Just as it was last year the Morant Bay, St Thomas leg of the Tastee Talent Trail Roadshow last Saturday was an overwhelming success, with easily the largest crowd turnout so far in the 2013 season.

Fourteen selectees from the third audition performed at the Rudolph Elders Park in Morant Bay before an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Three dance groups, two female deejays, seven singers and a singjay all put their talents on display, at the end of which eight were selected to go forward to the next stage of the Tastee Talent Trail.

major cash prizes

Those making it to the next round with a chance of going through to the December 12 Grand Finals and a shot at the three major cash prizes, $1 million first prize, $500,000 second prize and $150,000 third prize are: Shernett Magarge, Andre Francis, Nikita Connelley, Jermaine Bryan, Layton Simms, Amory Nelson, Black Dice Dancers and the singing duo Volumn.

It is interesting that of the three dance groups which performed on Saturday, the six-member group, Black Dice, was the only one to make it through as both trios, New Image and SNG, failed to make the cut to go forward in the contest which is sponsored this year by Tastee, Pepsi, T-shirt Express, Sparkles and Kosmo Tours.

The day also included a fun day where youngsters were treated to rides on bounceabouts, face-painting, balloons from the clown, popcorn and cotton candy, as families made up a large portion of Saturday's audience. MC was Elva.

The final audition for this year takes place on Saturday at the Tastee car park, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Entry is free and each contestant must be 16 or over.

The final audition will precede the final roadshow which will take place on Saturday, September 7, at the Manchester High School.