Left: Performers take the stage at the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars auditions held at Island Village, Ocho Rios on Saturday.   Right: A section of the crowd being marshalled by police. Spectators were not allowed past certain areas.

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

"Ladies and Gentlemen it's show time" announced preliminary judge Roy Rayan as Lady Cool took the Rising Stars stage last Saturday at the Island Village complex in Ocho Rios. Lady Cool among other returnees to Rising Stars audition gives a new meaning to perseverance is the key.

Lady Cool as well as Geico the War Lizard were among the two most noticeable returnees at this year's competition. Lady Cool was the epitome of her name as she looked completely relaxed when THE STAR caught up with her before she went on stage. According to Cool, this is her third straight year auditioning for the show. Cool follows the show around to all the audition locations hoping to make it through and become Jamaica's next big thing. However the farthest she has reached is to second day auditions - one time.

STAR IS A STAR

Yet Lady Cool never gives up, "I believe a star is a star and I'm a star, I should not give up. Perseverance is having faith and I going to make a good impression. I have no doubts" she said. With her singjay style Lady Cool entered the stage and after his announcement judge Roy Rayan noticeably exited the stage, only returning when Lady Cool left.

Unperturbed Lady Cool sang Rush Me, an original number that had the audience for the first time for the day hooting with laughter as she cried "rush me, tek me to Brazil and Venezuela". Yet again another year passes by and Lady Cool was denied that slip of paper to further her career. A hurt Lady Cool broke down at the side of the stage as she cried while some contestants tried to comfort her.

HAPPY LIZARD

For Geico the War Lizard aka Noel Murray it was a happier tale. A disturbing screeching sound announced Geico's presence on stage as he deejayed to 'Love'. He sang to cheers from the crowd "mi love mi girl she love me, mi nah watch her but she a watch me." His second time at Rising Stars, last year Geico did not receive that coveted slip but he returned this year saying "hard work is the key to success, I put more energy into it this year." Geico made it through to the second day auditions as the judge commended him saying "its not all about the singing, but how you put together your words."

Next year may see the rise of new returnees as one unsuccessful woman said as she exited the stage " dem gonna be tired of seeing my face!"

Brushy passing thru

Last year's Rising Stars top ten finalist, Brushy One String who was only a spectator at this year's auditions in Ocho Rios. - teino evans

Brushy One String made a surprising appearance at the Rising Stars auditions held in Ocho Rios at the Island Village complex, however it was not to re-audition. Brushy was present at the first Rising Stars audition to show his family members who were entering, some support.

A resident of Ocho Rios Brushy strolled into the venue to persons flocking him wanting to meet last year's enigmatic top ten finalist. According to Brushy he had nieces and nephews entering this year's competition and he was their unofficial coach. "Mi wake dem up early and give them a few hints. Mi come fi see to it that they get pick," he said.

Despite his support, Brushy said if they don't make it that's due to their own mistakes. Advice he gave to his family members include voice tips and song choice, "I gave them a different song to sing, most times they pick a song and can't sing it," he said. Despite his encouragement at the end of the day his family didn't bother to enter as they got stage fright.

STAGE FRIGHT

Stage fright was something unfamiliar to their now famous relative, who claimed he was a trend setter. According to Brushy, there were many persons who were imitating his style and his infamous guitar. He explains 'Rising Stars will neva see nuting like Brushy One String again. I'm a trend setter and di response from people have been 'over-warming'." Brushy has just finished mixing his single 'Boom Bang Deng' and is poised to start filming the music video.

While he testifies that he would never re-enter the Rising Stars competition, he encourages the youngsters to take the opportunity. "Young singers need the chance to get exposure, Some people have genuine talent, they should really turn up and do your best, good things will happen" he stated.

- K.H.