"Chloe, you're too modest. Your song deserves to be ranked first, it's perfectly reasonable."
"Mmm, I agree. But the competition isn't over yet; first place is only temporary."
"Haha, Brandon, Felicia, I'm not as confident as you two. With Teacher Frank and Chloe ahead, I'd be happy just to make it into the top five."
Three voices drew the contestants' attention. These were the three people sitting in the center of the lounge.
"Jackson, Felicia, and Brandon from Gemstone Records!"
All the contestants knew them, not only because these three were in the top ten last episode and very strong, but also for a more important reason...
Gemstone Records was Celeste Monroe's record label. A music reality show of American Voice's caliber was always a battleground for capital. Major record labels would always try to insert their new artists to polish their image. How many artists they could insert depended on the company's power.
A studio like Amelia Quinn and Liam Reed's Wind-Whisper Studio simply didn't have the qualifications to put people in. It was only because Director Scott wanted to use their and Frank Castle's negative publicity for hype that he gave Wind-Whisper Studio one spot. But Gemstone Records was different; not only Director Scott, but even the Capital City Network had to give them face. Thankfully, Mr. Evans, the head of Gemstone Records, acted with discretion and only put in three people: Jackson, Felicia, and Brandon.
Their styles also varied. Jackson was tall, handsome, and particularly skilled at singing and dancing, following the idol route. Felicia had a more sensual aura, was a rare mezzo-soprano, and aimed to be a queen of heartbreak ballads. Brandon specialized in songwriting; among the three, his performance last episode was the best, ranking third behind Chloe and Alex Stone. Felicia and Jackson were seventh and eighth, right behind Frank Castle.
They were naturally unconvinced. They were newcomers signed by America's number one record label, starting at a higher level than others. Moreover, their "senior labelmate," Celeste Monroe, was a mentor on the show. How could they possibly be outranked by the obscure and controversial Frank Castle? In the first episode, they thought it was an accident, but this episode, Frank Castle delivered an even more explosive "The Balladeer," and they finally regarded him as a true opponent. Compared to Frank Castle, the brainless show-off Alex Stone was clearly a lesser threat.
So, upon seeing Alex Stone stumble again, Brandon spoke first, seemingly easing the tension but actually favoring Alex Stone. Felicia and Jackson immediately echoed him, subtly trying to put Frank Castle and Chloe on the spot. Chloe didn't understand such manipulative words at all, and with wide eyes, she emphasized to Brandon again, "I don't deserve first place; Teacher Frank should be first."
Brandon chuckled. "Chloe, you and Teacher Frank are both amazing. This season's overall champion will most likely be one of you." This remark finally stirred discontent among the others.
"Is the champion already decided in just the second episode?"
"Haven't you heard the saying? The popular ones often fall!"
"It's only two episodes; where's the 'popular' in that?"
Frank Castle looked at the smiling Brandon. Next to him, Jackson was handsome and cheerful, and Felicia, wearing a halter dress, winked flirtatiously at Frank. As expected of artists cultivated by a major label, their level was far higher than Alex Stone's. These three and his aunt were all from Gemstone Records, perhaps people Celeste Monroe needed to look out for. Frank didn't want to conflict with them, so he simply sat down quietly and didn't respond.
This small interlude quickly passed, and the remaining contestants took the stage one after another. Around ten in the evening, the competition ended. The combined rankings for the two episodes were released: Chloe first, Frank Castle second, Brandon third, Felicia fourth, and Jackson fifth. Alex Stone was ranked sixteenth. This was still thanks to his second-place ranking in the first episode; otherwise, based solely on today's performance, Alex Stone would have been dead last.
Thirty-six contestants, with the bottom four in the two-episode combined ranking being eliminated. After a round of tears in the traditional emotional farewell segment, Director Scott made a grand entrance, patting his slick, balding head and chuckling: "I have good news and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?"
Felicia cooperatively cooed, "Director Scott, I prefer to hear the good news first."
Director Scott was pleased with her prompt response and smiled: "Then I'll start with the good news. The top five ranked contestants after the next episode will receive a special reward in the fourth episode." He paused, and under the contestants' eager gazes, he slowly revealed:
"You can each partner with one of the five mentors to sing a song!"
Wow!
The contestants exclaimed, both excited and thrilled. This wasn't feigned; it was genuine surprise. They were all newcomers, and normally it would be impossible for them to share a stage with A-list singers. Now, they had the chance to partner with Amelia Quinn, Cecilia Rhodes, Arthur Zheng, or even the number one Diva Queen, Celeste Monroe. This would be enormously beneficial for their popularity! Everyone's face showed eager determination. This opportunity for exposure and gaining fans was something everyone wanted. Even the previously dejected Alex Stone lifted his head. He had indeed stumbled this episode, but he hadn't been eliminated. He could completely make a comeback next episode. His goal, of course, wasn't Amelia Quinn or Liam Reed, who he could always access, but...
Celeste Monroe!
Everyone knew Celeste Monroe was aloof, never engaging in much contact with any man. Even when she held concerts, she never invited any guests. She had never even performed a duet with a male singer. If he could perform on stage with Celeste Monroe, today's failure would immediately be forgotten. From then on, Alex Stone's name would have an additional prefix:
The only man who has ever performed a duet with Celeste Monroe!
This one gimmick alone would be enough to gain him millions of fans! The expressions of the others were similar to Alex Stone's, all lost in their own sweet dreams.
Director Scott was pleased with the contestants' reactions and continued: "Well then, I'll tell you the bad news." Before everyone could fully recover, the guy announced with a mischievous grin:
"The theme for the next episode is... Healing."
Upon hearing Director Scott announce the next episode's theme, the contestants immediately awoke from their dreams.
"Healing?"
"Sounds pretty simple."
"Think again. Most popular songs now are love songs. How many of them fit this theme?"
"A breakup song that comforts the heartbroken counts as healing, right?"
"Then you go sing it and see if you can get a high score."
The contestants discussed animatedly, their opinions divided. Some thought the theme was very simple, while others believed the production team was once again creating a challenge.
Brandon pondered for a moment, his expression gradually turning somber. Felicia and Jackson also looked serious. Their goal for the next episode had to be the top five, but most songs that fit the "healing" theme were gentle, slow ballads. Such songs were fine for listening with headphones, but they wouldn't have an advantage on a competitive stage.
Chloe cupped her chin, muttering, "Healing... I don't know how!" She specialized in Americana, and Americana was often about being as tragic as possible. Healing? Depressing was closer to the mark.
Alex Stone hung his head, his mind blank, just waiting for the recording to end so he could go find Amelia Quinn and Liam Reed for ideas.
As for Frank Castle, his lips curved slightly, and he almost burst into song. The moment he heard the words "healing," a song immediately sprang to his mind.