by Kandre McDonald, Freelance Writer

Jim Laden, performing before being eliminated from the Digicel's Rising Star show at TVJ's studio on Friday. - colin hamilton

Despite being eliminated from the Digicel's Rising Star Competition last Friday, Jim Laden, the only male DJ to have ever made it to the top eight of the three years running event, managed to sport an occasional smile.

Jim Laden was actually smiling before he knew his fate as he managed a chuckle just after what was his final performance when host Denise Hunt quizzed him about his rendition of Sean Paul's Temperature.

Small laughter

After a small laughter Jim Laden acknowledged that he did his best and hopefully it was good enough. However, in the eyes of the judges it was not so. All voted in favour of keeping Kimanda in the competition as opposed to Jim Laden.

According to judge Anthony Miller, Kimanda is getting on his nerves but he thinks she has great potential. Nadine Sutherland was not hesitant in her choice and Kimanda was always number one. Clyde McKenzie voted in favour of Kimanda, however his stance was a bit different as he thought her dancing routine, especially the incorporation of the Dutty Wine dance into her performance, was a strong decisive factor in the DJ's dismissal.

Kimanda and Jim Laden were asked to perform for the judges in a bid to stay in the competition after both received the least number of votes from the preceding week of voting. Jim Laden was first up and managed to woo the crowd, however Kimanda who started out a bit flat singing Tami Chynn's Hyperventilating, soon found favour with the crowd when she began to display some rather tantalising yet simple dance moves.

Kimando found favour

Both contestants are familiar with this type of situation as they have been exposed to it in the past, but Kimanda found favour with the judges and Jim Laden was given marching orders.

Speaking with THE STAR after her performance Kimanda noted that she was breathing better this week as opposed to her performance the week before which the public voted on. Her view of the entire situation is that she is blessed by God therefore no man can curse her.

For Jim Laden though all is not lost. According to him the competition did not only offer exposure but also has helped him to uplift himself, making him more focused and confident.

During his interview with THE STAR he was constantly being congratulated by his many supporters who continually encourage him to go on. Many others paused for a signature or a picture with the DJ.