Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Digicel Rising Stars series producer Sharon Schroeter (left), the programmes executive producer Michael Hogan (centre) and judge Nadine Sutherland. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Before Tuesday evening's launch of The STAR-sponsored Digicel Rising Stars 2008, the fifth season of the national televised talent contest, there was a video flashback to the finalists in last year's season.

And when the launch came into the present, it was clear that extensive analysis had been done of what went before to hone the upcoming season.

The show's executive producer, Michael Hogan, noted that Jamaica is the 'granddaddy' of Digicel Rising Stars in the Caribbean, as it is oldest of a quartet that now includes Haiti, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

He presented an analysis of results done from a survey of 650 persons, aged 14 to 50, one of the findings being that people want to know more about the contestants. "We're seeing it all the time; tell me more about you. These are the things people want to know. They connect. That's what makes them vote for a person. They need it. They want it more," Hogan said.

As such, more will be televised about the contestants, Hogan saying "we will be making sure we get to know our contestants a lot better this year than in previous years".

RANKINGS

Another finding from the survey is that judge Nadine Sutherland is very popular among viewers, scoring over 90 per cent in likeability. Clyde McKenzie was second at just about 75 per cent and Anthony Miller third at nearly 43 per cent. The ranking pattern continued through all categories, Sutherland again above 90 per cent in terms of interacting with the contestants, McKenzie at nearly 80 per cent and Miller at 40 per cent.

However, in terms of adding to the show, the viewers' rankings were much closer, all three in the 70 to 80 per cent range.

And there was applause when Hogan pointed out that "in truth, Anthony Miller is probably as important as Digicel Rising Stars itself".

For the fifth season the judges remain the same, but there is a new host in Miss Jamaica World 2007, Yendi Phillipps, who replaces Denise Hunt. There are also two new audition venues.

THE 'RIGHT' MOVE

So when the 2008 season starts on Saturday, April 26, it will be the 'right' move from Harbour View roundabout, as the first audition will be at the Paul Bogle High School, St Thomas. Manchester High in Mandeville, Manchester, and Club Inferno in Montego Bay, St James, follow as Digicel Rising Stars sticks to its Saturday audition format.

Another change is in the fourth audition, as Portmore is also a new stop. The Portmore Heart Academy will be the venue on Saturday, May 17. Ocho Rios, St Ann, gets its visit at the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel the following week and the Young Women's Christian Association is the Kingston venue for the final audition on May 31. The tents will be gone, as all auditions will be held indoors.

The prize money is consistent, as the winner will get $1 million and the chance to release two singles and a music video. Second place gets $600,000 and a single, while third place receives $400,000 and a single.

Rising Stars 2006 runner-up Nickeisha Barnes performs at the launch of this year's competition at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Wednesday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer