For the average teen the Youth View Awards represents that musical stratosphere where artistes are acknowledged for their work during an evening of pure enjoyment. For others, it's a night to show off their best look and keep persons talking about them for weeks to come. For Youthlink writers, however, it's about toeing the line. They find themselves on the rocky side of the spectrum as they have been given the task to provide a comprehensive review of the show in a manner that will be pleasing to both the readers and the pioneers of the event. This is their behind-the-scenes experience of this prestigious event.

Acting up a storm with Essence Atkins in 2008 and Moriah Johnson in 2009

YL: What were your initial thoughts on the Youth View Awards when it was making its debut in 2008?

Sean Bennett (SB): I thought it was an extremely bold, positive and innovative move. I had never heard of an awards show of that type in Jamaica before; one that was made for youths, voted on by youths and had a team of young people pushing it. I loved that it brought the feel of an international awards show to young people of Jamaica and made them feel as if their voice was being heard. I also loved the categories - from Young Hot Hype Male of the Year to Celebrity Role Model - indicating who young people thought were great in the year in entertainment. I thought the creator Karen Clarke was a true visionary for bringing such an amazing product to fruition and building upon it over the years to make it what it is today.

In 2009 when BET's 'Baldwin Hills' stars Moriah Johnson and Gerren Taylor were the featured international acts, the turnout for the event seemed to have doubled from its previous staging. Do you think having international acts factors heavily on the turnout?

Karen Clarke

SB: Yes, I do. It gives a sense of what an international awards show feels like and I think that's exactly what the organisers were going for whenever they incorporated an international act. It's a huge treat for the youths to see people they only see on their televisions in person and that's one of the many reasons the YVAs have been so special.

Reminisce a bit about the Youth View Awards.

Kimesha Henry: (Smiles) It's good to see how much the show has grown over the years. It's something to look forward to, and it is a definite honour to be nominated and awarded. The after-party is just the icing on the cake - great music, good company and all-around good vibes; can't ask for anything more!

Got geeked up with the New Boyz in 2010

Certainly, the workload to cover an event such as this is hectic. Did you find time to actually enjoy the event?

Corey Lindner: I certainly didn't find it to be hectic. I knew before hand exactly the type of shots I wanted and the information I'd be hunting for. Once I got what I knew I need I could somewhat enjoy the show free of guilt.

With two writers covering the event, was it a collective effort or were you just enjoying the moment and leaving everything up to the other writer?

Chino hands over the Gospel Artiste of the Year award to DJ Nicholas.

Mikail Samuels: I always had my notepad and camera nearby to jot and snap as needed. I enjoyed myself during the performances and especially at the after-party!

Rocsi kept patrons in a trance 2011

How did you cover an event of this nature without it becoming just a typical review?

Stephanie Lyew: With the name Youth View Awards, the strategy was to capture the youth first; arrive early and listen to feedback from the youths who were anticipating the show, then during the announcements pay keen attention so that the names of winners weren't incorrectly heard.

What are your predictions for the 10th staging of the event?

SL: If the YVAs team continues to develop new ways to entertain and highlight their event - with the incorporation of the youth and new acts as they usually do - I predict the 10th staging will be just as entertaining and will probably outgrow its current venue. There are many music and entertainment award shows being created each year, some known, some unknown, but the YVAs has captured the youth market in a different way and hopefully it continues this way. Ask me again when it reaches the 6th staging (laughs).

Busy Signal collects his award at the YVAs held at the Courtleigh Auditorium and Cuddy'z on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

What do you expect from the fifth staging of the awards show?

Chad Bryan: I expect that this year will be an even bigger event than previous stagings. I expect that a lot of teens will be excited and that more teens will vote for their favourite artistes in the available categories. I believe the performances from local acts, including youth performers, carry most of the weight at the YVAs, and with the large support from the public and the buzz heard in the street I know persons are even looking out for surprise wildcards from the planning team of the YVAs.

D'Angel speaks after copping the Best Female Fashion Icon award.	Hosts for the Youth View Awards, ZJ Bambino (left) and Rocsi from BET's 106 & Park.