'On the Verge' comes to an end

Brand new mini Coopers outfitted with each judge, a lavish stage with well done décor, and a crowd of anxious patrons, are some of what could be seen during the finals of the 'On the Verge' talent show.

KFC, Old Hope Road came alive recently when 'On the Verge' talent show took over that location where 17 contestants were vying for the ultimate prize, to perform on the big stage on the night of the Youth View Awards among other prizes.

After weeks of scouting the island for young acts it all culminated with a cádre of acts ranging from dancing to singing. Prior to the start of the show, patrons were entertained by the magical theatrics of Sean Bailey. His many antics went over well with the audience. A magic show isn't the norm in Jamaica but they welcomed the act with open arms cheering noisily after each act was successfully performed.

Wespa Way started off but was really flat, losing the attention of the audience. He fell short on the singing but his deejaying abilities were pretty good. The judges felt the same way, as Tifa said he lost her at the beginning but picked up in the end. Endevarous dance crew had the audience from start to finish with their dance routine. Stylist Dexter Pottinger stated that their look was good and the choreography was good but he wanted just a little more energy. However, for Tifa, she loved the costumes and the transitions.

forgetting lyrics

Sweet Melody was up next. Although she sounded great she forgot some of her lyrics. "A fitting stage name," stated Ce'Cile who continued, "you wouldn't have won anyway but you need to just do what you have to do, you know what that is and just come back next year". Tifa told her to get some more voice lessons and try again for next year's YVA stage.

Trelawny born deejay Akeno destroyed the 'On the Verge' stage. The judges all looked impressed with Tifa jubilantly exclaiming "thank you for just starting the show". Tami said it was witty, smart, well put together and she loved it. Ce'Cile said she was sorry for the others that would follow, because it felt like he was already the winner.

"You really really ready fi di worl," she said.

Shaphawa came prepared with male back-up dancers in tow and performed a dance and sang to Kelly Rowland's Lay it on Me and Motivation. She tried valiantly but Tami said she needed to master the singing first before focusing so much on the choreography. Tifa stated that choosing popular songs wasn't always the key.

Cheville, despite having tremendous crowd support, gave a hip hop performance that was lyrically good but lacking in energy. Tami said she liked his lyrical content but his energy didn't translate into his performance.

Channelling her inner talent, Kimanda sang Beyonce's Best Thing I Never Had. Her voice was powerful and she had the audience on their feet. Tami said she loved it and thought it was an overall good performance but wished that she found herself instead of Beyonce. Tifa, however, said she saw the hunger but felt that the song threw her off a bit. Overload Skankers brought much theatrics to the night's performances. Tifa said it felt like they were lost while the other judges expressed how disappointed they were with the performances and told them to get re-energized.

Lei-Ashley received a standing ovation from the judges after she belted out Beyonce's hit single Best Thing I Never Had. Tifa stated that she was almost Beyonce's twin sister and that the performance "sell off". Ce'Cile stated, "if you are gonna come and sing after somebody who sang your song, then you have to come and kill them and that is exactly what you did."

Supreme Blazers dance crew danced to a variety of songs from dancehall to soca and even kumina. They got rave reviews from the audience and judges alike. The judges all stated that it was the best dance group of the night with Tami emphasizing how much she liked how they played with their formation.

As the night progressed, Shauna took to the stage singing Adele's Someone Like You. She brought the seated audience in the VIP to their feet, and also had the judges following suit. With tears in her eyes Tifa stated, "nuhbody cah bring me to tears and you brought me to tears tonight."

Tami also lauded her as one of the strongest vocalists not only in the competition, but also in the country. Bhookie Crew gave a pretty weak performance, especially following Shauna's showstopping performance. Tami said it was rough and commended them on coming to the stage to perform.

After the judges' deliberation the top five were Endevarous dancers, Cassique, Akeno, Shauna and Lei-Ashley. Lei-Ashley placed third, Akeno second and Shauna first.