Anthony Minott, Freelance Writer

Kahlil performs in 1960s-70s costumes at the Digicel Rising Stars show at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston last Saturday. - Anthony Minott Photos

The competition is Kahlil's to win. The five member group from Montego Bay were the final performers at last Saturday evening's Digicel Rising Stars show held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston. They were very impressive on a night when eight eager competitors sang hits from the 1960s and 70s.

Funky apparel

Kahlil, with their funky apparel and afro wigs in full swing, showed the audience and judges another side - more participation from the other group members.

Kahlil performed Earth, Wind and Fire's Let's Groove and Kool and the Gang's 1979 hit, Ladies Night.

"As usual, you stole the show again," Clyde said. Nadine said that apart from the entertainment value, people should appreciate the hard work the group put into their routine. Anthony loved the fact that more persons in the group were participating.

Solid performance

K'Alee performs in a gold minidress at the Digicel Rising Stars show at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston last Friday.

K'Alee gave another solid performance. The real diva of this year's show was dressed in a gold minidress. The songstress delivered on Eddie Floyd's original, Knock On Wood.

SLR looked like three cute dolls. Dressed in white outfits, they went back in time with The Jackson Five's ABC.

Boy group Secret Melodies, the second performers on the night, sang a big Manhattans hit, Shining Star. The judges commended them for their improvements in vocal ability.

Lashana Stephenson, again proving to be inconsistent again. Her energy dipped below the acceptable mark and the judges didn't like her offering. Lashana performed Ann Peebles' I Cant Stand The Rain.

Producers pick

Tiffany Thompson, the producer's pick, didn't perform as well as she did the day before when she was facing elimination. The judges did not feel her burning like her selection, Hot Stuff by Donna Summer.

Leisha Rose, decked out in pink, looked sharp in her big-heel boots and bell-foot pants while singing My Guy, by Mary Wells, but the two male judges thought she fired blanks.

Anthony and Clyde were somewhat critical of the policewoman's performance.

"Vocally, I didn't think it was happening," Clyde expressed, and Anthony said: "Leisha, I don't know what's keeping you in this competition but it is not talent."

Nadine differed saying: "You did your thing Leisha."

Jokingly warned Anthony

A fan in the audience, jokingly warned Anthony to look out for tickets from the traffic police after his comments to Rose.

Earlier, Cameal Davis opened the show and she did a decent job. She did justice to Thelma Houston's Don't Leave Me This Way.

The host, Yendi Phillipps, was dressed in a flashy miniskirt, emulating the decade of the sexy '60s.

SLR performs Jackson Five's ABC at the Digicel Rising Stars show at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston last Saturday.

The group Secret Melodies sings at the Digicel Rising Stars show at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston last Saturday.