The outstanding grey hair of Lurline Meredith (left), is a notable feature on weekly episodes of Digicel's Rising Stars competition. Here she is seated beside her friend and fellow show fan, Lillian Mowatt at a recent results show held inside the TVJ studios. - contributed

Lurline Meredith and Lillian Mowatt have more than just the first letters of their names in common; they are also friends, united by their shared love for entertainment and the Digicel Rising Stars competition in particular.

Both have been attending the competition since 2004, and after meeting each other on the show they have remained loyal fans until today.

Their obvious love for entertainment is enough to keep their friendship going, year after year.

"I just love it. It's like a part of me. Everyone knows I love anything that has to do with singing," Mowatt said. "I love excitement. I love to see how the guys and girls can perform. That's how I get my entertainment."

New meaning to her life

Meredith echoed her views and highlighted that the competition has given new meaning to her life because of the relationships that have been formed as a result of the show.

"Rising Stars means everything to me. It's like a family to me. I met Lurline on the show and we sit together and talk and we are good friends now," Meredith said.

Meredith says she will be forever grateful to former host Denise Hunt, who gave her the first tickets to attend the competition. That was five years ago and Meredith continues to reserve every Friday and Sunday evening for the show.

Mowatt's story is somewhat different since she was introduced to the show by a friend. After the tickets stopped coming, a panicked Mowatt decided to contact Executive Producer Tahnida Nunes for tickets to continue attending. Her wish was granted and she has never missed a performance or results show.

As a result of their consistent attendance, their presence in the competition for five consecutive years has made them local celebrities. This is especially true for Meredith because of her easily identifiable grey hair, which over the years, has been broadcasted across television sets in homes across the island.

"I can't walk on the street without somebody stopping me but it doesn't bother me at all, I enjoy it," Meredith said of her new-found fame. "Everywhere I go I hear, 'Miss Digicel Rising Stars'," she said, with a chuckle.

Unflinching commitment

Their unflinching commitment to the show over the years has also made them knowledgeable about the contestants and the requirements for making it to the top of the competition.

"All you have to do is prepare yourself and watch the show to see how other contestants perform. Try and do voice training and prepare yourself so that you can be selected," Mowatt said, to those who intend to audition for the show next year.

Favourite Rising Stars contestants

Despite having a deep-rooted love and appreciation for present and past contestants, they have had their own Rising Stars favourites.

"My favourite was Lenya. I cried the night she was voted off because I really liked her and she sings like a hummingbird," Meredith said, highlighting that last year's winner, Romain Virgo was also a favourite. "I know when people can sing because I am a singer. She (Lenya) is a great singer and I hope she continues to sing."

Mowatt's favourite contestant comes from 2005 - the year Chris Martin was declared the winner. "Daynea [Deacon] was my idol. I was very close to her on the show. When she was voted off I started supporting Chris. I used to travel all over with Chris."

The group One third and Jodian Pantry were also noted as favourite past contestants of the show.

What Mowatt dislikes most about the competition is the negative criticisms surrounding this year's talent pool.

"When it just started everybody was saying that they don't like the show. Sometimes it hurts when they say things like that, but I just tell them to give the show time," Meredith said. Meredith was featured in the Sony Ericsson Chill Room as last week's top voter.

"I want a woman to win because every year a man wins.

The ladies are voting for the men but the men aren't voting for the ladies. That is what is hurting me," Meredith said. Despite this, their love for the competition is enough to keep them dedicated to the Digicel Rising Stars show and its past and present contestants.