WHEN he auditioned for Digicel Rising Stars two years ago, Orane Green had one goal in mind.

“I entered Digicel Rising Stars because I wanted to be afforded the opportunity to create music that resonates with the mind and resounds in the soul; and winning ‘Rising Stars’ would’ve been the fastest way to gaining the resources to make that a reality,” Green disclosed.

On Sunday night he was eliminated from the competition when he, along with fellow competitor Shaunette Cameron, were named as the two contestants with the lowest votes. The decision was left up to the judges to decide which of the two would remain.

The judges chose to keep Cameron in the competition.

The 22-year-old Green, who is from Westmoreland, recalled his journey on the televised singing competition which airs Sundays on Television Jamaica.

“My journey on the show was exhilarating and inspiring. It was such an unimaginable blessing to be a part of a competition that not only acknowledged my talent but pushed me to grow my talent through challenges — supplemented with encouragement and meaningful feedback — all whilst allowing me to be myself and feel at home,” said Green.

He added, “The highlight for me is easy to pinpoint. It would have to be when Alaine bestowed upon me the title of ‘Diaphragm Don’ following my performance on the themed Reggae Night.”

He described the feeling when he realised he was being eliminated from the competition.

“At first I felt like I had let myself down, but that turned into an overwhelming sense of gratitude mixed with pride in knowing that I not only managed to survive the auditions but made it to the top eight and created an incredible new network of friends along the way,” Green shared.

Green attended the Mannings’ School in Savanna-la-Mar. He is presently enrolled at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, in the Faculty of Science and Technology.

“I am currently doing an internship as a field auditor/researcher in the operating systems and special projects division with the Spectrum Management Authority,” he shared.

Sunday was Gospel Night on Digicel Rising Stars. The remaining seven contestants were joined by the Producer’s Pick, 17-year-old high school student Mozein Sutherand who was making his entry into the competition.

Robert Ewart rose to the occasion and delivered arguably the best performance of the night with his version of My Help.

The other remaining contestants are Channing Bryan, Oshene Watson, Brandon Williams, Brianna Warren, and Ramon Johnston.

The action continues on Sunday night at 8:00 pm. The competitors are vying for a cash prize of $1.5 million, among other prizes.