by Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Jodiann Pantry (left) and Noddy Virtue gave a stellar performance on Rising Stars on Sunday September 16, 2007. - Peta-Gaye Clachar

For those who thought Jodiann Pantry was out, they will have to think twice. Just last Friday, Jodiann was on the brink of exiting the Rising Stars competition and now she is the contestant on everybody's mind. The reason, Jodian gave a stellar performance on Sunday when she teamed up with 2005 runner-up, Noddy Virtue.

She and Noddy confidently entered the studio hand in hand and brought a chemistry to the stage that has never been seen in Rising Stars history. So compelling was the rendition of Bed of Roses they also received the biggest standing ovation in the history of the competition.

Pantry caressed and flirted with the indulging Noddy and the only thing that could have bettered the performance was an actual bed of roses.

"I want to declare it over right now," Clyde McKenzie said.

Sunday's show was split in two rounds. The first had the remaining three contestants perform their best rendition from prior weeks. However, it was the second round that delivered perhaps one of the best Rising Star performances ever. Each contestant had to pair up with a former contestant.

Inga Stewart opted for a class of 2006 reunion with the colourful One Third, but it was good karaoke to say the least. For one, the song did nothing for Inga. Picture this: there were three men on the stage performing with her while she stood there in her own world and watch One Third steal the spotlight. Inga did not make good on the opportunity to put on a real show. Even if it was not planned for, after seeing Jodiann perform, she should have been all over Al, Miguel and Adrian.

Wrong choice

"It didn't lift you. It didn't do anything for you in this competition," said a sassy Nadine Sutherland. "I thought you would have chosen something more effective."

Romain Virgo chose to duet with Chris Martin, a decision he probably regrets right now. The duo sang off the Drop Leaf riddim. The problem is: it showed up Chris' talent more and left Romaine out of his element. The judge unanimously agreed that it did not show off Romain's true talent. Had he chosen a female contestant (just throwing this out there, but Nekeisha Barnes, anyone), he probably would have had a better time. Singing with another male limits what can be done on the stage.

"Entertaining, not riveting," said Anthony Miller.

Before all this though, the contestants had performed what they considered their season's best. Pantry pulled on Listen. She did not do justice to it the first time around, and the general consensus was that she would have sung Summertime, which she blew away the first time. The judges however agreed that she improved on Listen.

Inga on the other hand, gave a sub-par rendition of Ann Murray's I Just Fall In Love Again.

"Too controlled. Too practised. Ultimately forgettable," Miller said.

Romaine sang Ex-girlfriend and it showed why he chose that particular song.

"Likkle boy, you can sing," Sutherland said.

Romaine probably won round one with Jodiann following closely behind. Inga just did not make the cut. Hands down, Jodiann won round two and ultimately the entire night.

"The duet showed up so much of the deficiency of the other performers," Miller said at the end.

Friday's shocking ousting of Lenya Wilks painted a bleak picture for some who thought the competition needed her. However, the competition is sizzling and building up to a dramatic end. For now, the Rising Stars will have to figure a way to top Sunday's show.