Sharona Jonas brings the heat at the Digicel Rising Stars Live Performance Show, at Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, on September 16, 2012. - File
Romain Virgo (left) and Christopher Martin perform during the Digicel Rising Stars competition held at TVJ's studios on Sunday, September 16, 2007. - File
Rising Stars 2004, Candy (who placed third) and winner Cavan, pose at the media launch of Digicel Rising Stars 2005. - File
Digicel Rising Stars series producer Sharon Schroeter (left) along with judges Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland and Clive McKenzie in 2010. - File
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Cavan, Christopher Martin, One-Third, Romain Virgo, Cameal Davis, Brown Shuga, Dalton Harris, Tash and Sharona Jonas have one thing in common - they became household names, after winning Digicel Rising Stars.
Digicel Rising Stars, which began on TVJ in 2004, was the first show of its kind, not only presenting the best on stage but borrows on the talents of many Jamaicans to make the show a reality. This year, the show celebrates its 10th season by encouraging Jamaicans to be extraordinary.
"The sheer exposure and training the contestants receive, prepare them for the music industry locally and internationally. Many of our contestants, not just our winners, have gone on to make a career out of their musical talent. And this is what the show is about - giving talented Jamaicans the opportunity to celebrate, share and invest in their unique talents," said Tahnida Nunes, senior sponsorship manager at Digicel.
Digicel Rising Stars has given several talented contestants a push- start in their musical careers. Other than the nine past winners, other contestants have had success after taking part in the show. Jodian Pantry, Nickeisha Barnes, Noddy Virtue, Lenya Wilks, and Laden, are just a few of the talents unveiled on the show who have gone on to make a career in music.
Outstanding production quality has been a constant throughout the past nine seasons and despite changes in hosts and judges, fluctuations in talent and modifications of the programme's format - the persons behind the scenes have ensured that the talent show continues to provide a pleasurable viewing experience.
Teamwork
Series producer Sharon Schroeter says, going into the 10th season, she still remembers the first: "The team went in with an open mind. The 'American Idol' craze had taken off and to think we were going to be doing something like that in Jamaica was amazing. Everyone saw this as a challenge, and we faced it head on."
Throughout the years there have been many changes, and Schroeter notes that the show can only get better. She narrows down the success of Digicel Rising Stars to teamwork: "For the first season everyone was very nervous. We had camera crews, producers and editors come in from abroad to guide us on the auditions - they quickly saw that the local team was very capable and they left after the second audition. Going live was also a challenge but after a while we found our rhythm, and 10 years later we're still here."
Schroeter noted that the production team has a special bond with contestants.
"We are like a second family to them so they are very comfortable talking to us about their dreams, hopes and challenges. We are always conducting contestant workshops with some of the top people in the music business, from musical directors to performance directors and vocal coaches, all are on hand to guide their progress," she said.
The first ever winner, Cavan, says although the competition focuses on honing talent, it also facilitates friendships. The singer/songwriter noted that his most memorable moment was not winning the competition.
"For me it was the connection between myself and the contestants. We were like brothers and sisters, we were looking out for each other even though we just met, and somehow a positive connection was there and lasting friendships were made."
Cavan added that he cannot over-exaggerate the tremendous job being done by the Digicel Rising Stars team in unearthing Jamaican talent.
Impact
"If you're a singer and you're looking for an opportunity to break out, even if you don't win the competition, this is a great way to change your life. By just being in the competition, getting the exposure, the publicity, that's a great thing."
The televised talent show has not only impacted the lives of the contestants but also the communities.
Romain Virgo, the 2007 winner explained: "It uplifted the spirit of the community and to see TVJ cameras come inside my community and to allow the people in the community to see themselves on TV, it was really uplifting."
Romain's entry in the competition, and subsequent victory put his home town of Stepney, St Ann on the map.
Last year's winner, Sharona Jonas, said she appreciates what the competition did for her personal development and musical career.
"You actually get to focus more on what you would really want to go out there and do," she said.
Digicel Rising Stars continues to make dreams come true. The competition is focused on developing the authentic talent of Jamaicans from grassroot communities. Year after year, the show has continued to further develop talented contestants; connecting them with the Jamaican audience, who have embraced them - voting for their favourites. As the 10th season continues, Jamaicans can expect more extraordinary talent to rise.
Digicel Rising Stars begins tonight on TVJ at 8 p.m. with a live performance show.