K'Alee - Nathaniel Stewart

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Gustav, the Courtleigh Auditorium on Sunday night was transformed into a hand-clapping, feet-stomping and body-rocking gathering, when the six remaining Digicel Rising Stars contestants performed their favourite gospel songs - a new addition to this year's show.

Appearing entirely at ease and in control, the contestants delivered some of the most well-known gospel hits, much to the delight of the audience, who danced and clapped during the performances.

Understandably, emotions ran high as K'Alee performed Kirk Franklin's Free, delivering a moving rendition of the popular song. The judges had nothing but positive reviews for her.

"You didn't do any worse than anybody else in the competition tonight," said judge Anthony Miller. "In patches, I felt the spirit."

"You touched something deep down that you experienced, because I felt your pain and I know something moved inside of you because something moved inside of me," Nadine Sutherland declared, after K'Alee ended her performance to thunderous shouts and standing ovation from the audience.

Judges pleased

Kahlil goes to 'church'. - Nathaniel Stewart

The judges were also pleased with the performances of Lashana Stephenson, Cameal Davis and Kahlil, even alluding to direct competition for Kahlil - a group which has enjoyed some amount of dominance. Stephenson was lauded for her fighting spirit by Miller, after she performed a "powerful and spiritual" rendition of Judy Mowatt's Many Are Called..

Davis was also given high praises for her interpretation of Yolanda Adam's Still I Rise. "I sat here and I got cold bumps. You were convincing, you moved me," Sutherland said.

The judges, however, were not as impressed with the performances of SLR and Secret Melodies. With Secret Melodies performing Papa San's"God and I and SLR belting out Mary Mary's Shackles, the judges criticised them both for not maintaining their harmonies. "It was good in parts, but there were problems," Clyde McKenzie said.

Not surprisingly, the Sony Ericsson Chill Room also added to the excitement of the show, as it endorsed the night's theme with well-known gospel artiste, Ryan Mark.

Tonight, the outcome of the public's votes will be made known when the remaining contestants are revealed during the result show on TVJ at 8:30.