TVJ's All Together Sing is back in its fourth season with a bang. New faces and new ideas made Jamaica's premier vocal programme a television success. This season comes alive with new host Sanique, and new judge Michael-Sean Harris. The other judges are Lileth Sewell and Dennis Rushton.

This week's audition started with Lennon High, who the judges thought needed to improve. However, performing Tessanne Chin's Hideaway was a brave attempt. The second choir to perform was Knox College singing an American single Anthem of Praise, Rushton was not impressed. And although the other judges thought it was a very good attempt, they felt the singers should try to maintain interest and avoid being monotonous.

"Wow, I've been sleeping all Sunday afternoon and you just woke me up," was one comment given to Denbigh High after they sang Bless. A rendition the judges enjoyed; however, they advised Denbigh to show more feeling.

The studio came alive after Albert Town High performed Bless The Lord. Sewell thought the performance was energetic and had a good gospel sound. Harris felt the competition was just starting and the choir sounded like they were enjoying it.

"You are following the standard of 'All Together Sing', the premier vocal gospel competition. We do not accept mannequins or chipmunks," said Rushton.

Holmwood Technical were confident as they performed I Am Not Afraid. Rushton said: "I am not your favourite judge, but clearly you are using an Asafa Bolt." Sewell thought it was a good example of singing with good harmony, and good lead singers. Harris added it was a good medley, however the transition needed to be better.

Lively rendition

Singing We Declare War, Manchester High had a very good sound that suited the song.

"A very lively, full-bodied performance," said Sewell.

"I loved it! Good job!" said Harris, and for Rushton, it was 'Manchester to the World'.

For Mona High, Harris and Sewell thought their rendition of Pull Up The Vibes had a good energy with nice harmonies, Rushton said: "Ever since I've heard you, I was impressed. You have not let me down."

Weak performance

Camperdown's Rivers of Babylon medley did not appeal to Rushton and Harris and Sewell felt the performance was weak in parts and the intro of the song needed to be revisited.

Merl Grove was convincing in their original single We're Back. Sewell said: "You've really come back. It was a tight performance."

"You understand what you are doing," said Harris.

"The singing was good, the band was awesome. I have two words for the rest of the choir, 'Nuh Linga!'" exclaimed Rushton.

Of the 10 choirs, past winner Oberlin High was the last to perform their favourite All Together Sing song selections. For Rushton, Oberlin is the choir that lives in the mountain where excellence dwells. Sewell thought it was a very good performance and Harris felt the choir had a good arrangement.