The Tribune

BTC Starmaker, the Bahamas’ most viewed reality television show, returns this year with promises of new twists and challenges.

And last Friday, BTC hosted a reception at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel to welcome 18 lucky contestants who made it through the initial interview process and now have a chance at the prize package including a $10,000 endorsement contract, the opportunity to act in a film by international director Russ Parr and the chance to be the newest face of BTC. The filmed judging process is now in process for the next few weeks of the reality show.

The evening began on a high note as the potential BTC Starmakers mixed and mingled with invited family and friends, the judges, past winners, and the night’s keynote speaker, Mitzi Miller, Editor-in-Chief of Ebony Magazine.

“From the moment I heard about (BTC Starmaker) I said, ‘Wow. This is a great opportunity’,” said Ms Miller said in her keynote address.

“For so many, they miss their moment. What you are about to embark upon over the next couple of weeks is your moment. Every second of it is precious. It’s about hard work, it’s about focus, and it’s about being present more than anything else... Stars aren’t just born, your star is earned, and that is what the next few weeks are about. I hope you will make the most of it.”

For many of the contestants, the opportunity to win Starmaker 5 is a chance for them to realise their dreams.

Junior contestant Moniqua Bain said: “I am passionate about acting and I’ve always wanted to advertise a brand. I am doing it for the amazing experience.”

If she wins, Moniqua plans to use the prize money toward a degree in culinary arts.

Throughout the month of April, the judges conducted rigorous rounds of interviews with hundreds of hopefuls in Nassau and in Freeport to select the cream-of-the-crop group that attended the party. Ultimately, 18 lucky finalists were selected: Alexandria Pratt, Antaineko Pratt, Chavis Sherman, Deangelo Symmonette, Daniella Joseph, Davonte Sands-Gay, Gabrielle Stubbs, Kaijah Higgs Lasharon Butler, Leroy Armbrister, Moniqua Bain, Nicolette Russell, Obrio Denoye, Owen Smith, Rachel Mason, Shannon Moxey, Tarantee Laing, and Tonesha Smith.

“We are very impressed with the young people the judges have found this year,” said Marlon Johnson, vice-president of Brand and Communications of BTC. “I believe Starmaker 5 is going to be the best season yet.”

As congratulations for their hard work and outstanding performance in the competition to date, the contestants were each awarded a brand new Samsung Galaxy S5 phone. “I’m overwhelmed at the moment to make it this far; it’s a bit of a rush,” said thrilled junior contestant Deangelo Symmonette. “Just making it this far is a blessing. We get this free phone, which I’m in desperate need of, and great exposure. There are big brands here tonight!”

BTC Manager of Public Relations Jerome Sawyer said: “Through this programme, BTC wants every participant, win, lose, or draw, to walk away with something great, something that will leave a lasting impression on their lives. Not just these phones, but the communication and self-branding skills that they gain from their experience on the show, every step of the way.”

BTC Starmaker season 5 premiered on Thursday, May 1, with a recap of the past seasons. The first original footage episode is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, on ZNS.