Preliminary judges Roy Rayon (left) and David wedderburn assess the talent at the Rising Stars audition held at Fayors Entertainment Centre, Mandeville, on Saturday, April 28. - Colin Hamilton photos

by Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

If the judges' comments are anything to go by, it seems the Mandeville leg of the auditions for Digicel Rising Stars lived up to all expectations.

Touted as one of the most promising locations, after showcasing talents like One Third and Natel, the Mandeville audition is obviously one that the judges look forward to and expect great things from.

Preliminary judges David Wedderburn and Roy Rayon were both impressed with the display of talent, and while admitting that there were the usual 'over-confident' contestants, they both concluded that it was a good day.

Wedderburn told THE STAR, "In the early part of the audition, we saw an abundance of talent. The latter part was kind of disappointing on my part. Overall though, I think Mandeville has a good talent pool and I think we can find 10, 12 or 15 very good acts that can sell anywhere in the world."

He also gave Mandeville the edge over the Ocho Rios auditions. He said, "I would give Mandeville the edge for solid performances. They have the basic background - they can sing. They might not be the best stage acts, but the foundation is there and with guidance they could be phenomenal."

Rayon was equally impressed with the turnout and said, "Mandeville's turnout is always good. It has always been one of the stronger crops - it's going to be interesting." He, too, agreed that while most of the talent was raw, with "training, advice and guidance, they should do well."

In terms of a comparison with the previous week's auditions in Ocho Rios, he said, "I think it is competitive. Ocho Rios was very strong last week, I'm encouraged. You're always going to get people that should have stayed home but it is an entertainment show, so we're going to get everything."

One of the talents performing for judges at the Rising Stars audition at Fayors Entertainment Centre.