There was a double elimination on Digicel Rising Stars last week Sunday. Brianna Warren and Robert Ewart, the two contestants who received the lowest number of votes were sent packing.

For fans of the televised singing competition, which airs on Television Jamaica, Ewart’s departure came as a shock. Ewart had consistently delivered credible performances and he received complimentary responses from the judges.

“It would mean the world to me if I had won because I’ve wanted to be on the show for years. And now that I made it onto the show, it was practically like a dream come true,” Ewart, who is originally from Grenada disclosed in an interview with OBSERVER ONLINE

He added, “I would describe my journey on Rising Stars as fun and exciting. What I am going to miss most is being around the friends that I met and love so very much. I am also going to miss performing on the show.”

Ewart, who resides in Westmoreland, has been living in Jamaica for the past six years.

The 21-year-old says his family and friends were supportive of his decision to enter the competition.

“My family has been so supportive, especially my mom. She has been in my corner from day one,” he said.

18-year-old Brianna, who is from Ewarton in St Catherine, and a student at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, said she entered the competition to showcase her talent.

“I’m very passionate about music and to see an opportunity such as Digicel Rising Stars to showcase my talent and have the opportunity to interact with people who share the same passion and zeal for music as me, I couldn’t let it pass,” she shared.

She said she will miss the bond that she made with fellow contestants and members of the production crew.

“Without a doubt, I would have to say that I will miss my newly dubbed family. For the past few weeks, it could be considered that myself, fellow contestants and the entire Digicel Rising Stars team created a bond which can only be compared to a family, while still being in a competition. Over the weeks I have also accepted the comments from the judges and worked on just being free and trying my best to do what they suggested. That has definitely helped with my growth on my musical journey,” Warren shared.

She is thankful for the exposure that she has received from the competition.

“Throughout my time in the competition, many opportunities have been offered to me and I can safely say that this could be credited to the exposure that this competition gave me each week.”

Five contestants remain in the competition, which comes to an end in a few weeks.

Mozein, who has become a fan favourite, did a creditable spin on Al Green’s 1971 platinum-selling single Let’s Stay Together, while Oshene Watson did a not-so-impressive take on Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Shaunette Cameron went lovers rock, turning up her vocals on Lukie D’s Missing You, while Sam Cooke’s 1964 hit A Change Is Gonna Come was updated by Ramon Johnston.

Brandon Williams’ take on Stevie Wonder’s Master Blaster just didn’t connect with the judges.

Entertainer Tamo J and 2013 competitor Kenny Smith were the guest performers, while producer Sonovic was last week’s guest judge.