Anthony Minott, Freelance Writer

Cameal Davis, a strong contender in this year's Digicel Rising Stars competition, autographs a T-shirt for this young fan. - Anthony Minott Photos

Love for Digicel Rising Stars contestants flowed freely at a roadshow held at the Old Hope Road, St Andrew branch of KFC on Saturday.

The roadshow series, the third one thus far, is promoted by KFC. The final roadshow will be held at the Portmore KFC branch this Saturday and is expected to be a grand event.

Large crowd

Blaine, of the group Kahlil, gets some love from three of his female fans.

"The roadshow in Portmore will be very big, I'm expecting a large crowd," said Tina Matalon, marketing manager of KFC.

"The response has been fantastic, last week at the Oasis KFC branch the crowd was tremendous. Over a thousand people were there," Mrs Matalon said.

She continued: "The rains affected the turnout in Washington Boulevard and now Old Hope Road, but the patrons seem to be enjoying themselves."

The show included live performances and a meet-and-greet session with the Rising Stars.

Three children's homes in the corporate area, Jamaica National Children's Home, Marigold Child Care Centre and Best Care Foundation, received meals courtesy of KFC during the event.

All the stars, including the top three, Kahlil, SLR and Cameal Davis and K'Alee, the fourth place contestant signed autographs and chatted with fans.

K'Alee still popular

CUTIES: K'Alee though voted off the show, smiles with this young fan

K'Alee, though out of the contest was still popular among the fans and the producers had to lead her away from persons who wanted to get last-minute autographs.

Fans in the crowd shouted for their favourites and expressed complimentary sentiments about the contestants who remain. Anecia Campbell, 15, was excited about meeting the stars. "It was a great pleasure for me to get close to the stars. The group Kahlil is my favourite because they can sing and every week they 'bring it'," she said.

Michael Wright, 21, said that he loves K'Alee's vocal ability, "K'Alee is gone, I'm disappointed but she's still my favourite, I love her because she has a powerful voice."

Samar Barnett, 15, is a Kahlil fan. "Kahlil sounds the best and they are talented," she explained.

Peter-Gaye Mills, 18, believes that Cameal Davis is the best performer in the competition. "She's consistent and delivers good performances," she said.

SLR's Anna-Share Blake (left) and Shane (centre) of the group Kahlil sign autographs for a woman.

A female fan looks attentively as SLR's Latoya Colman (left) autographs her T-shirt.

Delly, from the group Kahlil, gets busy signing a fan's T-shirt.