FOR the first time in decades, no DJ has advanced to finals of the 34-year-old Tastee Talent Trail competition.

At last Thursday’s semi-finals, 10 finalists were selected from a field of 32 contestants at the Tastee car park in Cross Roads, St Andrew.

The 10 included nine singers and a dance group.

Judge Micheal ‘Ibo’ Cooper stressed the need for the singers to pay attention to their vocal coach during grooming sessions ahead of the December 12 final.

“It is vital for a singer to understand proper breathing while performing as well as handling the mike. It is now that the hardwork really begins,” Cooper told them.

Interestingly, last year’s competition was won by DJ Anthony Clarke.

Going into the finals are: Johnell Mathews, Elton Earlington, Dean McGowan, Kevrol Diah, Ricardo Barrett, Black Dice Dancers, Kerry-Ann Miller, Marshalee Guthrie, Dane Williams and Jermaine Bryan, a third time finalist.

The competition’s winner will take home $1 million; second-place finisher will collect $500,000; while the third-place finisher will pocket $150,000.

Tastee Talent Trail is sponsored by Tastee, Pepsi, T-Shirt Express, Sparkles Disco and Kosmo Tours.