When it comes to voting for their favourite contestants in the Digicel Rising Stars Competition, money is clearly not an object for voters.

After weeks of voting, Jamaica has selected Cameal Davis and five-member group Kahlil, as the finalists for tonight's final show. The contestants in this year's competition have managed to win the hearts and wallets of many Jamaicans who it seems are willing to spend their last dime to ensure that their favourite comes out victorious.

SHEER LOVE

Though the prizes are tempting, the voters with whom THE STAR spoke revealed that it was their sheer love for the contestant that motivated them to spend, not the chance to win prizes. The public may vote by calling or texting for their favourite, which costs $15 and $25, respectively.

Shauna Reid, from Montego Bay, votes an average of 25 times per day, every week. She votes by texting and therefore spends almost $2,000 every week. She told THE STAR, "I vote at least 25 times per day, morning 'till night and all dem tings deh. I am voting for Kahlil because they're Montegonians and they're very entertaining."

NOT AN ISSUE

She added that spending was not an issue for her because, "I believe I earn enough, so I can spare it. I can afford to help my fellow Montegonians elevate their music career."

Pauline, another Montegonian, has taken it upon herself to organise a 'drive' to collect money on behalf of Kahlil. She told THE STAR, "We spent over $1500 on credit for last week's show. Sometimes I call friends and get credit and vote and since today [Thursday], I spent over $150 voting for them and I'm going to get more credit tomorrow."

$1,000 PER WEEK

Sandra Braham, a recent winner of the coveted chill room experience, which can only be won by the top voter, told THE STAR that she spends over $1000 a week on voting. Braham is determined to see her favourite come out victorious, so for her, spending is not a concern.

She said, "Sometimes I put on $500 or $300 and I call or text. When I get money, I just put credit on my phone. I have to vote for my rising star. I don't have a house phone, so I just have to use my cellphone. I just vote, buy credit and vote."

Her spending has paid off however, as she was also the winner of the $50,000 prize.

Donna Morrison, last Sunday's winner of the ultimate chill room prize, said voting has become a part of her weekly routine. She revealed that she spends over $500 every week on voting and when that amount is done, she turns to her home phone. She said, "I keep buying cards and voting. I call and I text. I spend plenty money because my phone bill even went up. When my credit finish, I just use di house phone. I used to pay two thousand something and now it's three thousand something."

To justify her spending, she said, "I am just voting for my favourite [Kahlil]. They sound good and I like to hear their harmonies. It's five different voices and I think they work hard."

Though her extensive voting is reflected in the hike in her bill, she told THE STAR, "I am not stopping 'till the competition is over."

Names changed on request