THE popular Jamaican television talent show, Digicel Rising Stars, returns for a ninth season in June with a new look, though producers are tight-lipped about the changes.

Mike Hogan, the show’s executive producer, told the Jamaica Observer by e-mail that “I have no comment to make” when asked if the program will have a new format and name change.

VIRGO… has had serious impact on mainstream music

“We will be launching on June 8 on Smile Jamaica (television morning show), and at that time, we will announce all the changes,” said Hogan. “We are building up expectations for the new season.”

Digicel Rising Stars premiered in 2004.

That year the competition was won by singer/songwriter Cavan.

The following year, the competition was won by Christopher Martin who triumphed over fellow singer Noddy Virtue.

Martin and Virtue’s rivalry was so intense, Rising Stars attracted record viewership.

In 2006, vocal group One Third won. Romain Virgo won in 2007, while Cameal Davis took the fifth season in 2008.

In 2009, it was the turn of Brown Shuga, while Dalton Harris took top spot in 2010. Last year’s winner was singer Tash from St Thomas.

To date, Martin and Virgo, are the only winners to have had any serious impact on mainstream music.