By André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Kyino (top), tried to impress with a medley of popular ska songs, while Inga demonstrated her stagecraft. - file photos

It is perhaps safe to say that the bad apples have been axed and five good ones remain in the Rising Stars competition. Last weekend's show was under the theme old school reggae. Some contests were in their element, while others did the best they could.

Inga Miller was the first up and she sang Marcia Griffiths' Fire Burning. By now, she has shown that she is a real pro when working the stage. It is always good to give credit where it is due and the judges poured the compliments on her.

"I love her commitment to the song. I wish the fire was burning a little brighter," said guest judge Michael Holgate who sat in for the absent Nadine Sutherland.

"You full of fire," said Clyde McKenzie, who can never be accused of being longwinded.

Bad night

Inga convinced her jury, but the verdict was not the same for Jodian Pantry. The operatic contestant challenged herself with Gregory Isaac's Love Overdue and Send Me The Pillow by Cynthia Schloss. Let's just say it was not her night.

"I just didn't believe in it," Anthony Miller said.

"I never felt any connection. She was not interpreting what the song was saying," Holgate said.

The judges were on the same page. McKenzie summed up what took place when he said there was no authenticity in Pantry's performance.

Kyino is still hanging on, but by a thin thread. It is yet to be seen whether his shenanigans will keep him in the competition. His Usher routine did not work for him a few weeks ago, but he again tried to show that he has the entire package of singing and dancing. This time it was with a medley of popular ska songs including Carry Guh Bring Come and Simmer Down. He said he felt like a cat with nine lives, but with about eight gone, he may just need a life support machine to get him through. Still, it was entertaining to watch. McKenzie called it "colourful" but Holgate said it was "in and out" and "without focus".

It was old school reggae night so it was almost guaranteed that Romain Virgo was going to be really comfortable. Such was the comfort level that he decided to take on a few of Alton Ellis' hits. Judging by the voice alone, it was hard to tell the sound was coming from someone so young. He blew the house away with his dancing and singing.

"You dancing certainly betray you age," McKenzie said.

"Somebody who chooses Alton Ellis has to be someone with taste," Miller said.

Lenya Wilks rounded out the top five with a First Cut medley. She left no doubt that she can blow. She started off pitchy, but like she is known to do, she bounced right back.

"I don't know if Reggae is you strong suite," said McKenzie, but Miller rebutted immediately.

"Don't listen to that. Got to love that voice," he said.

Etana was in the chill room and thought the performers had improved. As for who will be dismissed come Friday, it will be a tough call. Overall, it was an entertaining night. The contestants are beginning to realise just how intense the competition has become.