Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Digicel Rising Stars judges (from left) Clyde Mckenzie, Nadine Sutherland and Anthony Miller. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

One more flickering light in the entertainment firmament promises Digicel's Rising Stars, as the new season shoots off with auditions this weekend. The show has unearthed a kaleidoscope of new talents in the music business, among them Cavan, Christopher Martin and One Third, and many an anxious hopeful waits in the wings for luck to strike even once.

In the next couple of months, some will see their star rise while others will fall, as the Digicel Rising Stars judges and eventually the Jamaican public decide who has the elusive 'X' factor required to make it in music.

The auditions for the new season began yesterday at Island Village, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

Before the standout entrants were adored by the nearly 2.6 million Jamaicans on the island and many more 'off-shore', it was the judges, Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland and Clyde McKenzie, who played a vital role in their lives. From the auditions to the studio, it is they who decide whom Jamaicans will get the chance to vote for as their rising star.

But what are the judges looking for?

First and foremost is raw talent. For the often critical Anthony Miller, a "reasonably sounding voice" is key to passing their test at the auditions. "We're looking for someone who can present themselves in a certain way. What's most interesting to the judges is how you sound. You also have to deport yourself - your dress, suggestions of a good attitude. It's a TV family show; you have to always keep that in mind." he said.

Kind-hearted judge, Nadine Sutherland, claimed that contestants must first have talent, but a little extra goes a long way. She said, "They have to have that extra spark that comes from being confident in yourself. They have to stand up and know you have it and project it to us."

Show gets tougher

Then, as if having a good voice plus a little confidence weren't enough, the show only gets tougher as it progresses. When the show passes the audition stage, the contestants really have to blaze before some of the hardest critics - a Jamaican audience. During studio finals the contestants have to show their personable nature, talent, good dress sense and more, because a Jamaican audience picks at all the fine details.

As Miller said, "It becomes more difficult after a while; people have to up their game. You can't come with what you appeared in in the first place; you have to add something special. Now you are relying on votes each week; people have the chance to really see you so you have to shine. You have to remember it's a family audience, from every age group. You have to keep that in mind; that person has to appeal to a wide cross-section".

Even Nadine Sutherland stated how important it was to improve and sustain what you had in the first place. According to her, when you reach the studio there's no room for regression. She advised "focus, focus, focus. I've seen contestants come good and then the hype kicks in and they get distracted by that. One Third, I have to give it up to them. They had focus. Sometimes they weren't wonderful, but they never felt flat."

Miller also advised contestants to never let the newly found fame get to their heads. It's all about practice; not everyone gets a second chance.

Overseas attention

Miller has had his favourites over the years, including season one's Diana Rutherford, then Christopher Martin in the following year and, last year, Nickeisha Barnes. However, he is pleased with the phenomenal success of One Third. Still, he would like to see the show's winners go even further. "I'd like to see the real singers go on further. Chris did really well making the transition to a career as a recording artiste. I'd like to see happen here what happens to the American idols, where they are guaranteed public attention and a career as a recording artiste. Our Rising Stars need some overseas attention. I'd like to see that," Miller said.

Sutherland believes the show has gone beyond anyone's expectations. Last year was one of the better years, with the competition running stiff throughout. She said, "The rising stars have been incredible. I'm so proud of them. I'm waiting to hear Cavan's upcoming album. Everyone loved his songwriting skills, so we'll see what he can do. All the kids are doing shows and songs."

While some may be critical of the judges' decisions, especially those of the usually hard-nosed Anthony Miller, Miller claimed he knew exactly what he was looking for. "If it's a choice between two people, someone just has to fall to the wayside," he said.

Rising Star judge Clyde McKenzie could not be reached for comments.