$200,000 in Digicel Rising Stars prizes

The reality TV series, which has already become a fixture in other Caribbean islands, will be used as a tool to explore and expose the immense talent that resides in Trinidad and Tobago.

Would-be-stars from all across TT will have a chance to showcase their talent with five auditions taking place over the next two months at locations throughout the country. The first open day audition takes place at the Living Room in Arima on Saturday (June 23) and is closely followed by open day auditions in Chaguanas on June 30, San Fernando July 7, Port-of-Spain July 14 and Tobago July 21. Locations and details will be announced at a later date.

Each Saturday audition is open to aspiring performers to showcase their talent, with call back auditions taking place the following day. Participants who are unsuccessful at one location may try again at another location. Digicel Rising Stars is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is not currently signed to a management or recording contract and who is a citizen or resident of TT. At the nationwide auditions, participants may perform individually or in groups of up to six persons.

Experienced entertainment industry experts Johnny Gonsalves, Renee Castle, Michael Salickram and Simone Harris, along with popular television presenter, Knycky Cordner, are returning to host this year’s show. Ten successful contestants’ performances from the call back auditions will be televised on “C” where viewers can vote for the performer they want to proceed to the next stage of the competition. Thursday’s gala launch was attended by last year’s winners, dance group Eclectik, as well as representatives from TT’s music industry.

Digicel Sponsorship Manager, Marita Laurent told the gathering: “Last year’s competition was a phenomenal success with more than 1,000 aspiring performers taking part in auditions all over TT. Performances varied from soca to dance groups and even included a classical quartet.” Network Executive Producer Mike Hogan said he is looking forward to this year’s series.

“Based on the reaction to last year’s show, we are expecting an even bigger turnout this year. Trinidad and Tobago has a wealth of talented performers who can gain valuable experience performing in front of a live audience every week and receive constructive feedback from our panel of judges.”

The winner of the series receives a cash prize of $100,000 from Digicel plus a booking contract with a highly established management company in Trinidad and Tobago. Second place receives $60,000 and third place receives $40,000. Partner sponsors are Newsday, KFC and Sony Ericsson.