Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

New host Yendi stood out in a shocking pink number. - Nathaniel Stewart

There were few standout performances at the first live studio show of Digicel's Rising Stars last Sunday night at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

The first nine of the 18 contestants coming from the auditions showed little practice, lack of vocal control and mediocre stage performance.

Feared judge Anthony Miller was in his element last night with harsh words for almost all who failed to impress. Nothing new there.

However, new host Yendi Phillipps was stunning in a hot pink shorts suit, as she welcomed the packed audience to the first show in the new venue-the Courtleigh Auditorium.

Lashana Stephenson from Westmoreland gave the best performance for the night, making all wanna-be 'stars' after her look dim in comparison.

Fancy foot work

Looking for excitement, exposure and to be the next Rising Star, Stephenson performed a Tina Turner number eliciting the only good comment from Miller for the night. He said, "Good song selection, solid start and a good performance."

Curtis Gordon, Byron McLawrence and Kevin Williams of R3 followed with Just As I Am. Reminiscent of 2006 winners, One Third, the group had a lot of fancy foot work but not enough vocal power. Nadine Sutherland claimed the trio needed a lot more work and Clyde McKenzie thought the harmony was in disarray.

The judges' pick from Mandeville Orale Johnson had a powerful voice as he sang Glory Of Love but was not well received. Judge Nadine Sutherland commented, "Vocally, I can hear he has a good voice but wrong song choice."

Tru Essence, who received the top votes in Mandeville, attempted to put a little life into their performance of Are You Coming Over Tonight but fell flat having not captured the audience. Miller bashed the duo, saying they were the "true essence of dullness".

Harsh comments

The gatekeepers, judges (from left) Clyde McKenzie, Nadine Sutherland and Anthony Miller.

One would have expected Rondel Robertson had a huge in-house fan support to satisfy the crowd with Love You Higher but seemed nervous and got harsh comments from the judges. Nadine questioned Robertson's song choice while Anthony said, "Rondel, this was your big opportunity and you totally blew it."

The man with the top votes from Montego Bay, Nigel Wilson, tried to woo with She's A Lady but never packed enough of a punch as the audience agreed with the judges that Wilson was not ready. Miller harshly stated, "Why did he get the most votes from MoBay? When you think it can't get any worse, it does."

The judges' pick, Jaelesa 'Patrice' Ellis, brought a spark to the stage after the dismal performances with a rendition of Alicia Keys' Like You'll Never See Me Again. Judge Clyde McKenzie thought Patrice has "great potential" and is "easy on the eyes".

The young quartet of Secret Melodies went old school with My Girl. Well co-ordinated in dress and dance moves, Secret Melody impressed, having Nadine praising the work they put into their performance.

K' Alee ended the night with I Believe and got mixed reviews on the performance. Nadine thought she was the 'Real McCoy', Clyde believed in her voice but Anthony said, "I didn't believe ... you kinda screamed and shouted."

Four of the contestants will be eliminated at this Friday's show.

The trio R3 in action.

K'Alee was cautioned for 'shouting' by McKenzie at the Digicel Rising Stars auditions held in the Auditorium of the Courtleigh Hotel.

Nigel Wilson earned top votes from MoBay and Miller wondered why, at the Digicel Rising Stars, held in the Auditorium of the Courtleigh Hotel, on Sunday, July 20.

Chill Room host Kiki (left) and new host of Digicel Rising Stars, Yendi Phillipps, chit-chat at during the presentation.

Patrice from Kingston who auditioned in St Thomas was one of the standout performers at Digicel Rising Stars held in the Auditorium of the Courtleigh Hotel on Sunday July 20.