Leny Walker stood in the middle of the stage with her fellow competitors, her heart pounding so loudly she was convinced everyone in the audience could
hear it. The bright lights of The Voice of Germany set beamed down on her, casting a golden glow over her.
With trembling hands, she gripped her microphone, trying to steady her breath. This was the moment she had spent months preparing for— all the rehearsals where she pushed herself to her limits, giving everything she had to stand here in the final.
She thought back to the fun conversations she had with her fellow contestants, the countless game nights they organized, and the friendships they had built. A small smile crept onto her face as they all waited for the winner to be announced.
Winning had never been her goal; she had never even allowed herself to think about it— she was too young for that. At 16, it was hard to keep up with talents who had years of experience, yet here she stood.
"And the winner of this season of The Voice of Germany is..." the host's voice echoed through the hall.
Leny's heart seemed to stop, and her lungs felt like they couldn't take in any air. It felt like an eternity before the envelope was opened. Then the host began to smile, fully pulling the piece of paper from the envelope.
"Leny Walker!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and for a moment, she just stood there in shock. She was quickly pulled out of it when her fellow contestants— now newfound friends— enveloped her in hugs, congratulating her. Tears welled up in her eyes. She had done it. After all the sleepless nights, she had won The Voice of Germany at just 16.
Still dazed, Leny took a deep breath and accepted the trophy. Her thoughts raced. Her entire life, she had dreamed of this moment, but now that it had come true, it didn't feel real.
The blinding stage lights, the confetti falling around her, the deafening cheers from the audience— it all felt blurry. But amidst it all, one thought began to take shape: this was only the beginning.
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Finding Home in Fame
FanfictionSixteen-year-old Leny Walker's life changes overnight after winning The Voice of Germany and performing at the Oscars. When actress Aubrey Plaza takes her under her wing, Leny gets the chance to live her dream in America. But fame, family troubles...
