by Kandre McDonald, Freelance Writer

Michaela

The decision last Friday to alter the voting method did not go down well with the judges in the Digicel Rising Stars Competition. The elimination show, which was held in the TVJ Studios, saw Michaela Jack and Oneil receiving the lowest number of votes.

The new elimination was introduced whereas the judges were to comment on the final two and then Jamaica was to vote for who they want to see stay in the competition. Although this gave the public a chance to keep their favourite 'star' in the competition, it did not go down well with the judges who, ultimately, had no say in the elimination process.

After Oneil's presentation of Richie Spice's Earth A Run Red and Michaela's rendition of Tessanne Chin's Messenger the judges had no comment.

No meaning

When host Denise Hunt called on Clyde McKenzie to pick who he would like to see stay, his comment was a blatant: "Tonight, my opinion has no meaning, really, so I can say anything I want to. I tend to prefer Oneil's performance. I still think there was still a bit of trouble with Michaela's delivery. I decline to comment on who should go and who should stay."

Anthony Miller remained as ruthless as many perceive him to be. Anthony's decision not only hit the nail on the head, but he actually commented without pausing after being asked to do so.

"Compare to Sunday, they were worse, and since our opinion has no say, I decline to comment any further," he said as a sense of surprise seemed to have gripped the host, who somewhat fumbled before again addressing the audience. The sole female judge, Nadine Sutherland, was missing in action.

Speaking with THE STAR after singing out his heart, Oneil revealed that he was pleased with his performance, although it was trampled on by Anthony Miller.

"I gave it my best shot. If the people like it then they will vote for me. I am not really surprised that I was in the bottom two. This is a competition that is based on votes and it is just a matter of whether people like you or not. I know it was a risk doing the Nya-binghy song, but I had to because it shows another side of my personality. It also shows that I am not a one- dimensional person and is capable of doing different types of music. Even if I don't make it any further in this competition, I would like to thank Jamaica because it was a great experience."

Not surprised

Michaela was just as relaxed as Oneil was during the interview with THE STAR. She pointed out that she was not surprised by the votes. "I am not really surprised that I was in the bottom two this week. I entered the competition knowing that there is a possibility that I could drop out at any time, so my mind is already conditioned. I was prepared for it," she said. And of her performance, she adds: "I think my performance tonight (Friday) was the worst to date, but I believe that I chose the right song. Tessanne Chin's Messenger has a strong meaning to it and I really felt it, so I had to do it."

While some patrons and the judges may not have been in agreement with the elimination system set in place last week, a charity is said to benefit from the move. According to Digicel, they will double the money obtained from the voting process and give it to a charity that will be chosen by this year's winner.