By Michron Robinson
It was a hard fought battle but last night only 15 contestants of the 18 competitors were left standing in the final preliminary (The Blind Challenge) of the Baje to the World competition.
Many ventured to Salters, St. George, on a night which ended in jubilation for many and careful consideration for others.
All three spoken word artists were among the chosen – the consistent Cyndi Celeste, the determined Lui the Bajan and the well loved Carmen. Lui performed Counting My Blessings while Carmen delivered a tribute to Green Camouflage by David Kirton.
Ending the night on a high at the St George Secondary School with a two hit combo was Massy Stores’ most Dynamic Performer SkyyDrive who was awarded by Minister of People’s Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey and Minister of Youth Charles Griffith.
SkyyDrive ended the first half of the night of intensity with a Gladys Knight and The Pips tribute of Midnight Train to Georgia. Her performance? Spellbinding. We told you she was consistent from start to finish.
Also finishing the night at the top and continuously etching her performance excellence in the minds of Bajans was Cyndi Celeste. Dressed bonnily with a flower to match in her natural hair, Cyndi delivered like a power ball, drawing the audience into her piece about love, which she claimed not to know of but trust; at the end of the night, it was clear she knew what she was talking about.
Ending the night on a high was Cyndi Celeste who receives a check from MP for St George Dwight Sutherland.
Although she did not make it through to the semi-final, the Barbados Trust Fund Ltd Baje to the World Workshop Participation Prize went to Jahlyn. She was awarded by the Community Development Department’s Yolande Skeete.
Also giving their best but not advancing was the dedicated Sabiah who last night did a rendition of Scars to Your Beautiful and Loleeka, who did a cover of Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.
The night ended in pure celebration for those who made the cut taking to the stage to join ChrissyD and guest singer Raheem (who was hilarious with Dr Cassandra) to celebrate their wins.
Shaquan Smith last night delivered wonderfully with Peabo Bryson’s Can You Stop the Rain. Judge DJ Simmons described his performance as “simply fantastic” encouraging him as an upcoming “star”.
SkyyDrive delivered with Midnight Train to Georgia.
The little ones who are advancing included the little yet powerful Golden Girl who last night did a rendition of Rihanna’s Lift Me Up. Judge Philip Forrester was so moved to tears that he had no more words at the end of his critique. It was an emotional night. “When this competition is over and dusted, the one contestant that I’ll never forget is you. It’s not about your biological age but about the confidence that so exceeds your age. That’s incredible. I have never seen this before.”
Neisha last night performed Christian Aguilera’s Beautiful making reference to black girls. Her performance was so motivational, awe-inspiring and simply captivating in her gold and black dress. She was one to watch from the night of vintage when she performed Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun. She too was in pure celebration mode on advancing and deservedly so.
The Showman was at the top of his game.
Asanta Blossom brought pure vibes to St. George performing Destra’s Bonnie and Clyde. She delivered last week with Faluma by Alison Hinds, but Blossom also showed versatility for the jazz challenge with New York New York finishing in the top three on a few occasions.
Miracle did a cover to Save the Last Dance by Michale Buble. Miracle truly deserves to be advancing. She left her mark as a future soca star last week for Challenge Number 6 when she out-did other challengers with Patrice Roberts’ Old and Grey.
Miracle’s set was well received.
There’s no doubt that Kyrique Alleyne would be up there. Last night he performed Sisqo’s Incomplete, but he was once again warned about being complacent. The judges’ comments were well placed, too. We know the potential of Alleyne, who has delivered many spellbound sets from Gabby’s Guava to Luciano’s It’s Me Again Jah.
Emari brought the energy.
Reigning Junior Monarch in the senior category, Yahandje took the audience to church with Chronixx’s I Can. She was sweet in voice, presentation, and aura. She’s advancing to the semi finals, as she should.
The bouncy and energetic Emari, who did a set of Kool and the Gang’s Ladies’ Night, show-stopped his way into the judges score sheets and earned himself a spot with the other top guns.
Speaking of show stopping, the term can’t be said without mentioning Mr Showman – clearly one of the most commercial artists of the bunch and that description is apt for the man who performed Edwin Yearwood’s Something Greater. How is it possible to deliver every genre near effortlessly? That’s the Showman for you.
Neffi was a favourite from the jump and she’s going to the
semis.
Tillieann is also counted among the 15 and last night she showed why she deserved a spot delivering with Bob’s Song by Spice.
In offering final comments, judge Forrester called for a junior competition dedicated exclusively to the youth.
Judge Simmons said that he saw “lots of potential” with the newer artists, creating new memories with the older songs.
Asanta Blossom performed Destra’s Bonnie and Clyde.
Judge Steve Sobers described the night as “tight” but he said he was concerned about slacking by some contestants.
Senior Judge Senator John King said that though nerves by contestants were present, hats must be tipped to the vast improvements seen by the performers.
Baje to the World continues on May 1st at the Dover Playing Field.
(MR)
