The long lines outside the entrance of the Courtleigh Auditorium on St Lucia Avenue in New Kingston on Sunday night were testament to just how many persons look forward to the Digicel Rising Stars show.

Now down to the final 10, the contestants must fight for survival and demonstrate their full potential to be crowned as the 2009 Digicel 'Rising Star'.

Yendi Phillipps appeared in full white, topped off with Michael Jackson gloves, as the finalists paid tribute to the deceased star, with the ever-bubbly Kiki in the new-look chill room.

Judges Clyde McKenzie and Anthony Miller were joined by Michelle 'D'Angel' Downer, stand-in judge for the night, replacing Nadine Sutherland.

Brown Sugar, a much-talked about contestant, was first up, and brushed off a shaky start to finish her performance of I'll Be There in fine style.

Sandy Smith was up next, and while she had some sparkling moments, the judges thought Black Or White was the wrong song for her voice.

passion

Stratdon's face had passion written all over it as he gave a good performance of Stranger In Moscow.

Angele Smith's performance of Dirty Diana saw him set the bar for those yet to perform, while the pair of Crissy and Winston gave the audience something to shout about, as Winston showed his dancing prowess, doing the Moonwalk to the delight of patrons.

The royal princess from Negril, Tia, got mixed reactions from the judges on her performance of Man In The Mirror. McKenzie thought she was nervous at the start, but Miller was adamant that her performance was lovely.

During the intervals, Phillipps interacted with audience members and thrilled with her dance moves, while Kiki heated up the chill room with the buzz on the contestants.

Anthony Miller had high praises for Stacheal Smith, as she put her all into her performance, and had the judges, audience and even the cameramen rocking to her sweet sounds for I Want You Back.

Miller said: "You have more than just dance moves. This is the first sense we are getting of some real vocals."

Dennilee West was, however, out of luck with all the judges, only earning a merit for her fighting spirit from Clyde McKenzie. D'Angel gave her another for her potential, but Anthony Miller saw her performance as the least serious as she tried to Heal The World.

The duo Moments, blended well for their rendition of The Girl Is Mine, but it was Adena Myrie who stole the show with Never Can Say Goodbye.

"You have the best voice in the competition, simply put," said Miller.

This notion was seconded by Mckenzie who said: "If you continue like that, we won't be saying goodbye to you for a long time."

On Friday, two contestants will be cut, and come Sunday, the producer's pick will be revealed.