>> View Synergy TV Soca Star 5 - The Grand Finals Gallery
>> Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2010 Coverage

We at TriniJungleJuice extend our thanks to Synergy TV for having us cover their event. Special thanks to Aleezah M. Rose and all members of staff. Hope to be apart of the next installment of the show or any other show you all have in store.
 
CROWD:
Once again, that time of the year has come where Trinidad and Tobago would now find out who would be crowned the new winner for Synergy TV's hit reality show and competition Synergy TV Soca Star 5: The Grand Finals. Masses of people were in attendance to bare witness of the new winner equipped with their rags, banners, jerseys and even vocal chords so that they could've scream the name of their favorite artiste. This event really brought a variety of people ranging the very young to very mature, but at the end of the day they all came with one purpose and that was to support their favorite Synergy TV Soca Star on its fifth season. Apparently the crowd was a bit too much for the venue to handle and sadly patrons who were awaiting entry later on in the night were refused......the show must go on.

VENUE/ACCESSIBILITY:
Jean Pierre Complex was the battleground for these young aspiring soca artistes to display their final presentation to the fans which would either mess up their chances, or greater improve the probability of them becoming the new Soca Star and both drive away with a new 2010 Hilux as well as follow in the footsteps with past winners such as Chynee, Fireball and Umi Marcano; who all got their start up of fame using this platform. The venue was decorated with spectacular lights and pyros on the stage as well as a giant blown up B-mobile balloon, which faced the highway heading towards Movietowne. We all know that the Jean Pierre Complex is known for housing great events and holding a great number of people, unfortunately for some patrons the complex could not hold everyone so some people were refused entry at the door.

VIBES:
As the sun set, the vibes of the people ascended because it was time to get the show on the road. The crowd was first entertained by Boom Champions radio personality Sonny Bling. He humored the crowd with his antics as well as introduced dance groups Eclectic and Electric Breakers. There was also one section where Sonny called on stage a man dressed like a super hero calling himself "A" Man........not really sure what his purpose was, but oh well, he was entertaining either way. Whitney Husbands then took the stage and got the crowd ready for the what was going to take place in front of them. Because this is the fifth season of Soca Star it was only right that they paid tribute to past winners and finalists of the show such as Trini Sisters, Chynee and Kimba Sorzano just to name a few.

The judges for this competition were the same faces that people have grown to love and sometimes hate throughout the past and present shows. Firstly was the graceful and encouraging Carol Jacobs also known as "Auntie Carol" on the show. The second judge was the proud and open minded Mr. Carl "Beaver" Henderson. and the last judge on the roster was a one of T&T's well known faces for his participation in many cultural events as well as being referred to as the Simon Cowell of the show; Mr. Paul Richards. But what is a show without a host, and what would be Soca Star without THE host.....the record breaking, tight pants wearing, rag waving and slogan creating Super Jigga TC!!! Come on!!!

Everything was in order and it was time to start the show. Now in the finals there are two rounds. The first round is where the artistes are put to sing a familiar Carnival hit alongside the original singer (to kind of bring the feeling of the old school meeting the new) and the second round would be for them to fully portray their presentation of their original composition. I'm sure the first round would be mostly remembered by them because can you imagine the feeling Nesta Boxill "Sekon Sta" had performing "How It Go Look" alongside Ronnie Macintosh, or Megan Walrond performing alongside Bajan's Soca Queen Alison Hinds. I'm sure fifteen year old Khiry "Fabolous" Flemming will remember that day after having the chance to perform "Jump" alongside Imij and Co. front vocalist Russel Cadogan and also Shaquille Selkridge “Izac-King” getting the opportunity to perform with multi-time Road March and Soca Monarch winner Neal Iwer "D Boss" George. Melissa Rodriguez brought some spice to her performance alongside Precious and Sharadah McIntyre brought the complex to its knees when she performed alongside the reigning Soca Queen Mrs. Fay-Ann Lyons Alvarez. Really going old school was little miss Adana Mitchell; giving seasoned soca artist Colin Lucas the real Dolla Wine. Crowd favorite Neal Douglas "Mr. Marvelous" set the crowd on fire alongside the real fire man Bunji Garlin and Machel Pierre "Metro" really took his first name to heart; performing one of the HD family's hits "Band of the year" alongside the female vocalist Patrice Roberts. It was fantastic to see the support some well established artistes were giving these young people, I guess they understood that not too long ago they were in their positions, singing what the love and trying to make it out there. It was then time for round two, where it is the contestants perform their own compositions. I personally found them all to be entertaining, some delivered more vocally than presentation, others had more presentation than voice, but at the end of the day they all entertained.

When the dust settled there could've only been one winner. What's this? A special judge was there for the competition? It became apparent to me that besides the three judges on the panel, patrons also had a role to play in the judging of the competition via text messaging on their cell phones. It could not have been stressed enough that at the end of the day they were all winners unless Paul wore a jersey with those words on his chest.

There were 9 contenders, but no placements, just third, second, and the winner. They also squeezed in a People's Choice award as well, which undoubtedly went to miss Adana Mitchell. Third place was a tie between Sharada and Mr. Marvelous. Synergy TV....remember what happened last time you all tied contestants for this competition? Nuff said. Second place went to once again Adana who seemed pleased knowing that she was going to walk away with two sets of prices. Metro was crowned the new winner of Synergy TV's Soca Star and did not hide his excitement and happiness for winning the competition. He will now be remembered alongside the past winners.

Did we forget anything? Add your 2 cents below...

>> View Synergy TV Soca Star 5 - The Grand Finals Gallery
>> Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2010 Coverage