martin, Keisha Clarke, Chanti I, Prince J, Face and the wild card to be named on the show. The remaining six (6) finalists and two (2) wild cards will perform the following Sunday July 31.

The public will be able to vote by texting or calling the number of each contestant as aired on each Sunday show. The results will then be televised the following Friday at 8:30 p.m.

The public's votes will determine all further eliminations and ultimately the winner of the series who will be awarded a recording and publishing contract and a share in the cash prize of one million dollars, compliments of Digicel, during the live grand finale on September 23.