Lordel Bruce (centre) is flanked by Carla Hollingsworth (left) and Dimario McDowell of Supreme Promotions at The Gleaner Company, last Friday after winning the Sting talent show. Bruce defeated Fiyhaneer in a face-off and will perform at Sting this Friday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar

The Sting talent show was yet another star-studded event held at The Gleaner Company at 7 North Street, Kingston last Friday. Sponsored by Claro, Monster Energy Drink and The STAR, this competition saw 34 contestants vying for the ultimate chance of performing on the 'greatest one night show on earth', Sting, on December 26.

The show was hosted by Shakka Fame and Sample Man, who added a comical vibe that made the show very exciting.

The showdown

There were four judges, two from Supreme Promotions, producers of Sting, and two from The Star. The judges first chose 10 contestants from the group of 34. The top 10 selected were Jason Smith, Revolution, Nadine McClean, Rusheed Fullerton, Fiyahneer, Devon Holness, Winston Gordon, Tidal, Lordel Bruce and Boris Burton. The top 10 were allowed to sing another track and, based on their performances, two contestants were selected to move onto the final round - the showdown. The two dominant performers were Lordel Bruce and Fiyahneer.

A great vibe

In the final segment of the talent show, both contestants performed two songs each and it was Lordel Bruce who came out on top as he had great lyrical content, a great vibe and he was able to 'ride' the rhythms. To his credit, Fiyahneer displayed some charisma onstage and showed that he knew how to connect with the patrons.

Bruce, 24, otherwise known as "Da Jigga" hails from the parish of Portland and said he was happy for the opportunity. "Mi a deejay from long time and mi glad seh mi get the chance fi go pon Sting," he said.

Grace the stage

Of course, the show could not be possible without a few artistes performing. First to grace the stage was Chino who performed Ruff It Up and Protected. Laden also performed Time to Shine, I'm Sorry, Really Like You and Gal Coward. Other artistes to perform were Wasp and gospel artiste Omari, who sang Help and Why. Up next was I-Octane who performed Run Yet and Different Page to deafening screams. The screams continued as Duane Stephenson performed Ghetto Pain and August Town. While Stephenson performed, Spice was signing autographs on the Rampin Shop posters. As Spice signed autographs, D.I. was next onstage to perform Beat It followed by Danny English and friends.

It was now that time of the evening that the crowd was waiting for. Spice graced the stage performing, A Nuh Me, Fight Over Man and Whoa. The crowd loved her performance. However, they were very much disappointed as they didn't hear the popular hit, Rampin Shop. Spice promised that once they come to Sting, they will hear all her songs.