The Road We Walk On

143 | Finals(1)

It was the 17th of December and today was the finals of the Voice category. The finals would be held at the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts and all finalists (from every category) would be playing with a full orchestra. Seokhoon and Prof James were all waiting in the lobby to be seated. Prof Maria will join them later on, she was currently backstage with Rona helping her get ready for the finals. Both of them were dressed in formal suits, even though it was not Seokhoon's turn to perform but he was still nervous for Rona.

The ushers announced that the guests could make their way to their seats. When they entered the hall, it was definitely much bigger than where the semi-finals were held. It was really grand and wide. Seokhoon, James and Maria would be sitting on the second floor just behind the judges.

The order of the finalists were based on the overall score they achieved from the semi-finals from the lowest to the highest. Rona was the 8th to perform out of the 12 (that means she was the 4th best). Rona was wearing a beautiful long blue/grayish dress that had gold patterns. Rona wore her hair up into a lovely bun with gold accessories in her hair. Rona tried to just keep herself calm as best as she could, Prof Maria had already left her since the finals had begun.

Think she will do well? Prof James whispered to both Seokhoon and Maria.

She always does. Seokhoon confidentally replied and that was a good enough answer. The finalists of the Voice category were given about 20-25 minutes for their pieces. They would be accompanied by a full orchestra.

*For your reference

After what seemed like a really long wait, it was finally Rona's turn. She was led onto the stage by the conductor and the audience applauded as she entered. Rona smiled at the crowd, did a small bow and waited for the signal to begin. The orchestra began to play and Rona started to sing. Seokhoon was always impressed by Rona's singing but this was just another level.

As though Rona couldn't get any better, she did. Her voice was clear, strong and yet carried grace through it. Seokhoon remained enchanted by her voice right till the very end. When she had finished, the crowd applauded. Rona let out a sweet smile and bowed and thanked the audience as she exited the stage.

There were still 3 more candidates before the end of the Voice final. About an hour later, the finals had come to an end. The judges took some time to deliberate and finalise the results. 10 minutes later, the top 12 were called onto the stage. 6 would eventually be awarded the title of laureates. The first prize naturally gets the biggest prize money, numerous concerts and a CD recording opportunity. The 2nd till 6th will also get prize money and a chance for a concert. With that, the announcement came.

Seokhoon was nervous for Rona, to place in top 6 would be amazing but regardless just making it to the finals showed the potential of Rona. Seokhoon was going white just waiting to see if Rona's name would be announced.

The 6th and 5th place had been announced, when it was time for the 4th - Bae Rona's name was called. Rona was completely shocked, she was not expecting her name to be called. The other finalist shook her hand as she went up stage to receive the prize and bouquet of flowers.

Seokhoon, Prof James and Maria all stood up from their seats and cheered Rona. First prize would have been amazing but considering how green Rona was still, getting 4th prize was a feat! They were all really happy for Rona! Rona thanked the judges and bowed to the audience. Her eyes went to a specific direction, she could see Seokhoon, Prof James and Maria standing up applauding her. She waved at them and bowed in thanks.

With that, Rona's journey for the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition was over. Next it was Seokhoon's turn, he could only hope he would achieve as good results as Rona.