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May 29, 2006
Nostalgia Reigns at Second Tastee Talent Semi-Final - 2006
There is no contesting it. The Tastee Talent Contest has undisputedly stamped itself as the leading trendsetters in the unearthing and showcasing of real talents in Jamaica. The May 25th semi-final contest re-confirmed this as 25-top talents in the various areas of the performing arts, demonstrated the wealth of talent that abounds in Jamaica, bursting at the seams for outlets and opportunities to turn those talents into hard cash.
This month contest brought back good singing to the stage as both young and not so young contestants dipped into their 'oldies but goodies' bags and came up with winning presentations at last Thursday's Tastee talent contest at the Tastee Outdoor Theatre in Cross Roads. The organizers are of the view that the promised prize of 'Best Solo artiste' to perform in the UK-Unsigned talent contest at the end of the year, could well be the reasoning behind the influx of singers in this month's competition.
The performances by all 25 contestants were awesome and made life difficult for the 7-member panel of judges. When the verdict finally came it, it was 21-year-old Andre Smith, who was declared the overall winner of the keenly contested semi-final. With 336 points, singing Air Supply's hit', 'All out of Love', Andre was a clear winner from the band struck its first note. As the response from the large crowd grew warmer, his performance gained momentum, and he had the hundreds of ladies in the audience singing, swaying and screaming long, after he left the stage. Andre went home with $60,000 in cash, gifts and certificate from the sponsor, Tastee Limited. Andre will now go on to the grand-final in December.
In second place, with 329 points, was 10-year-old Sarah Ramsey, a grade 4 student at Excelsior Primary School. She did a rendition of American singer, Patti Page's 'Crazy'. Sarah performed her entry with such grace and was able to capture the hearts of the judges. She won for herself $45,000 cash, gifts and certificate from Tastee, as well as a much deserved place in the December 14 grand-final.
Third place went to Richard Beckford, with 313 points. Elegantly clad in full black and performing his entry, 'Tears', which was made popular by Force MD & R Halpin in the mid 80's, Richard, held each note like a true professional and took home the third place prize of $35,000 in cash. He too will move on to the grand-final.
In fourth position, was another dynamic singer, Daulton Bell, doing Tom Jones's hit of the 50's, 'Fall in Love', which earned him 302 points from the judges and $30,000 cash from Tastee Limited. He was also awarded an additional $10,000 for being adjudged the 'Best Dressed Male' bringing his total take home reward up to $40,000. He now has a chance to compete for the prestigious Tastee Talent big prize in the December grand-final.
Other winners from the May 25 semi-finals were Tamara Brown, customer service representative at CESCO, who was awarded the prize for 'Best Dressed Female', Mosase Brandford, 'Best Costume', Troy Fletcher 'Best Original' and Wayne Graham’, Most Cooperative Contestant’. Each of these contestants received a cash award of $10,000 from Tastee Limited.
The guest artistes segment saw performances from former Tastee winner and two time JCDC Popular song contest winner, Penincillin, Shocking Vibes' Mr Nesbet and the Tastee Postars. Emcee was the 'Vibes Master' Jerry Davy, while Unique Vision Band provided backing for contestants and guest artistes.
The Tastee Talent Contest is sponsored by Tastee Limited makers of Jamiaca's# 1 beef patty for over 40 years. The next audition for entrants in the 2006 series will take place on Saturday July 1, starting at 9:00 at the Tastee Outdoor Theatre, home of the Tastee Talent Contest, Cross Roads.
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