<🎧 Song Recommendation: Austin (Boot Stop Workin') by Dasha>
...
(The Grand Banquet Hall, Westin Bonaventure — 6:30 PM)
By the time Von and Julian made their way downstairs, the banquet hall was already swarming.
Contestants were huddled in circles, chattering loudly as they sized each other up. Networking had already begun.
Von, having no interest in small talk with so he had his ears covered with music as he took a seat next to Julian.
Julian, on the other hand, was in his element. He was already deep in an animated conversation with a group of contestants from New York, laughing at their jokes and making friends with ease.
Suddenly, the lights in the hall dimmed.
Von slid his headphones down around his neck just as the double doors swung open.
A familiar figure strode in, flanked by a camera crew that moved backward in perfect sync with his steps. It was Michael Ray.
The Host looked even sharper than he had in Miami, dressed in a fitted maroon suit that popped under the ballroom lights. He walked to the small stage with the swagger of a man who owned the room; which, for all intents and purposes, he did.
The chatter died instantly as two hundred pairs of eyes locked onto him.
"Wow," Michael's voice boomed as he scanned the crowd with a blinding smile. "Look at you all. You're looking absolutely splendid. I'm honestly jealous. If I stood next to some of you, I'd look like the waiter."
A few nervous chuckles rippled through the room. Michael let the laughter settle before his expression shifted to something more serious.
"Well," he began pacing the stage. "As you all know, your stay in this hotel won't be long. In fact, it might not even last a week. Only twenty-four of you will be moving on to the Star Mansion."
He paused for effect.
"So, there is no time to waste. The competition begins tomorrow morning."
A collective groan of dismay swept through the hall. Most had just endured long flights in economy class and they had expected at least one day to acclimate to the environment change.
Michael ignored the grumbling. "Welcome to the industry," he said with a knowing smirk. "Fatigue is part of the job description."
He gestured to q massive screen behind him. "For this Hollywood Week, we are doing things differently. You will face three rounds of challenges. So, three chances to prove you belong here."
The screen came to life, displaying a digital leaderboard. It looked like something out of a video game. Beside each of their names were four sections: [Round 1], [Round 2], [Round 3], and [Total Score]. They were all tied at zero points, so the standings were arranged alphabetically.
"You will score points based on your performance in each round and you will be able to access your live standings from the monitors here in the lobby. At the end of the week, the Top 24 scorers move into the mansion. The rest go home."
Everyone held their breath. Most of them who followed Project Star knew that this points-based system was a brand-new mechanic, and they hadn't seen something similar in other shows either.
The camera operators moved in close, capturing the wide-eyed horror and determination on the contestants' faces.
Michael clapped his hands once, snapping the attention back to him.
"So," he said, walking over to a glass bowl sitting on a pedestal. "Your first challenge that will decide your route..."
He reached into the bowl and retrieved a single plastic ball. He popped it open and unrolled a slip of paper. As he read it, a mischievous smile lit up his face.
"...Is called '30 Seconds to Stardom'."
The room remained silent.
"Tomorrow morning, you will be given exactly thirty seconds to sing for the Judges," Michael announced. "Within that thirty seconds, you must complete your performance. I don't mean just singing some verses and stopping midway. Even if you are singing a section of a song, it must sound like a complete piece of music."
He held up a finger. "You are allowed to sing acapella, or you can use an instrument to aid you. You can sing any song of your choice... That's all. Very simple."
Simple?
Von looked around and saw panic setting in. It wasn't simple at all. Thirty seconds was nothing. Most intros were longer than that. To condense a song, showcase your vocal range, and tell a story in half a minute required technical skill and arranging ability.
And they had only one night to prepare.
"Pretty exciting, right?" Michael grinned, clearly enjoying the tension. "I'm very curious to see what you all cook up. But before you run off to rehearse... we have one more thing."
He checked his watch. "We will be conducting interviews tonight. Now, although it's optional, you all know what a great opportunity it is. This is your chance to introduce yourself to America before you even sing a note."
He sighed dramatically. "Of course, we can't interview everyone. We only have so many cameras. But I have a list here... some unique cases that have a direct invite to the interview room."
He pulled a card from his pocket.
"Vera Hawkins..."
Michael began reading names. Von listened closely. Everyone noticed a pattern; Michael was picking about five people from each audition city.
"...Julian West, Von Varley."
Michael finished the list and folded the card. "That's all. To those I've called, please meet the production team in Conference Room B immediately. That's where the interviews will be held."
He looked out at the sea of disappointed faces. "For those who didn't hear their names, don't worry. You are allowed to line up by the door and wait. If we have time, we will slot you in. Just remember... once you miss your chance, it's over. We won't be here all night."
He gave them a final wave. "Get some rest, or get to work. Good luck!"
Michael walked off stage, and the room instantly erupted into chaos. People were leaving hurriedly, while others were discussing the theme.
Von stood there, rubbing his chin. 'Why was I picked?'
His first guess would have been talent, but the blue haired girl wasn't among those called, and he even saw some contestants with D-grade vocals mentioned on the list.
'Maybe it was just random,' Von concluded.
Whatever the reason, what mattered most was that this was going to be a very busy night. Of course, he would have it easier than most since he had a direct invite, but Von still knew that everything was about to take a toll on him.
Julian interrupted him with a tap on the shoulder after seeing most of the selected contestants were leaving.
"We'll be late."
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[A/N]
We're almost halfway to the first bonus chapter. Send 'em stones! 👀