Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Crowd favourite from last year, Kimanda Cunningham, tried her luck at Digicel Rising Stars fortune again last Sunday at the Knutsford Court Hotel, showing her determination to be a star. Kimanda auditioned in the Kingston leg of the 2007 season.

Cunningham was one of the crowd favourites, last year, but was sent home when her luck ran out, leaving her in sixth position. Despite being in the bottom two twice and losing out to Natel on the do or die moment of last year's show, Kimanda is determined that music is the right path for her.

According to Kimanda, it was the encouragement of friends that made her try again. "Well, it was because I was motivated by persons who told me I would reach farther this time around," she told The Gleaner. Kimanda went in front of the judges again, nervous but hopeful, as she sang John Legend's Stay With You. Her voice carried well and showed improvement and practice and, earned her a slip to win a chance in being in Kingston's top 10.

Kimanda said, "Clyde and Nadine, they all agreed I had changed, but Anthony didn't". Despite having changed, at the end of the day, Kimanda was not chosen to be in Kingston's top 10. "I just came with hope", she said after the results, looking sad, but still determined.

According to Kimanda, she will not be giving up on her music anytime soon. While she may not be sure whether auditioning next year is the route for her, she will always pursue music. She still testifies that Rising Stars offers a good opportunity to those who can make it.