Following a competition last evening at U.P's Cineplex, five local artistes will be representing the BVI in the Virgin Islands 6th Annual Idol Music Showcase and Competition next month in St. Thomas.

The five artistes will be competing against 10 other singers, with five from St. Croix and five from St. Thomas as they all battle to win a $3,000.00 cash prize, a 10 song album, a music video to be produced in HD, a cellular phone and the VI Idol award, among other prizes.

The contestants moving on to the next level are Monique Chapdelaine, who came in first by scoring 100 percent with 50 points; McKenzie Baltimore with 49 points; PG-13 with 48 points; Hashim Lewis; and Breezy.

There were five judges at last evening's competition.

The grand finale takes place on August 11 at the Reichhold Centre, St. Thomas at 8:00 pm.

Alvin "Alico" Marks of LP Entertainment, USVI said all the local acts did a great job during the competition. He urged them to take the judges' criticisms as an inspiration and those who did not make the top five can compete again next year.

Marks, who said the BVI has good talent, explained that this year they have stepped up the competition by including all the Virgin Islands and their goal is to spread it out.

"We did this out of love...There is not enough avenue to showcase the Virgin Islands talent...Our mission is to showcase your talent...So this year it's the five best from St. Croix, Tortola and St. Thomas," he stated.

He thanked the Minister of Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn; U.P's Cineplex; Craig Lake; and VI Lottery for their support.

Persons were also encouraged to log on to the website www.viidol.com or text 340-22804343 to vote for their favourite contestant.

The scores from the judges at the grand finale will carry 50 percent and the online and text votes combined will carry 50 percent. The contestant with the highest percentage wins.

At the grand finale in St. Thomas, the judges will include celebrities from Epic Records A&R.

Pictured L-R: Two member group - PG-13; Monique Chapdelaine; McKenzie Baltimore; Hashim Lewis and Breezy.