Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Dreadlocked Kelvin 'Kello' Dixon demonstrates much emotion and passion as he delivers Billy Paul's 'Me and Mrs Jones'.

WESTERN BUREAU

Day two of the Digicel Rising Stars Competition continued on Sunday, at Club Inferno, Montego Bay, but with tensions and nervousness running high.

Many contestants found it very difficult to overcome their anxiety and brought it out in their performances.

Jasino Bicknell, of Montego Bay, was one such example. Singing Brian McKnight's version of Crazy Love, tension caused his vocals to crack intermittently. "Sometimes you nervous, yuh know," he said, staring at the floor.

"You can't be nervous if you are planning to sing in front of 1,000,000 people," remarked Nadine Sutherland. Clyde McKenzie agreed with her: "Yeah, I mean you can't be nervous."

Sutherland told The STAR in a subsequent interview that as judges they are mindful that contestants will be nervous.

"I know there are a lot of people who are nervous when they stand in front of us. We will give some leeway, but they have to take into consideration they will be singing in front of all of Jamaica. Sometimes the nervousness overwhelms the contestants and we just can't put them forward, because they may crack under the pressure," she said.

The performance of Montego Bay-based group Khalil shot through the roof and the walls of Club Inferno couldn't seem to contain them.

"Wow. I'm really, really glad to see you guys come back. I hope they will see the true talent in you and will give you a chance this time," Sutherland said.

Clyde seemed impressed with their rendition and remarked: "You are no ordinary people, believe me. The last time you performed, I was disappointed. But I think you stand a fabulous chance of winning this year."

But the small audience was in for a musical treat when 'Singing Dees', a duo with members from Plowden, Manchester and Junction, St Elizabeth, were introduced on stage.

Goose pimples covered people's hands, as they all watched in awe.

Romaine Richards and David Shields met just a week earlier and teamed up for the contest. Judges, Clyde, Nadine and Anthony admitted they were the best performers.

And with three auditions held in St Thomas, Manchester and St James, following last Saturday's audition, Roy Rayon said if he were to make a comparison, it would be challenging, as none of the contestants stood out exceptionally.

"I would have to strike a balance," Rayon said. This year is just like the previous years. You are going to have some good talent and there will be some who should have stayed at home, but you can't tell them not to come."

According to Rayon: "You will never find any two years the same. The beauty about this competition is that contestants can always reinvent themselves."

Montego Bay-based group, Khalil, gives a melodious rendition at the 'Digicel Rising Stars' audition. - Noel Thompson photos