By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

Kimanda delivering another powerful vocal performance clad in her retro outfit on Rising Stars at TVJ studios, last Sunday. - Colin Hamilton

At last Friday's Digicel Rising Stars results show held at the TVJ studios on Lyndhurst Road, Kimanda Cunningham was not so lucky the third time around, as she had been voted in the bottom two twice before.

It was clear that everybody had expected Brushy One String to be in the bottom half after his showing on Sunday, but surprise, surprise, it was Kimanda Cunningham and Natel who were in the hot seat as they received the least number of votes by the public.

More power

After the two squared off on-stage, Kimanda compared her performance on Friday with that on Sunday as having, "more power, more vibes and more attitude."

Natel said all that kept running through his mind was, "Natel go out there and do your best."

Well, the battle for survival was over and when the smoke cleared, judges Clyde McKenzie and Nadine Sutherland had voted that Kimanda Cunningham and Natel, respectively, be allowed to continue in the competition, leaving Anthony Miller to throw in the tiebreaker.

Clyde McKenzie said, "Oh my God, Natel, you were up against a very-seasoned campaigner in this Friday night's showdown. For me, I would want to lean towards Kimanda again, just for the fire you have."

Nadine Sutherland said, "Tonight, Natel far outweighed Kimanda. I agree that Kimanda has spirit but I have to give it to Natel."

Miller, however, wasted no time in making his tiebreaker decision, saying, "It's not a big deal, you're as good as your last performance ... Kimanda was horrible tonight."

Well, Natel lives to fight another day and only five contestants remain in the 2006 Digicel Rising Stars Competition.

It's now down to the wire and as of next week, only the public's vote will determine the contestants who remain in the competition and those who go home. The judges had the last say, for the last time, last week.