LAST weekend, it was announced that television producer/journalist Anthony Miller would return as judge/associate producer for the 10th season of Digicel Rising Stars.

Fans of the talent contest argue that it has lost its punch since the caustic Miller was replaced on the panel of judges two years ago.

For Miller, the decision to return was a no-brainer.

“All it took was an admission from Digicel that the show was not going very well and they were inviting me back in a bid to restore what they thought was missing,” he told Splash. “Then of course there was the call from TVJ (Television Jamaica, which broadcasts the show) also asking me to consider. When (general manager) Gary Allen calls you and puts this on the table you just have to say yes.”

He spoke about his additional duties as associate producer.

“This was thrown into the package as I have always put forth my ideas on where Rising Stars should go. It was formalised this year and we are mapping how it will proceed to re-ignite the interest of viewers and get the show back on track.”

Miller admits that he did not watch the show during the years he was off the panel.

“I am not a huge fan of television talent shows. I have never watched American Idol and therefore the comparisons with Simon Cowell could not be further from the truth. I am just here to tell it as I see it,” he said.

Miller is upbeat about the prospects for season 10 which takes the show back to its original format.

He mentions the importance of country-wide auditions to scout talent as one of the strong points.

“We are now opening up to everybody — singers, dancers a juggling act, and having that series of auditions which really sets the stage for what will happen once the finalists are chosen. It makes for great television. Think of Changa Changa. It’s the fun stuff that will make people chuckle,” Miller said.

Despite opening the competition to all areas of the performing arts, Miller strongly believes singers will emerge at the end.

“It will revert to a singing competition. It’s what Rising Stars is all about,” he says wryly.

As for the other two judges — recording artistes Tanya Stephens and Craigy T of TOK, Miller says it is impossible to predict the kind of chemistry they will have. He notes that the synergy he had with former judge Nadine Sutherland is irreplaceable.

“You never know what will happen with Tanya and Craig. The dynamic with Nadine worked very well. She had her way of dealing with the contestants and so did I. But it just worked beautifully.”

He describes Stephens as “articulate, intelligent and ruefully funny” and Craigy T as being “really nice, genial and pleasant”.

As for his favourite Rising Stars season, “It has to be the year with (singers) Chris (Martin) and Noddy (Virtue). It was just amazing. The hysteria took all of us by surprise. That was a standout year. It was dramatic, but that is what Digicel Rising Stars is all about.”