The Tribune

BTC Starmaker, the Bahamas’ most watched reality television series, is returning for a fifth season with a new judge and new challenges.

The show is now accepting applications from potential contestants from around the Bahamas to be the next face of BTC.

Young Bahamians between the ages of 13-30, who are charismatic, articulate, confident, have excellent interpersonal skills and a swagger all their own, are encouraged to enter for the chance to become a BTC star and win a prize pack and endorsement contract worth over $10,000. The winners of Starmaker 5 will also get the chance to appear in a film by international director Russ Parr (“The Undershepherd”).

A total of 16 finalists will be chosen to compete for the grand prize and move into the new Starmaker House on Paradise Island. Each week, the show’s finalists, eight senior contestants between the ages of 18-30, and eight junior contestants between the ages of 13-17, will take part in a series of challenges to see if they have what it takes to be the next BTC stars. Along the way, they will be coached by Bahamian and international industry heavyweights.

A number of the show’s veteran judges will return, including image consultant and branding specialist Stacia Williams, professional photographer Kovah Duncombe, and modelling and etiquette specialist Deborah Geear-Bethell. The show will also welcome new judge, Theodore Elyett, who is an international fashion designer, journalist and winner of the reality television show, Mission Catwalk 3.

Mr Elyett said he is excited to join the judging panel and hopes to impart some of the knowledge that he has gained throughout his international journey as a fashion designer upon contestants. “I want to help the contestants understand the importance of being a brand ambassador and developing their personal brand and image. I’m looking for someone who brings a total package, and can have a symbiotic relationship of sorts with BTC where each side can help the next.

One word of advice that I can extend to potential candidates is to be confident; enter with the mindset to win and come prepared,” he said.

Actor, artist and comedian Matthew Wildgoose will also be the show’s new host. Starmaker 4 winners Jason Clarke and Taja Moxey will act as the show’s special corresponding hosts, while also providing tips to the new crop of contestants.

In addition to a new Starmaker House, new judge and new host, Starmaker 5 will have a number of surprises in store for contestants throughout filming, according to the show’s executive producer and events manager for BTC, Carol Barnett.

“We have definitely upped the ante this year. In addition to partnering with the Ministry of Tourism, we have partnered with the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas. The whole look and feel of the show is going to be different, and in addition to the $10,000 prize pack, the winner will also have a cameo in a Russ Parr film. This season, we have a new Starmaker Penthouse, a new judge, and a lot of exciting things in store for this year’s batch of contestants,” said Ms Barnett.

Head judge Stacia Williams said the winner of Starmaker 5 will have to have their own personal style, confidence, and a be an exceptional communicator.

“You have to have a swagger. You have to have that diva status, and be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table,” she said.

The deadline for entries for Starmaker 5 is Frida, March 28. Potential candidates will be screened, and those short-listed will be invited to the take part in New Providence and Grand Bahama casting calls, which will take place on April 5 and April 12 respectively.

Starmaker 5 will air weekly, beginning May 1, each Wednesday on ZNS TV 13. As of 2010, the show was second only to the ZNS TV 13 news broadcasts in ratings.

Viewers can also look forward to a number of exclusives and contests throughout the competition, that they can viewed by visiting the Starmaker 5 website, as well as the show’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media pages. The Starmaker 5, live finale, will air on June 26, where the next BTC Stars will be crowned.

The Starmaker 5 reality television show is being filmed and produced by the MOVI Group.