This week, we present a review on the five who were knocked out; why some should come back and projections on who might win the 2013 Guyana Star GT&T Jingle and Song Competition.
The knockouts
The five biggest mistakes of this season:
#5: Separation of contestants from judges. At the group round, having the groups perform separately in front of one judge was a bad idea. The four judges needed to see all the contestants, every single one of them throughout the entire competition to see their development and make accurate judgements but for an entire round the fate of the competitors was left to one judge; no judging panel to collectively make that decision. Sure the television audience can see the transformation but there was a huge gap of growth missed by the panel.
#4: The dramatic cuts. In announcing the semi-finalists the producers thought it credible to tell the contestants that 16 of them will be continuing in the competition but then there was a huge shocker when they announced that only 15 will move on. Imagine the gut wrenching feeling the competitors had that one will have to be cut from the 16. That one was sent home, hopes crushed when she had a minute of feeling that she made it one step closer. Not a nice thing to do, kicking someone on their knees.
#3: Sonia Barrow’s third appearance. There are still some people fighting to see Sonia Barrow in the final. Why? Sure she is a good singer but she walked off the stage during a performance – not once but twice! The judges knew at that point she could not cut it. Still she was allowed a third appearance, although that was not aired. If she is returned it would be unfair to all those who stuck with their performances, but didn’t make it.
#2: Neil Maraj dropping out. That’s right, earlier this week finalist Neil Maraj dropped out of the Jingle and Song Competition which was his ‘personal decision.’ In a statement published online he thanked GT&T for the opportunity and the exposure and lessons gained that he will use to be a better performer in the future. Neil left many fans in shock and if it is one reason why I supported him was because he never backed down from the many challenges he went through. He left a lot of people disappointed.
#1: Dorian Obermuller’s mysterious knockout. His fans are still asking why. In fact GT&T recently took down some comments people made on the Jingle and Song Competition Facebook page. Dorian excelled throughout weeks of the competition and had strong support. Maybe he will take Neil’s spot? Depends on how many public votes he received.
The next Guyana star
The battle for stardom:
Michael Small vs. Lemuel Chestor
Very tough comparison: Michael is an excellent singer, working hard on stage performances, while Lemuel falls when it comes to singing but pulls himself up by the end. Both have their supporters but when it comes down to who will overcome who my bet is on Lemuel.
Small is excellent, yes! But when it comes to winning I don’t believe he can handle the pressure of constant criticism and attacks and school + travelling and I am not the only one who feels this way.
T’Shanna Cort vs. Natasha Yhap vs. Diana Chapman
Hmm… My money is on Natasha! Weeks later and I am still in shock! I want more! She is definitely in the line of winners.
T’Shanna is constantly under criticism by the judges who don’t quite fancy her bursts and shouts, which in the Cultural Centre sound louder than on television. Can she pull through in the final? Is she a match for Diana?
Diana is a pendulum: one minute she is full of energy and the next she makes a drastic drop.
Edward Perez vs. Darren Benjamin
Well… what can I say – These two are pretty much equal in my eyes. Both have good days and bad days and a constant dance for stardom but when it comes to the full tango of support people go crazy over Darren for his style, his laidback persona and because he can rock a reggae tune.
Edward comes out on stage, does his thing and leaves; only in the semis did he actually make an attempt and boy did he succeed at it – had the audience head over heels.
Ryan Hoppie vs. Lerone Souvenir
This is a showdown everyone wants to see – Both have massive support, both have the judges talking, both have versatility and style. The big question is who will overcome?
Ryan is better at stage performances since he can interact with his audience with his easy-going personality and energy.
At times Lerone looks like he just doesn’t want to be there, Charmaine noted this as insecurity… stating that he is not confident in himself which can pull him down. But what shoots him back up is his voice!
The grand finale comes after the final. My picks for the final three are Ryan, Lerone and Natasha, but best of luck to all. (Jairo Rodrigues)
