Digicel Rising Stars takes over Manchester tomorrow, with the hosting of the second of six auditions for the 2008 season.

Building on how it was in St Thomas last week, the hopefuls are expected to wow the judges as they gather at the Manchester High School to vie for one of the 10 coveted spots which will take them to the next round of the competition. But this parish is known for big impressions when it comes to auditions.

"Auditions in Manchester are where you find the best and most diverse display of talent, in fact, a number of finalists have auditioned there. DJ Face, Noddy even One Third auditioned there, so we always expect big things from Mandeville", said Tahnida Nunes the show's executive producer.

Nadine Sutherland, the viewers' favourite judge has similar expectations: "Contestants will have to pull out all the stops if they want to impress the judges; and Manchester usually provides a fun-filled day of auditions, all kinds of talent and performances. I am looking forward to it," she said.

This year's winner will receive $1 million, the opportunity to release two singles and a music video. The first runner-up will receive $600,000 and a single, while the second runner-up is set to receive $400,000 and a single.

Digicel Rising Stars is open to anyone over the age of 16, who is not currently signed to a management or recording contract and is a citizen of Jamaica or has a visa entitling them to enter and work in Jamaica. At the auditions, participants may either perform individually or in groups of up to six. Participants who are unsuccessful at one audition location have the option of auditioning at another location, since there are six audition dates this year.

After Mandeville, Digicel Rising Stars will move on to Club Inferno in St James on May 10; Portmore Heart Academy, May 17; the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios on May 24; and will end in Kingston at the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) on May 31.

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