Adrian Frater - Digicel Rising Star judges Roy Rayon (left) and David Wedderburn (right) seemed somewhat amused as they discussed the performance of one of the contestants at Saturday's Digicel Rising Star audition at the Pier One Complex, in Montego Bay.

by Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Chances are many of the Rising Star hopefuls have never auditioned for anything in their lives. Suddenly they are potentially the next big thing in the country. Before he or she can reach the stars, however, early jitters can take over their minds and bodies and cause them to do silly things; their nerves get the better of them.

With that in mind, there are some things that came out of the Mandeville audition of Rising Star held recently that should be considered for auditions today.

❒ Don't be too enthusiastic

Do not make it apparent that your opponent's audition is going too well. After all, this is a competition and your spot could be in jeopardy. Swaying, bobbing and singing along are usually signs that somebody else's audition is going well. Keep your emotions inside.

❒ Personality please

Some contestants had the personality of a stone during auditions. Probably, just probably if the judges are not 100 per cent crazy about the singing, they will appreciate the bubbly person who has stage presence and charisma. Give them something else to look forward to. It is safe to assume that if there is not anything appealing about you, your day was wasted.

❒ Let's hear you

"You could have the world going on, but if we can't hear you it makes no sense," said judge Wedderburn to the one of the contestants at an audition.

Do not allow him or the other judges have this to say about you. They actually need to hear what is coming from your mouth. The more you think about it, the more logical that aspect becomes. While on the matter of singing, if an object does not amplify the sound, it is not a microphone. Whatever you may have in your hand, do not use it for a microphone, it only blocks the sound.

❒ Hold the originals, please.

A few contestants came with their original song. People are not crazy about originals in a competition of this sort. Sing something the judges should know. And choose a song that complements your voice.

❒ Beware of plagarism

Don't claim a song is an original just because you don't know whose it is. One auditioner who came singing Clap Your Tiny Hands, claimed it as an original. That's a song that almost everybody sang in Sunday school.

"Brethren, dem wi sue you for the song," one of the judges said to him.

❒ Have a Plan B

Come with a back-up plan. If the judges think you have the ability to do well but they are not feeling your song choice, they could ask you to sing something else. Be prepared. Too many people fell into this trap and got booted because they were not ready with a second song.

❒ Know the lyrics

Finally, but also very importantly, learn the lyrics of the songs. Stop adding H's where they do not belong, and maintain them where they are to be.

For example, one contestant sang, "Look into my heyes (eyes)," and "I remember Hell Hay (L.A.)"

Another: "I'll never gonna fall in love."

And if you do not know the title of the song, just sing. Don't be like one contest who said, "the title of my song is To The Left."