Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Kahlil gave a lively performance of Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long' at the Digicel Rising Stars final show. - Nathaniel Stewart photos

Kahlil looked swanky for their old-school performance that ended the show with a bang.

The final two contestants of Digicel's Rising Stars went head to head on Sunday at the Courtleigh Auditorium.

Performing three songs each, the 'Denham Town Princess' Cameal Davis, and Kahlil, the group from Flankers, Montego Bay, gave it their all in one final attempt to nab the Digicel Rising Stars 2008 title.

Hits from the '80s

The two performed hits from the '80s, a song chosen by the judges and their best song in the competition so far.

To top off the show, for the first time, a guest judge, Christopher Smith of Chris Smith Management, was added to the panel.

Smith is responsible for managing acts such as Nelly Furtado and duo Brick and Lace, among others. In the chill room, Etana and last year's winner Romain Virgo gave their advice on what to expect on entering the world of entertainment.

However, while the two contenders tried to impress in a last-minute effort to see who would be this year's winner, it was Cameal Davis who gave the better performances throughout the night, with Kahlil picking up toward the end.

Hot in black and gold

Left: Cameal Davis' performance of 'At Last' by Etta James was as sparkling as her dress. Right: Cameal Davis didn't have to share the 'spotlight' with anyone at the final studio performance.

Davis was first up, singing a Tina Turner classic What's Love Got to Do With It. Looking hot in black and gold, Davis blew the crowd away with her vocals. Smith thought the performance was exceptional, while Clyde McKenzie thought Davis was stylish as usual. Anthony Miller loved Davis' voice, and Nadine Sutherland thought that the singer exuded a bright light.

Hard time choosing

Kahlil sang the upbeat Lionel Richie hit All Night Long their first time up. While Smith believed Jamaica would have a hard time choosing between the two, Miller believed "the lead singer wasn't up to the line up ... poor start for Kahlil, poor song selection."

For the second set, the contestants performed songs suggested by the judges. Davis performed Etta James' At Last, a song chosen by Sutherland. With the first notes sung by the glowing starlet, the studio audience exploded with forwards. Nadine Sutherland loved the performance, applauding Davis for carrying off the song.

Miller said, "Nice choice for your voice, I really heard you. It was almost as sparkling as that frock." Davis was wearing a sparkling gold dress.

Showcased the vocals

Kahlil also performed the song selected by Sutherland, Boyz II Men's End Of The Road. While the song showcased the vocals of the different members of the group, the performance was not as good as Kahlil's best.

Miller wasn't impressed. He said, "That performance is sounding like the end of the road for you guys ..."

Davis chose Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson for her all-time best performance, wowing the crowd yet again.

According to Sutherland, Davis performed the song better the second time around. Smith remained impressed with the starlet, he said: My girl! Yuh wicked! ... You surpassed my expectations, you're ready for the world."

Kahlil did their medley of old television hits from The Jeffersons and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The group delivered in its last performance, getting the audience moving and singing along to the songs. Kahlil entertained, doing the 'Carlton' dance in a well-choreographed set. Miller commented, "Very, very, very good, but too late," while McKenzie believed it was one of the group's best performances.

(From left), STAR of the Month Etana, 2007 Rising Stars winner Romain Virgo and chill room host Kiki.