From the very start of her career, Hollie has been the shining star of the music scene, captivating audiences with her voice and her infectious energy. But when tragedy strikes at a private party in the Hollywood Hills, her world as she knows it qui...
The cheers of the crowd - along with music from the DJ set - seeped through the whole venue as the air was thick with anticipation.
Crew members hurried past, their faces set with determination as they made final adjustments ahead of my performance.
I stood with my hands up as my stylist, Becca, got me into my first outfit for the night. Closing my eyes for a brief moment, I attempted to steady my breathing. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered faster, as they were trying to match the rhythm of my racing heart.
It was finally here - the big performance I had been preparing for and the one people put very high expectations on. Being the final performer of the night meant I had to leave a lasting impression and bring the ultimate grand finale.
So many years into my career, festivals still made me nervous.
"Can somebody please get me some water? Thank you," I asked, knowing that someone would assist.
"Some water for her please," Zara backed up my voice, sounding more stern than me.
It was only a matter of seconds before someone passed me a bottle of water and I downed it. That seemed to do the trick because it was easier to even my breaths.
"You're all set," Becca said and I paid attention to my outfit. The outfit was so gorgeous that the designer's sketch I had seen of it didn't fully do it justice.
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"Wow," I said looking at it in the mirror.
"Ten minutes," a voice called out from behind me.
The music from the DJ stopped and the sound of the crowd increased when my pre-performance trailer started playing.
"Behind the lights and the music, there's a person who's fought hard to be standing here today. A person who's had their share of struggles and doubts, just like anyone else. It hasn't been an easy road, but every challenge has made me stronger, more determined," my voice played throughout the venue as the instrumental for the first song on my album played.
A man walked up to me and handed me my in-ear monitors and microphone. My hand wrapped around the mic and I knew it was going to be time. I inserted the monitors and secured them in my ears.
Devon and Nerina appeared from the other side, and Devon signalled a thumbs-up in my direction. That was him assuring me that I had it in the bag.
"Come on, prayer time," I said, signalling for my dancers, Zara and members of my team to form a circle.
When we all stood in a circle, Zara looked at me, "I'll say the prayer. Okay everyone now bow your heads."
I closed my eyes and felt her hand around me.
"Dear God, we come before you today to thank you for this moment and for being with Hollie throughout her music journey. As Hollie prepares to step onto that stage, I pray for you to strengthen her of her talents and remind her that they are a reflection of your divine creativity. Strengthen her hands and steady her voice, so that every lyric may resonate with the beauty and power you've bestowed upon her. We ask this in your name, Amen," she concluded the prayer.
