Soca Monarch remains at Hasely Crawford

However, the semi-finals is expected to return to the Arima Velodrome this year. From there, 22 artists will vie for the coveted crown - 20 from the semi-finals and two wild cards.

ISM spokesperson, Therese Rahim-Doolam, made the announcements yesterday evening at the ISM launch at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port-of-Spain.

She noted that the finals of the 2017 Lotto Plus ISM would retain last year’s structure.

There would be no Groovy and Power categories but one show with one monarch.

There would also be a return of a local live broadcast of the show.

However, international viewers will have to wait for the edited and packaged show on Carnival Saturday on Pay-Per- View.