Cooking up success - Renecia’s father always knew she would dominate Rising Stars

While some were nervous about the chances of their favourite contestants in this year's staging of Digicel Rising Stars, Carnagie Bernard, the father of Season 20 finalist Renecia, says he had "zero doubts" his daughter would make it this far.

In an exclusive chat with THE WEEKEND STAR, he revealed that it was his idea for her to audition.

"I was very confident from the start. I took her to the audition myself and told her, 'You're a great singer, and people will love you in this competition,'" he proudly shared. "None of this was a shocker!"

In addition to her natural talent, Bernard believes his daughter's involvement in another popular singing competition helped prepare her for Rising Stars. "Renecia went to Hopewell High School and when they entered 'All Together Sing' in 2019, she was one of the lead singers," he said.

Besides singing, the proud father explained that he and his daughter share a bond through cooking. He shared that when she was much younger, he would put Renecia on the counter next to him while he was cooking.

"I would like to say I am a good cook. And one of the things I am happy for is that she would come to me for advice on cooking. And then, when she told me she wanted to do foods and become a chef, I really welcomed the news," Bernard said with a smile.

Renecia advanced to the finals of Season 20 of Digicel Rising Stars but has one last challenge to face - 'the bearded one', Akeen Fennell. The two will know their fate after voting ends this week and the final performance show airs live on Sunday.

Her father believes she has what it takes to go all the way, but admitted he is a "big fan" of Fennell.

"I really like Akeen - he is a really good performer, and he can sing; I love when people can sing and perform. But I think that Renecia can win the competition once we put in the work on voting and getting the campaigning out the way," Bernard said.

Even though his vote is already secured, he still has some useful advice for both finalists.

"Despite whatever the final result says, they are both winners. So, they just need to go out, give it their best and lay everything to rest. Even if you don't think that singing is for you after all of this, still give it your best," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.