Ch. 1 *Your POV*
You were jittery, excited, and nervous all at the same time. You were finally fulfilling your life long dream... auditioning for X-Factor. You were awaiting your turn backstage, pacing back and forth, cutting out your family's encouraging coments. Then it was finally your turn. You took a deep breath, but the butterflies stayed packed in your stomach. But you ran up on stage, anyway.
You put a big smile on your face, and said "Hello!" into the microphone.
The judges smiled back. All of them. Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, and L.A. Reid.
"Hi there." Simon said cheerfully, "And What's your name?"
""It-it's Delaney Thomas." You managed to spit out.
Demi smiled, and said "What will you be singing for us today?"
You grinned, and said "Uh, Because of You, by Kelly Clarkson."
She nodded, and then you heard the music start. You took one last deep breath, squeezed your eyes shut... and began to sing.
You opened your eyes to find the crowd standing up and cheering. You bright smile was slapped aross your face. The temprature in your cheeks began to rise.
By the time you finished, you were breathing heavily, and everyone was on their feet, clapping.
"Thank you! Thank you!" You gushed to the audience.
Simon raised his hand, silencing everyone. An eerie hush spread over the auditorium.
"Delaney, you were very good. It was a great song choice for your vocals." He said.
"Thank you!" You graciously accepted his kind words.
He continued, "But you do need a bit more work."
You gulped, knowing it was a mistake to try out for this. Putting yourself out there. But you had to take the feedback. So you nodded, respectfully.
"Yeah, I agree with Somin." Britney said, "You were great, but you need to smooth out your rough edges."
You licked your dry, cracked lips. You breathed in the hot air shooting out of the vents above you. "Thank you." you echoed.
L.A. built off what Britney was saying. "I thought you were magnificient! The song was perfect for you. Just keep at it... and you can become even better." He emphasized.
Your mouth dropped unexpectedly, and said "Oh, thank you so much!"
Everyone turned to Demi, waiting for her comment. "Well, you were good. But you seemed off key to me during the beginning. And the end wasn't as strong as it should have been. And-"
"Oh, would you shut up! As if you would know..." Simon interrupted, "Delaney was amazing! It's a yes for me."
"Oh, thank you so much!" His sudden outburst shocked you, making you smile even wider. You began to relax... hoping you would egt a full four "yes"s... but you seriously doubted yourself.
"Yeah, um, it's a yes for me, too, Delaney." Britney stated.
"Thank you!" You reinstated your happiness.
"It's a definite yes for me." L.A. said.
Your hand raised to your mouth, and closed your eyes, fighting back the tears.
"I'm sorry, Delaney. You were... really incredible. And I'm happy to tell you that you are going through to X-Factor!" Demi exclaimed.
The crowd roared. You couldn't control your own body. You jumped into the air, and shouted "Yes!" when you landed. You twisted to the stage exit, and ran off, right into your family's welcoming arms. You felt tears streaming down your face... you just made X-Factor.
