Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

The finalists in the 2008 Digicel Rising Stars competition shout, "Vote for Me" after the live performance show held at the Courtleigh Auditorium recently. - file

Just as the Jamaican athletes outclassed many countries at the Beijing Olympics, so did Kahlil outclass the other competitors at the Digicel Rising Stars live show held at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Sunday night.

On 'reggae night', Kahlil started their performance with a harmonious rendition of Mavado's On The Rock. The group had the audience screaming from the first note of the song. The cheers got even louder when the members did popular dance moves like 'Gully Creepa', 'To The Worl' and 'Slam Dem'. The Olympic fever was included in a rendition of Damian Marley's The Mission. However, instead of saying from 'Jungle to Rema', the members sang 'From Jamaica to Beijing'. Kahlil also did their version of the 'Lightning Bolt' dance move, which helped to increase the Olympic spirit already in the air.

The judges were pleased with their performance. The usually unpleasant judge Anthony Miller said, "All the elements are there. It's kinda boring when you know who is going to win the competition."

Nadine Sutherland praised the group's hard work; comparing them to Bolt, saying she knows the members make many sacrifices to deliver strong performances each week. Clyde McKenzie said Kahlil did "just incredible stuff".

Clear and harmonious

While Anthony said Kahlil is likely to win, he said Cameal Davis is a sure second-place winner. He said, "I can't help but like Cameal. Every week she grows; I just like her voice. Kahlil will win but you will come second."

Cameal did a rendition of Marcia Griffiths' Land of Love, for which she got a standing ovation. Though she had a hoarse voice when she spoke, Cameal's voice was clear and harmonious when she sang. She rocked and did a few dance moves of her own. She pleased the crowd and also the other judges who commended her for her fabulous presentation.

While the contestants rocked the stage, Kiki was in control of the chill room. There, Lady Saw, DJ Cut Eye and ultimate fan winner Shadow interacted with the contestants. Shadow was most interesting as he had a strong American accent, and he also tried to show off his singing skills.

Earlier, K'Alee sang Alaine's Sacrifice. The judges said this was her best performance yet and the song suited her voice.

Lashana sang Donna Summer's Unconditional Love. Clyde and Nadine thought her performance was decent but Anthony did not believe it was a competition winning song.

Songs from Beres Hammond were chosen by Secret Melodies who did Rock Away and Can You Play Some More. This was an improved performance by the group who also 'skanked' and danced the 'Willie Bounce'.

Was improving

Unlike all the other competitors, the judges did not think Tiffany was improving. Tiffany, who is the producer's pick, sang 2005 Rising Stars winner Christopher Martin's Take My Wings. Like her previous performance, the judges thought she chose the wrong song.

Nadine, who voted for her ahead of Wayne Williams at the result show on August 15, said, "Probably my expectations of you are too high. Each week I am waiting to hear the Tiffany that I know but I am disappointed." Anthony simply praised her for helping everyone's energy level to disappear.

SLR sang Love Is Wicked as they did some sharp hip movements. In the heat of the presentation, one of the members slapped her own earring out of her ears and messed up her hairstyle.

Nadine said she liked the group but the members should spend more time on their vocals and less on the choreography. Anthony was not very polite and simply said, "Like Nadine, I think you are adorable but so are the Chipmunks." He left the crowd shocked by his comment but he was unmoved and continued to laugh as Clyde gave his comments.