Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
Left: Be ready to fall in love all over again with Inga Stewart. The second time around seems to be a charm for her and here she shows that she is a starin this stylish denim outfit complete with gold accessories and black stilettos.Right: Inga Stewart blends colours together from her own closet. Here she is dressed in an orange, yellow and white plaid shorts, a yellow spaghetti top and a white short-sleeved shirt. - photos by Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
You see them on television looking glamorous while singing their hearts out to prove that they can be the next "Digicel Rising Star."
And for the four years since the competition's inception, women have always been dominant, but none has ever walked away with the coveted title.
Flair picked the brains of the four remaining women in the competition while observing them as they prepared for their big night (don't know if any was voted off on Friday since this article was done before the show aired).
First stop was at Miami Heat Fashion Store where they were fitted with outfits by wardrobe stylist T'Rone Buchanan.
"Fitting each person with outfits for the different segments can take between three and four hours," T'Rone told Flair.
But before suits can be chosen, some shopping has to be done, and store manager Rose Plummer jets off the island to hand-pick fashionable clothing.
Miami Heat Fashion Store has been with the Rising Stars competition for the last three years and Rose said before she selects an outfit, "the category of the song is taken into consideration."
The camera tends to pick up any flaw a person has, but these girls are picture perfect each time they hit the screen as the folks from Urban Beauty work star magic, so that was our next stop.
Jeneva Whorms and her team have been doing make-up for the competition since Digicel Rising Stars started four years ago.
With almost five years on the scene, Urban Beauty has been doing make-up for corporate Jamaica.
"We have the best make-up artists you can think of... everyone working here is a trained make-up artist and so you get expert advice," Ms. Whorms told Flair.
So after observing their routine for the day, it was time to chat with the contestants.
Wardrobe, accessories and shoes: Miami Heat Fashion Store.
Inga Stewart
The second time around seems to be a charm for Inga Stewart who hails from St. James.
Last year's early dismissal of the sultry singer surprised many who thought she was one of the best in the competition, but Inga says all that is behind her and this year she has a new game plan.
"Last year I got up and said, I can, so I am going to enter (Rising Stars)," the 30 year-old singer said.
"This year I try to make the public see more of me. Seeing you on television and in person and rapping with people gives a completely different effect."
Her new game plan seems to have earned her some fans, but singing the right song also has it's benefits.
Styling a star
"I try to do a song that I think I can deliver to the best of my ability, but also a song that Jamaica will like enough so they want to vote for me," a jovial Inga told Flair.
Two lessons she learnt from last year's experience are: choosing the right song is definitely a plus and being shy will get you nowhere.
Rehearsing is key, but not all rehearsals are the same.
"There are songs that I rehearse just two times, and there are others that I have to rehearse from the minute I select it up to the night when I sing it," Inga explained.
No particular time is set aside for rehearsing as whether she is cleaning in the kitchen or taking a shower, her vocal cords are at work.
Asked if she believes her past experience singing on the hotel circuit has given her an unfair advantage, she had these words.
"Talent is talent and I don't know how many Jamaicans know but singing for a tourist and singing in a competition are completely different."
"I think I am just as or more nervous than the rest of contestants on that stage."
The best and worst part of the competition so far is the results show on a Friday.
"Not knowing if you're going or staying is the worst, but when you know that you have another chance, that's the good part," Inga said flashing her infectious smile.
But the good part doesn't stop there as each time a performance is given, there is a chance that you can impress a producer who may be watching.
Inga believes her best asset is her personality. She describes herself as a fun-loving person who has the ability to make people laugh. "People are always comfortable around me because I am a genuine person. Once you get to know Inga, you will love Inga."
Whether she becomes this year's Rising Star, Inga intends to stay the course and pursue music. "I am just a singer not a songwriter, but hopefully I'll get to work with a producer who is serious about making music, I'd like to get out even a single."
She will also continue live performances.
Jodiann Pantry
Left: Before receiving her Rising Stars makeover, Jodiann Pantry is clad in black skinny jeans and a brown halter top with beige lace emphasising the neckline. Right: After: Jodiann looks absolutely classy in this black pencil skirt and gold belted bustiere top, complete with gold shoes and accessories. - Junior Dowie / Staff Photographer
Many may remember her as the little youngster who sang I'll Give My Heart in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Gospel Festival of 2001, and like then, Jodiann Pantry is still wowing Jamaica with her musical talent.
The 18-year-old graduate of Glenmuir High School shocked many when she returned to the public stage, but she insists that her personality hasn't changed and that she has just become older.
"Jodi is now a mature 18-year-old whose aim is to attend Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA), to study music and drama, be a Rising Star and also a positive influence for teenagers," the young.
Styling
Ms. Pantry explained.
Though she is no stranger to the stage, a lot of thought goes into choosing her song each week. Her choir director, Doreen O'Connor, along with several other professionals help in the process.
Once she has made a decision, Jodiann rehearses on a Monday for up to six hours.
"On a Tuesday, I do the choreography and Wednesdays and Thursdays are my campaign days," the talented Clarendonian revealed.
That strategy seems to be working in her favour because she has outlasted many in the competition.
Jodiann describes herself as a talented, jovial and helpful person.
But people may be surprised that she is as good a songwriter as she is a singer.
Whether she wins or not, Jamaica will not be seeing the last of her.
"I'll still be the same Jodi like a few years ago who has always been known for great talent. I'll just have to get up and do my own thing," Jodiann told Flair.
She still loves gospel music, so fans will get more in the future.
Tashina McKenzie
She is the reigning Miss Kingston 11, but this is not Tashina McKenzie's most outstanding achievement to date.
A former student of Wolmer's Girls and a graduate of St. Andrew Technical High School, Tashina is now studying to be a stenograph writer (court reporter). Her ultimate goal, however, is to study entertainment law and play her part in revolutionising the Jamaican music industry.
Called ghetto fabulous by many, Tashina who resides on Tower Avenue is not apologetic about her place of birth.
"I'm not apologising for where I'm from, but people use it in a negative way saying nothing good comes from the ghetto, but I'm here to prove them wrong," the 19 year-old told Flair.
"Even though I am from the ghetto, it is not my state of mind. I represent the good side of the ghetto, I don't do drugs, I am not raucous, in fact I am very ladylike."
Being in the Digicel Rising Stars competition is fulfilling a part of her dream of making a difference in the music industry,hence her frequent choice of songs with a message.
"It's not always the right song at the end of the day, but I've started to pick songs I know I can manage and that suit my voice more," Tashina said.
When preparing for the audience on a Sunday, she spends at least three hours daily rehearsing. And when she's not rehearsing, she takes to the streets in her community campaigning for votes.
This singer/songwriter believes that her best asset is her ambition.
"My best asset is what people don't get to see on Digicel Rising Stars. I am an achiever, academically, I am very smart."
"Another asset is my ambition to succeed in the music business. I want to do entertainment law and be a singer because music is a very powerful thing and I want to see it used in the best way."
If she is not crowned Digicel Rising Star, Jamaica can expect to see more of her as she believes that the competition has opened doors for her.
Left: 'The girl next door' look is what Tashina McKenzie sports. A peach ruffled-neck top with a low-waist shows off her slender figure. Right: After rummaging through the racks at Miami Heat Fashion Store, Tashina is ready to perform in skin-tight black leggings, a purple shirt with matching stilletos and silver accessories. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
