Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Janet Thomas all decked out in her gown for the Digicel Rising Stars audition at Manchester High School. - Peta-Gaye Clachar Photos

While the contestants anxiously awaited their chance on the stage, the well-wishers and spectators created a ruckus under the viewing tent of the STAR-sponsored Digicel Rising Stars auditions held at Man-chester High on Saturday.

As the STAR team inspected the school, upon arrival, loud cheers and laughter drew our attention to a tent on the playing field. Inside the tent, family members, friends and fans of the show watched the contestants audition on a huge TV screen. This seemed to be where all the excitement was, as persons laughed, talked and argued among themselves.

As one contestant sang In the Dark, a woman cried out "'Bout 50 time mi hear dat since morning!"

As they watched anxiously, they talked among themselves as persons went home in tears while others went through to the next round.

Sporadic cries of 'whoa', 'yeah' and 'bap bap' constantly exploded from the tent as children sat in the laps of their mothers and new friends were made discussing the show. One particularly good male contestant with a guitar sang Bob Marley's Redemption Song. He elicited a huge response as some persons cried "Him bad man", while others agreed, "Of course him bad; a Brushy One String again".

Some, however, were very critical of the contestants. They sometimes shook thier heads in pity, commenting, "Poor ting, a betta yuh stap", or "Too slow yuh need to try again". One man shouted, "See, if yuh go up dere and sing ft yuh nah go through."

One woman lamented that the judges were too critical and not listening to enough of the songs before cutting the singers off.

At one point, a young girl jumped up suddenly crying out "Mi sista dat, bap bap she get through!" She ran out of the tent to her sister to the delight of the viewing crowd.

As the rain came in the evening, persons scattered but soon returned to watch the action as the vibe stayed high under the viewing tent.

This young man (right) gets advice from preliminary judges Roy Rayon (left) and David Wedderburn before being handed a slip at the Digicel Rising Stars audition last Saturday.