The grand finale of Digicel Rising Stars takes place on Sunday night. The two remaining finalists, Elton Earlington and Monifa Goss, both have something in common.

Apart from their love for music, they auditioned several times before making it to the televised rounds.

“I auditioned three times. I went to the auditions in Savanna-la-Mar, Ocho Rios, and Mandeville. I was elated when I made it,” said 16-year-old Goss.

For Earlington, this was his eighth attempt.

“I entered eight times [and] got selected five times before I finally got a call for the live show,” Elton explained.

Over the past few weeks, there has been renewed interest in the 12-year-old televised talent show. Social media has been abuzz with people weighing in on their favourite contestant.

Goss, a sixth form student at Ardenne High, already has plans to utilise the $1.5-million cash prize.

“I really want to win because I want to push my music career. I also plan to attend medical school and I want to help my mother as well,” she said.

She explained her decision to enter the competition.

“I always thought of Digicel Rising Stars as a training process for the music industry, and being the youngest contestant, I try to learn a lot from the experience,” said Goss.

Support from family and friends have proven to be the motivating factor for her.

“My family and friends are really proud of me. They are so excited and very supportive. They have also helped me with promotion and so far, I have done promotions in Falmouth and in Ocho Rios. It can be a bit tedious sometimes because of school. The only challenges I have faced are song selections and securing the votes each week,” she said.

Earlington said fulfilling a family fantasy was what motivated him to pursue his Rising Stars journey.

“I entered because I am on a mission to fulfill a family fantasy, and I believe that Digicel Rising Stars was the best way possible to showcase my talent to Jamaica and also to introduce Elton Earlington to the rest of the world. I have no regrets for waiting so long to be a part of the live show. I am absolutely grateful,” he said.

He auditioned in Portmore this year.

“My experience has been overwhelming. It has taught me a lot and I have felt the growth as an artiste. I am thankful for the wonderful experience,” he said.

He doesn’t allow the criticisms from the judges to affect his performance each week.

“The challenges that I experienced throughout the competition are getting ready and being prepared, not the judges’ comments. The judges are honest as far as I can see. The challenge is with myself.”

Originally from Temple Hall in St Andrew, Earlington attended Lawrence Tavern Primary before studying at Oberlin High. He also attended the Young Men Christian Association before completing studies at Dunoon Park Technical High”, the 24-year-old explained.

After Digicel Rising Stars, he plans to hit the road running.

“I’m just gonna go out and pursue my dream of being an entertainer. That’s the main reason for me entering the competition. I have a family member who died trying to become an entertainer of Jamaica. So following in his footsteps, I am going to try to get it going, to get my name out there and show Jamaica that it can be done,” he added.