With three of the 10 contestants eliminated last Sunday, a thankful Daron Mitchell still remains the only male in the JCDC Gospel Star Competition.
But last year’s second place winner admitted that although this time around he is “walking in [his] purpose”, he is a bit nervous going into the next live show, which will see another three contestants struck off.
“Eliminations are nerve-wracking,” Mitchell admitted. “Last week I was so happy that I almost cried. But whatever happens, I know that I did my best. It is a privilege to be here and I don’t take it for granted.”
At the start of last Sunday’s show, all 10 finalists stood together trying to appear unflustered as they waited for host, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, to announce the names of those who were going home. At the end of that exercise, the final seven visibly exhaled, as they prepared to deliver on stage songs that reflected the theme, gospel reggae and dancehall, in front of judges Nadine Blair, Wayne ‘Jai Kingston’ Buchanan and Jermaine Edwards.
Mitchell, who is also a professional dancer, fashion designer and graphic designer, emphasised that first and foremost he is a servant of the Lord. A member of the Family Word and Worship Church, he believes that he “has been chosen by God to salt and light to this generation” and that his creative skills are the vehicle towards impacting lives.
The Gospel Star finalist sounded an upbeat note when he shared that his team is strong and that their support has been invaluable in taking him into the final elimination round.
“Family and friends have been there for me and the response from the general public is very encouraging. They see the professionalism, the presentation, the honesty and the pureness and they are latching on to it,” he said.
He has been in rehearsals for the next show, which will see contestants performing one traditional Jamaican gospel song and a throwback song from the Gospel Song Competition, as the contest was previously known. Mitchell is confident that he has chosen two great songs which will help to determine his trajectory come the grand finals on July 30.
In addition to Mitchell, the other finalists are Danielle Mayne, Michaela Jack, Johanna Morgan, Regina Campbell, Amoya Thompson-Smith and Chantal Smalling. According to the rules of the competition, the three finalists who will be eliminated next Sunday, will join the previous three and all six vie for the single Saved by Grace spot. Whoever is deemed worthy will take his or her space among the finalists. All five will then have a chance to be named the 2022 Gospel Star.
