THE TOP 13 have been named for the finals of the Richard Stoute Over 21 competition scheduled for this Sunday night.
From a field of 19 competitors comprising several former Teen Talent winners and finalists Reeco Butcher, Bianca Boyce, Junior Williams, Anna B, Akeelah Clarke, Troy Arthur, Quinn Belgrave, Anderson Lynch, Elroy Brathwaite, Oneal Harvey, Christine Carter, Joseé Barton and Paul Legall were chosen to do battle for the title and a range of prizes.
The experience of the competitors was evident by the high level of performances which left little for the audience to complain about. Bianca Boyce, led the points standing going into the second half of the competition, gaining 330 points from her performance of Unchained Melody in the first half. This veteran entertainer also effectively performed Zombie, she did justice to the song which many have attempted but never with much success.
The sweet voice of Oneal Harvey was on show as he sang Heartlights and My Woman My Woman My Wife to secure his spot in the finals. He along with the other ten men in the competition were impressive and represented themselves well to ensure the competition was indeed a refreshing one. He will be one to watch for the finals.
Patrons definitely got their money’s worth in entertainment, particularly when Christine Carter, who has a vocal range unmatched by any of the other females in the competition, sang When You Tell Me That You Love Me and In The Name Of The Lord. The 2005 Richard Stoute Teen Talent winner’s riveting performance of the gospel song In The Name Of The Lord brought members of the audience to their feet in rousing applause.
Junior Williams was his usual self with his theatrics and showmanship; wearing his black top hat and a swizzle tail jacket he gave the most wowing performance of the night.
Though his voice is not as strong as that of many other competitors he proved himself to be a true entertainer as he sang Beyond The Sea and Truly In Love With You.
At the end of the night’s performances the top 13 in the first half maintained those positions into the finals. Also making it to the finals was Joseé Burton, who was the only competitor to perform with a live backing band. Burton sang Turn Your Lights Down Low and Tyrone.
The lone calypso singer Elroy Brathwaite had the audience in an uproar as he delivered Tekkin Me For A Fool. Other notable performers were Paul Legall, who had his own cheering posse from England. He sang Bridge Over Troubled Water and I Who Have Nothing, while former Teen Talent winner Quinn Belgrave sang Strangers In The Night and Arms Wide Open. Belgrave had the audience in the palm of his hands from the first note.
If the semi-final performances are any indication of the level of competition and talent to be showcased, this Sunday’s finals should be outstanding.
