Backstage was definitely a blast. This year's contestants (from left): Natel, Suzzanne Perkins, Noddy Virtue, (last year's second-place winner); Kimanda Cunningham and Christopher Martin, 2005 winner, cosy up before shattering the stage. - photos by Shelly-Ann Thompson

Several conversations swirled in the air backstage at Digicel Rising Stars 2006 after party, held last Friday at Mas Camp, Oxford Road, in St. Andrew.

A huge, enclosed, white tent, carpeted and outfitted with a flat-screen television was set up for the stars. Inside the tent was a long table offering buffett-style offerings such as fish fillet, fruit platter, salads and chicken with dip.

The place of attraction and exhilaration was, however, outside, adjacent to the steps leading to the stage. There, several stilettos and sneakers stood on top of stones and zig-zagged over electric and recording cords. The chatter revealed much.

Rumour and speculation as to 'Why this? and 'Why that?, provided crack-ups. Many asked, 'Where was Brushy One String?' 'Was true that he got kicked out of Knutsford Court Hotel because he wanted his girlfriend to spend the night in his room?' one crowd member asked rather loudly.

"A true say somebody curse off the sponsor and say them 'thief' off the show?" asked a patron to peels of laughter.

What's up with Cavan?

Others queried: 'Why is Renae (second-place winner of 2004), so fat.' "She look like she had a baby," said another patron. Cavan and Candy, winner and fourth-place contestant 2004, respectively, were not left out of the conversation. Some asked, 'What happen to Cavan?' while a few were upset that Candy had not been announced to be on the line-up for the show.

Though the comments were good, Suzzanne Perkins was also discussed. Screams deafened the camp when she went on stage. One entertainer said: "What a girl pretty." Someone else chimed in: "She sweet looking and I can bet that's one of the reasons why she reached so far." Others debated that statement, saying that she had the best voice of the competition and the most potential of the lot.

The contestants themselves tried to behave appropriately and dispel further rumour. Natel was afraid of getting close to Suzzanne for a photo moment. "The suss, the suss," he said in reference to statements earlier in this year's season that the two had something going on.

Trendy, funky

Daynea Deacon, looking trendy and funky in khaki short shorts and chic make-up, sipped on honey to preserve her voice. "A still singing and recording," she said. "Still also teaching at Titchfield," she added.

The party was special as only 3,000 pre-sold tickets were available. After a stampede at last year's finals at Emancipation Park in New St. Andrew, the organisers employed measures for safety.

Well, now it feels like there is no more thrilling family entertainment on local stations on a Sunday night. Many have already missed their weekly dose of Rising Stars and cannot wait to know who will be discovered next year.

Congrats to the top three: One Third, Nickeisha Barnes and Suzzanne Perkins.