Girl group SLR (centre) laughs with Digicel Rising Stars host Yendi Phillipps (left) and executive producer Tahnida Nunes at the presentation of the third-place $400,000 cheque to the group at the elimination show, held at TVJ studios last Friday. - peta-gaye clachar

Female trio SLR graciously accepted their elimination from the Digicel Rising Stars contest on Friday. The $400,000 cash prize which they received for placing third in the televised talent show no doubt sweetened the deal.

"I'm really proud of us I mean we just got up the day before the audition and formed the group, and look where we finished This just proves we have raw talent," said outspoken group member, Latoya Colman.

Colman and Roshauna Dennis, welcomed back the third member of the group, Anna-Share Blake, who was ill last week. The three were presented with the cheque by executive producer of Digicel Rising Stars Tahnida Nunes, while host Yendi Phillipps looked on.

Sense of satisfaction

The nervousness shows on Cameal Davis (left) and girl group SLR (right) while host Yendi Phillipps makes the announcement. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

A sense of satisfaction spread throughout TVJ's studios when results indicated the departure of SLR from the competition on Friday night. But that was before a nail-biting elimination which pitted the talented Cameal Davis against the group.

Tension was built up in the studio prior to the announcement of the contestant who would be eliminated; this following last week's shocking exit of K'Alee, whom many thought would have been a top three contender.

With the slow, ominous music playing in the background, patrons were seen biting their fingernails in anxiety.

Phillipps, further frustrated the audience when she delayed the answer and the audience grew angry. Some covered their faces with their hands, while others showed their disgust. "Me can't take Yendi ways you know. Why she don't say the thing man," said a very annoyed woman.

Before Phillipps revealed the results of the match up of the Denham Town princess, Davis and controversial group SLR, sections of the crowd already predicted the results. "Cameal you are safe, you are safe," patrons shouted.

When the results came, it seemed to satisfy everyone, including the judges.

A great way to go out

Judges Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland, and Clyde McKenzie all agreed that the decision to send SLR packing was a good one.

"Well, that's a great way to go out," Miller said.

After being crowd favourites throughout the competition, a top two spot was a well-deserved result for the group Kahlil, who escaped the nervous moments, as they were the first to hear of their safety.

The announcement brought a deep sigh of relief on stage for the five-member group, and they credited their achievement thus far to all the hard work invested over the years.

"Whew, what must I say, anything you want to write about right now do it," said one member.

"The fact that we finished 19th last year, and came back and are in the top two, we work hard so we deserve it," Wayne, a group member said.

"Over five years now we have been doing this, it's something we love, something that we dedicated ourselves to," he continued.

Cameal was overwhelmed with the results, and shortly after the announcement she started to cry. The singer said she was grateful for the experience.

The debate, as to when SLR would leave the competition had ended. Most patrons left the studio smiling at the results.

A relieved Cameal celebrates after being assured of either the first or second place position in Rising Stars.

Rising Stars Elimination Show at TVJ Studios on Friday, September 26, 2008.