The theme for this week’s Digicel Rising Stars show which was aired on Sunday August 23 was Then and Now. Contestants had to perform one hit song from the year of their birth and another hit from 2008 or 2009.
Brown Sugar’s Now performance, a Queen Ifrica Medley, had the audience on the edge of their seats. Nadine who enjoyed the performance complimented Brown Sugar on her versatility saying: “I like that you show your diversity” she then concluded “Your talent is vast”.
Diva Adena’s performance despite suffering from another sore throat was stellar. Her stunning Then performance of Irene Cara’s What a Feeling, left the audience amazed at her ability to integrate the new found hoarseness of her voice into the song, turning it into a positive. Clyde, who enjoyed the performance stated: “That was strong, you came across with conviction.” Anthony who agreed partially, stated: “You have to step up how you perform, you sound good, but you’re looking a bit lack-lustre.”
Princess Tia took both the audience and the judges by surprise this week with her very sexy Then performance of Giving Him Something He Can Feel by Envogue. Not only were Tia’s vocals on point, but also her moves. Princess Tia wore a black slinky dress with ruffled chiffon off the shoulder collar and gold open toe platforms was also a hit in fashion.
Moments second performance of Good Girl Gone Bad though pleasing to both Nadine and Clyde seemed however to rub Miller the wrong way: “I think that Brown Sugar pulled it off last week, but I don’t think that you pulled it off. This is do or die, I think your chance might have just died.” he told them.
Moments outfit for their Now performance of Tarrus Riley and Konshens’ Good Girl Gone Bad was something else that caught the eye, black military-esque shirts, army stripes and epaulettes included, black jeans, black military boots and black sunglasses added something extra to the performance.
The judges overall seemed to be pleased by the contestants performances, but at the same seemed a little disappointed that only Princess Tia really wowed them with her performance, everyone else seemed to do their usual. However, Princess Tia’s second performance of Rihanna’s Disturbia seemed to turn them off as much as her first performance had pleased them.
This week Kiki was joined in the Chill Room by two artistes who have been making hits from then till now, Tony Rebel and Mr. Vegas.