Round two of the 2018 Kaila! Star Search

IT was a night mixed with flawless and not so flawless performances at the Kaila! Star Search on Friday night.

Twenty-five contestants took to the stage to sing and dance their hearts out in front of a packed audience at Village 6 cinemas in Suva.

But it was marred by a few forgotten lines and nervous performers who were obviously overwhelmed. But the great crowd of supporters egged them on as they cheered the young talents.

Soon enough, we saw a transformation in some of the shy singers. We had classics performed from Dixie Chicks, Ronan Keating and Amy Winehouse.

Some of the few standout performers were Maraya Doleanauca who crushed it with Girl Crush from Little Big Town, Senitiki Tuicakau who sang Noqu Dodomo by Rootstrata, Adi Litea Volavola who came out quite shy on stage but blew the crowd away with her rendition of Taylor Swift’s Love story.

But my personal favourite was the original song by Jay and Tui. It was a song that captured the audience for its authenticity as they bared their soul by singing of life’s struggles and overcoming adversity. Called Palm tree. I hope these guys gets to produce this awesome piece, it deserves to get some air time (radio stations take note).

So far judges have been positive of the performance. Judge Tua remarked how the competitors had only a week to practise and perfect their individual songs and they’re slowly coming out of their shells.

“They own the stage and it would be interesting to see what the second round will bring,” added fellow judge Timoci Vula.

The competition which enters its 11th year is supported by The Fiji Times and the Damodar Events Group.

Round two of the Kaila! Star Search! kicks off this Friday, July 20 at Village 6 in Suva. Tickets are $3.50.

22 go on to the next round