Some big names in the Dominica calypso world are out of the finals this year. Scrunter, Black Diamond, Tronada who live in the United States. Jamma B, and Karessah all veterans calypsonians with years of experience. Karessah has won the crown four times. The nine to try and dethrone the 2018 King De Bobb, are Danyan, De Healer, veteran king Hunter, Dice (won some seven crowns), Observer, also a pass king, Checko, Tasha P, Sye, and De Webb.