First timer Betty B will open the MQI 98.1 The One Soca Monarch semi-finals next week Friday at Kensington Oval. And former Party Monarch Natahlee will close the show.
Aja, event producer, said that because the show had so many performances, there would be two halves.
“We also have to give the band a break and the band is big with about 19 people,” he added.
With 34 artistes in the competition, Betty B, a seasoned songstress, pulled No. 14 but switched with Biggie Irie who had drawn No.1, earlier this evening at the National Cultural Foundation’s headquarters in West Terrace, St James.
Pulling in alphabetical order, the entertainers were lively and jovial, but warned that next week, the gloves would be on for a royal rumble.
Biggie Irie, who said he preferred the former two competitions – Sweet Soca and Party Monarch – which have now been merged, said: “I pulled No.1 already so I know how it feels, but I didn’t mind being at No. 1. I asked her to switch and she said yes.” 
TC, no stranger to winning, who will appear at No. 25, said she wanted to perform between 20 and 30.
“I’ve been there before when it was one competition and party was faltering, so to see now where the competitions has come back to one, I have no issue with that.”
She added the one competition was also cost effective to artistes.
Nathalee, a former Party Monarch in 2005 with Colours, will be the last to perform.
“I am not daunted by last. I know in all honesty people may be tired, but it is up to me to come out and do what I do. It is not a number that many people might relish,” she said.
She said she had been in the competitions since 1995 “and have seen the evolution and come full circle, as when it started it was one”.
Also in the line-up is former Sweet Soca and Party Monarch Mr Blood, who is the reigning Pic-O-De-Crop king.
“I would have won when it was one and when it was two,” he said, after pulling No. 31.
While pointing out that the 34 songs were full of creativity, Aja, event producer, said he had seen a trend of younger people entering the competitions for the past three years.
In order of appearance:
Betty B
Bumba
Ray Danja
Faith
Jus D
Shaquille
GQ
Skung Yung
Sanctuary
Jslo
Mighty Grynner
Sugahrhe
Lizzie G
Biggie Irie
Damian Marvay
Bobo
Adrian AC CLarke
Yannick
CoCo
Mike Thompson
Brett Linton
Peach Bless
Hotta Flames
Queen T
TC
Mistah Dale
Marz Ville
Walkes
Leadpipe
B Moore Specific
Mr Blood
Shanta
Rene King
Natahlee (NS)
