Anthony Minott, Star Writer

Mitchum Macho, who is popular at many Karaoke nights came to make himself known at the Kingston 'Digicel Rising Stars' audition at the YWCA on Arnold Road on Saturday, May 31. - Peta-Gaye Clachar

Over 800 of the 900 'Digicel Rising Stars' hopefuls at the Kingston auditions, the final in the series, saw their chances at stardom dashed on Saturday.

These potential 'stars' will have to try next year for another shot at stardom.

One contestant who didn't receive a callback was Sheika Edwards, a young lady from rural Jamaica.

Edwards said she was hoarse and it hampered her performance. The aspiring model/singer said that she received callbacks in Portmore and Ocho Rios but didn't make either top 10. She told The Star that, "with God's will I'll come back next year."

Layton Sherves, formerly of the gospel group Jesus Freaks, was another contestant sent packing. He said that he was not sure if he would make a return next year. He entered with Babyface's Everytime I Close My Eyes.

"The judges said that the song needed more melody," he said.

Cowboy, Mitchum Macho, also didn't get a callback, but will try is luck next year. He said, "I'm definitely entering next year; you can't give up. I learnt from God and the late Bob Marley that you just don't give up; try and try again," he said.

Sheika Edwards still has a smile on her face even though she was eliminated in the preliminaries at the Kingston leg of the Rising Stars audition. - Anthony Minott