At the end of last Friday's result show, 18-year-old Spaldings High School past student, Dennilee West, made it through to the studio finals of Digicel Rising Stars, copping the most votes from the Ocho Rios batch of top 10 chosen from the auditions.

The former prefect and student council vice-president screamed that she was "happy, happy, happy" when interviewed on Saturday night.

"I'm overwhelmed and overjoyed and excited. I can't wait for the studio round to start and I hope Jamaica likes me," West said. She thanked everyone who voted for her and mentioned that her family and friends were also elated that she was going through to the next phase of the competition.

West clinched her spot in the Ocho Rios auditions when she crooned My New Lover, My New Friend.

on cloud nine

Eighteen-year-old Donielle Goddard's rendition of One Night Only also resonated well with judges and Jamaicans from the moment the audition tapes began rolling. Goddard, too, was announced in the prized top three and she has been floating ever since.

"Since the announcement, everyone is really excited for me and I've been getting a lot of congratulations," the Edna Manley College student said.

"I feel good. I was really nervous when the announcements were being made on TVJ, but now I know I just have to do my best, because I'm now through to the studio rounds and I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time."

Stacheal Smith, who received rave reviews from Digicel Rising Stars judge Clyde McKenzie, rounds out the top three from Ocho Rios. Smith sealed her top-10 spot, and eventually her top-three spot, with Natural Woman by Aretha Franklyn. McKenzie said she was a pick for one of the spots because she has an ability to convey what she's feeling through song.

Now all is ready for the studio finals of the Digicel Rising Stars this Sunday. Stay tuned to TVJ and watch Jamaica shine.

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