By Tamica Garnett

IT happened Tuesday night on Facebook for Jamal LaRose, Connor Holder and Rogeria Michael who are battling it out for the singular wild card entry into the E-Networks/Red Entertainment talent show “The Spotlight”, where 15 other contestants are already vying for the $2.5M grand prize.Truth be told, none of the singers particularly wowed, but each in their own right had their good moments, and hit a few good notes during their performance that reminded you that they are all very good singers.

With voting set to close last night at 19:00hrs, the judges were expected to tally the number of votes for each performer, and the winner will eventually return to compete in the competition as things proceed.
Facebookers could’ve voted for the favourite by typing either #votejamal, #voteconnor or #voterogeria in the comments section of the video on the “E-Networks The Spotlight” page. Each person was only allowed to vote once, and only votes under original video counted.

Up to yesterday, the video had already garnered over 7000 views, generated almost 1500 comments, and shared almost 200 times. The video went live on Facebook punctually at 19:00hrs Tuesday, and started off with hosts Faizal Khan opening the floor to LaRose and his assigned judge, Alanna Seebaran.
ONE HIT WONDER
LaRose took on the task of doing the best display he possibly could of Gnarls Barkley one-hit-wonder, “Crazy”.
Decked out in a cute yellow bow tie and plaid shirt, he emanated a boyish charm as he reminded his audience of what a powerful voice he has.

Next up was Holder with a cover of Keith Sweat’s “Nobody”. The sultry R&B song was not an altogether bad choice, but Connor just seemed to be going at it a little too hard; given the type of song it is, he would’ve done well to relax a little. Connor was coached by judge Christian Sobers in his preparation for Tuesday night’s face-off.

Last, but definitely not least, was Rogeria, who did a cover of American Idol alum, Mandisa’s “God Speaking”. A Brazilian married to a Guyanese, Rogeria, at the end of her video, threw out an appeal to her Portuguese-speaking kindred in her native tongue.

Once the singing was over, it was then on the part where the contestants go out and solicit their friends, associates, acquaintances, and even strangers to help vote them back into the competition.

The judges are expected to release the name of the wild-card winner later in the competition, which first airs next Wednesday (October 5) on E-Networks’ Channel E1 from 20:00hrs.