The suspense was high as were emotions as the winner was going to be announced. From the performances it was clearly a tight race between Poonam Singh and Brandon Harding. With blood pressure rising and some breaking into cold sweat all sat at the edges of their seats.
The audience screamed his name in unison as a teary-eyed Brandon Harding, the second Lindener in as many years, gratefully accepted the symbolic key of his brand new Toyota IST motorcar from GT&T Chief Financial Officer Royston Rajpaul and the original key from CEO Yog Mahadeo.
Last year’s winner was Lindener Malika Boyd.
The grand finale of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company’s Jingle and Song Competition was a powerhouse, packed with potent performances much to the audience’s delight.
The show got off to a late start but many were not that disappointed when the first performer, Mark Boston, from the Heat Wave Band did Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean”, which was a solid performance. He was later joined by Calvin Burnett as they sang “Earth Song” among others. They had the theater on fire as everyone was dancing and singing along with them.
Mahadeo said it was a fantastic year for the company and it would have never been possible without the grace of God and invited everyone to a Grand Gospel Concert at the National Stadium on January 20, 2012. He concluded that seeing the performances by the finalists brought tears to his eyes and he also extended gratitude to his team at GT&T.
Host Malcolm Ferreira interacted with the packed theatre audience wonderfully. ‘The final countdown’, a dance item performed by the Classique Dance Company, was followed by a commendable performance of “Let’s Get it Started” by Jackie Hanover, Ayodele Gilbert, Gillian Henry and Dorian.
Judge Charmaine Blackman was epic on stage as she memorably launched the video for her latest single “Gi Dem Mo Fuh Talk”. Blackman danced her heart away on the stage as she performed songs by Tina Turner; and was even dressed like her somewhat.
Her music video was dubbed a mini comedy show by many as it was inspired by her outrageous outfits and hairstyles throughout the competition. She said the styles brought her both good and bad criticism and she also gave some persons more to talk about.
The finalists first performed in groups of threes and first up were Esther Osborne, Onika Joseph and Ernesta Nelson. They did a powerful rendition of “We Are Family”. Many just clapped and sang along with them as they did their thing on stage.
Next up were Calais Peterkin, Nikeshia Alexander and Brandon performing “Celebration”. They sounded good but at times it was obvious that they did not know who had to sing which part of the song. The best part was there was no judging so they could have afforded to mess up.
Ushering the audience into the season was little Nia who gave her best as she performed “I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”; the audience loved it. Poonam Singh sang “Santa Baby” and had everyone rocking away with her. “Jingle Bell Rock” rocked the theatre with the melodious voice of Jenelle Pierre.
The top five finalists were then announced to a drum roll: Onika Joseph, Esther Osbourne, Calais Peterkin, Poonam Singh and Brandon Harding.
Jory Hector then came on stage and as we say in Guyanese slang “dat banna mash it up!” He had a great time as he entertained the audience with all his hits and at the same time through his lyrics he instilled positive messages. When Jory left the stage it was like a concert at the National Stadium.
Keeping things blazing, Onika came out and did justice to Adele’s “Someone Like You”; many in the audience loved it and sang along with her as she perfectly executed the chorus. She had them up roaring by the time she was finished. She said she had expected to place among the top 5 and considered herself a winner. Whoever won, she said, she would be supportive as the competition was a tight one.
Esther then came out dressed to kill in a blue dress that accentuated her body and sang Beyonce’s “Halo”. Though it was not her best the audience loved it and she had a great time on stage. She told the host that she was kind of nervous and was eagerly awaiting the results.
Respect was what Calais was asking for as she sang her heart out in her rendition Aretha Franklin’s “R-E-S-E-P-C-T”. This 17-year-old Marian Academy student commanded and dominated with her great voice. She thanked her parents and all of her supporters for allowing her to reach thus far.
Poonam, sassily dressed, came out to soothe things down a bit with Celine Dion’s “I’m Alive”. She had the theatre swaying and rocking. She told the audience that she met a lot of aspiring singers throughout the competition and encouraged all the shy singers to come out and showcase their skills like she did.
Before the next performer came out on stage the crowd was going all crazy screaming his name. Many dubbed him as a born performer as he came out to perform a medley of songs by Christopher Martin. The power packed performance had the ladies of the audience screaming for more. He called a young lady on stage and sang for her and since there were no rules he had her unbutton his shirt and she departed the stage with his tie. Not satisfied that she did not make it on time, another young lady walked on stage and demanded his shirt and she succeeded. Harding said that win or lose he just wanted his fans to know that the decision is final and there should be no violence.
Delivering to the crowd was sexy Timeka Marshall, the GT&T Jingle Competition’s inaugural winner. she commanded the stage and delivered a memorable performance.
Then came the announcement of the winners. In fifth place was Onika and while some in the audience were a bit disappointed, they all accepted the results.
However, when Calais’s name was called next in fourth place, there was an uproar in the theatre as many thought she was cheated.
In third place was Esther and many accepted this decision with loud cheers.
Poonam placed second.
Making a special appearance was Gregory and Ravi B from the Karma Band of Trinidad, to much surprise the duo just came out and excited the audience since many thought they were going to be performing, but they just informed that they will be at the Bollywood Finale in Berbice on January 6, 2012.
All of the finalists received Blackberry cell phones, with the exception of Diana Chapman who was not present.
