Categories: Entertainment

Rising Stars, Jamaica’s very own American Idol, is probably the most watched local program next to the news. And talk of it is growing as the finals approach. The three finalists are One Third, Suzanne Perkins and Nickeisha Barnes. But one other thing they are talking about is the elimination of Brushy One String. When it happened, many were surprised, as he was one of the favourites to win. He was one of my favourites as well. Suzanne Perkins was the one expected to be sent home, so it was quite an upset.

Brushy was my favourite because he was an original. Unlike the others who belted out pop song after pop song, Brushy sung his own songs, armed with only his infamous one string guitar. His songs were energetic, and would make even the most hardened critic (Anthony Miller, this means you) rock to the beat. His style of dress was also unique. Cowboy style most of the time. His songs weren’t meant to be taken too seriously and were sung in story form like Country Western songs.

But these weren’t enough to stop him from ending up on the chopping block. What happened? My guess is that he couldn’t connect with his generation, since his songs were mainly ’70s songs and today’s generation is more pop oriented. Or maybe people saw him as a novelty act, performing only for tourists, and not as a serious artiste. All is not lost though. Rising Stars gave Brushy somewhat of a break. And he deserves it, because my dad says Brushy’s been performing since the ’70s. Plus producers have been hunting him down, so he may have a future yet.