Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Yvonne Wilks (right), director of marketing at Digicel, presents the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars winner's cheque to Romain Virgo (left), with the contest's host Denise Hunt (centre) getting his reaction to the moment. - winston sill photos

The popular and successful Digicel's Rising Stars competition is coming back to the small screen.The STAR recaps the 2007 highlights.

A season of highs and lows, last year's competition had audiences falling in love with some of their favourite contestants. From the outset, auditions brought crowds of newcomers and a few familiar faces hoping to be Jamaica's next best thing.

Out of the hundreds, only a handful made it to the studio performances where they were put to the test, often bearing the comments of judges Nadine Sutherland, Clyde McKenzie and the feared Anthony Miller.

There were a number of particularly youthful stars, such as Michaela Jack, Kyino Cunningham, Oneil Peart and others. Inga Stewart's triumphant return to Rising Stars was a well discussed topic as the starlet re-entered the competition after placing ninth the season prior and later placing third in 2007's competition.

Inga showcased her vivacious personality week after week with her energetic stage performances putting her above the rest.

Tashina McKenzie had her high and low points with an obvious contention between Tashina and judge Anthony Miller, who obviously thought McKenzie should have exited the Rising Stars stage a lot earlier. Tashina was known for making Keyshia Cole's 'Love' her own.

The final six - Lenya Wilks, Romain Virgo, Tashina McKenzie, Inga Stewart and Jodian Pantry - made their presence felt in Curacao during an unforgettable visit where they tried new things, and for Romain it was his first trip outside of Jamaica.

Jodian Pantry

In one of the last shows Rising Stars covered new grounds, inviting past contestants of the show to perform alongside the finalists.

Romain and 2005 winner Christopher Martin did a lively song, Inga Stewart and 2006 winners One Third went along the oldies route, but it was Jodian Pantry and Noddy Virtue's Bed Of Roses that stole the show. The rendition is featured on Noddy's new album, Just Believe.

One of the most shocking instances from last year was the departure of Lenya Wilks, who was not only a crowd favourite but a contestant many thought would be in the final two.

Lenya's loss not only brought the studio audience to tears but Lenya herself who could barely belt out the notes of her last song. At the end of the season it was Inga Stewart (third place winner), Jodian Pantry and Romain Virgo to contend for the title.

Host Denise Hunt tries to console a tearful Digicel Rising Stars contestant Lenya Wilks after she was eliminated.

Jodian and Romain, both teenagers, battled head to head but it was long-time favourite Romain who prevailed with his boyish charm.

Romain made waves throughout the season always at the top of the game with renditions of Turbulence's 'X Girlfriend' and oldies from Alton Ellis among others. With his tiny frame and surprisingly powerful voice Romain conquered Digicel's Rising Stars 2007.