Auditions for leading entertainment show Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall are heating up as upcoming artistes turned out in droves to Island Village in Ocho Rios, St Ann, for the second leg of auditions.

"The talent has been pretty good, and Magnum is very pleased to be a part of 'Kings and Queens' for another season, which is shaping up to be one of the best so far," said Sophia Bernard-Fairman, group brand manager, fortified wines and liqueurs at J Wray & Nephew.

More than 500 contestants from St Ann, St Mary, and even as far as Montego Bay, had to perform an original song during preliminary judging by Scott Wilson, Koolface, Melloquence (season 1 alumnus), and Scientist, who determined if they had what it took to show off their skills for the main judges, Professor Nuts, Miss Kitty and Skatta Burrell.

Once main judging got under way, a crowd gathered and was not shy about showing who they thought was good enough to move on to the live show. There were standout performances from contestants such as Shewn-D, Shakka Dax and crowd favourite Devin Di Dakta, Angel Eyes and Crystol Diamond.

Preparations are under way for the next set of auditions. Auditions for Portmore will take place tomorrow at the Portmore Heart Academy, and in Kingston on December 7 (Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre). Final auditions will be in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad on December 13.