Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Dynamic group Kahlil competing at the Rising Star's performance show held at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Sunday.

Though most of the performances have been low-key since the start of the season, the nine remaining contestants seemed prepared to compete at Digicel Rising Stars Live Show held at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Sunday night.

Under the R&B banner, the group Kahlil, which received high praises the previous week, started the show on a high note with renditions of Ne-Yo's All Because Of You and Closer. Decked in black and white, the men thrilled the women in the audience with their crisp voices and slick but robot-like moves.

The judges applauded their efforts and said they had good chemistry as a group. Anthony Miller said, "at this stage in the competition, its theirs to lose".

K'Alee was next singing Rihanna's Take A Bow. Though dramatic in her presentation, she was off-key in sections. The judges simply said she was better than at the last show.

'Crumping'

Secret Melodies did One Republic's Too Late To Apologize.

Secret Melodies did One Republic's Too Late To Apologize. As he took the lead spot, one of the young members tried to display his wining prowess as he did the 'moon slide' dance across the stage. As the group ended its performance in rap, one of the members unexpectedly started 'crumping'.

Nadine referred to the 'crumping' as 'that little Beyonce thing' but said their harmonies were sharp. Anthony said he felt that they were beginning to compete. However, both Anthony and Clyde McKenzie had a problem with the lead singer's antics.

While some of the contestants competed on stage, others were in the chill room interacting with 'the money goddess' Macka Diamond, chill room host Kiki and resident selector DJ Flamez.

Constable Leisha Rose swayed her hips and delivered No One.

Back on-stage Constable Leisha Rose rocked her waist while she sang Alicia Keys' No One. Anthony saw "no sparks or excitement" and Clyde thought she had some pitch problems.

Wayne Williams did a rendition of Usher's You Got It Bad and seemed to copy some of Usher's flowing pelvic and foot moves, which had Anthony laughing throughout his performance. All the judges said he was 'stepped into womanhood' by giving a strong performance.

Wayne Williams makes a point during his Usher inspired performance. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

Lashana made the audience Listen to her raw talent. She had range and substance, which the judges believed in.

She made way for a fellow powerful singer, Cameal Davis, who was celebrating her birthday. She sang Beyonce's Dangerously In Love; making it her own. She reached and held on to her own high pitch and range, which earned her a standing ovation from sections of the audience.

Nadine said it was obvious that she loved singing. Her voice was at a powerful point; forcing the usually caustic judge Anthony to say, "you looked great but sounded even better".

However, the producer's pick Tiffany Thompson did not thrill the audience with her rendition of Keyshia Cole's I Remember. The judges acknowledged her talent, but said she chose the wrong song.

The fate of the contestants will be revealed during the results show which will be aired on Friday at 6:30 p.m, instead of the usual 8:30 p.m., due to the coverage of the Beijing Olympics.

'Dolled-up'

The three little birds SLR go through their routine.

SLR was 'dolled-up' in mini-skirts to do a big version of En Vogue's Hold On. The song started in a capella while the members did sharp dance moves and held their bellies, then flowed into the rhythm. Their harmonies were on point and Nadine believed they had 'stepped into womanhood' by giving a strong performance.

Lashana made the audience Listen to her raw talent. She had range and substance, which the judges believed in.

She made way for a fellow powerful singer, Cameal Davis, who was celebrating her birthday. She sang Beyonce's Dangerously In Love; making it her own. She reached and held on to her own high pitch and range, which earned her a standing ovation from sections of the audience.

Nadine said it was obvious that she loved singing. Her voice was at a powerful point; forcing the usually caustic judge Anthony to say, "you looked great but sounded even better".

However, the producer's pick Tiffany Thompson did not thrill the audience with her rendition of Keyshia Cole's I Remember. The judges acknowledged her talent, but said she chose the wrong song.

Producer's pick Tiffany Thompson delivered Keyshia Cole's 'I Remember'.

The fate of the contestants will be revealed during the results show which will be aired on Friday at 6:30 p.m, instead of the usual 8:30 p.m., due to the coverage of the Beijing Olympics.

Left: Lashana made the audience listen to her raw talent. Right: K'Alee makes a statement in a sexy getup for her performance of Rihanna's Take a Bow. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

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

ALICE IN DREAMLAND: Youthlink writer Sean Bennett cozies up to his 'in your dreams' 'wifey' and Rising Stars host Yendi Phillipps.

Cameal Davis, who was celebrating her birthday sang Beyonce's 'Dangerously In Love'.