My Red Thread

The Audition

Chapter 2: The Audition

I would slap Riley if I wasn't in shock.

I was going to audition for American Idol. Me: a normal guy from no where land.

I couldn't believe Riley signed me up for this. I don't even think I'm even that good. Whenever Riley and I would sing together, she would be the stronger voice.

"Booboo, you're so much better than what you think you are. I wish you can see yourself the way I see you." Riley would tell me.

Randy explained the next steps of the audition process, all the paperwork that needed to be filled out, all that stuff. I had to be excused from school for some time, so my teachers had to give me work to be done during the time. Then I had to hop on the Idol fan van to go to my audition.

Riley came with me. I honestly don't know who else would go with me.

I had to do so many interviews for the show. They filmed me living my normal life. It was hard to act natural when someone was filming your actions.

The day of my audition was when everything start sinking in. I was really going to go sing for American Idol.

I stood outside the audition room with Ryan Seacrest as he gave me the final interview. I had Riley by my side, I felt less nervous with her near me.

After talking with Ryan, I had five minutes before I went in. I started pacing in the hallway. I was beginning to lose it.

"What if I mess up? What if they don't like me? What if I forget my name? Wha-"

That's when Riley slapped me.

"Wha? What was that for?" I asked in disbelief.

"You were talking nonsense." Riley said. She had one hand on her hip, her head tilted left, letting her short, wavy/curly brown hair fall in front of her face. Her eyes glanced directly in mine, giving me a "don't you dare quit now fool" look.

"What do you mean, 'talking nonsense'? I'm freaking out here!"

"Look, booboo," Riley began. She put her hand on my arm. "I wouldn't had signed you up if I didn't believe in you. You can and will do this."

"Alex, it's time."

I gulped. Riley gave me a hug, her head only coming up to my chest, "Good luck. Come back with that golden ticket!"

The narrow walk to the judges seem to be never ending. I could feel my heart beating fast. This was it. All or nothing.

I was greeted by the smiling faces of the panel. I couldn't believe who were the judges this year; Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr was the first to speak, "Hi there, what's your name and how old are you?"

"My name is Alex Medina and I'm 18 years old." I replied. I felt my hands get sweaty.

It was Keith Urban's turn to talk, "What do you do?"

"I am a high school senior."

"Very nice," Keith said. "I see here that your friend Riley surprised you with this audition."

"Yes she did, is it okay if she came in here?"

"Sure."

I run back to get Riley. I explained what happened to her as we when back. Everyone greeted Riley when I returned. The judges had Riley stand next to Harry while I went back to my place.

"So Alex, what will you be singing for us?" Jennifer asked.

"I will be singing No Surprise by Daughtry."

"You may begin when you're ready."

I looked at Riley. She smiled and mouthed the word, "Sing." I closed my eyes and began.

I've practiced this for hours, gone round and round

And now I think that I've got it all down

And as I say it louder, I love how it sounds

'Cause I'm not taking the easy way out

Not wrappin' this in ribbons

Shouldn't have to give a reason why

It's no surprise. I won't be here tomorrow

I can't believe that I stayed 'til today

Yeah you and I will be a tough act to follow

But I know in time we'll find this was no surprise

By the time I was done, I looked at the judges. They looked back with smiling faces. Harry said, "Keith why don't you start?"

"I would love to," Keith began. "I love how you carried your voice throughout the song. Your runs were spot on. I could tell you were feeling the song emotionally. Jennifer?"

"I would have to agree with Keith. I love your voice. I could feel what you were singing about. There's something about your voice that makes you want to sing along. At one point, your friend started to sing along." Jennifer commented.

I looked at Riley, she was blushing and nonchalantly smiling at me.

"Yeah, Alex," Harry said. "You obviously have a strong voice. You got tempo and runs down for the most part. There's still room for improvement. You need to work on breath control and other small things. But overall, I enjoyed it."

They actually liked me! Oh my gosh. I couldn't stop smiling.

"Riley, could you stand next to Alex?" Jennifer asked. Riley stood beside me. "Honey do you sing at all?"

"Yes ma'am," she answered.

"Why don't sing something for us?"

She looked at me in concern, I gave her a reinsuring look.

"Okay, I'll sing I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders"

"Whenever you're ready."

Oh, why you look so sad?

Tears are in your eyes

Come on and come to me now

Don't be ashamed to cry

Let me see you through

'Cause I've seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you

You don't know what to do

Nothin' you confess, could make me love you less

I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you

Won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you

The judges started whisper among them. They all nodded in agreement and looked back at us.

"So we came to decision, and now we're going to vote." Harry said. "Keith?"

"It's a yes from me."

"Jennifer?"

"It's a yes from me, baby."

"And it's a yes from me. Congratulations Alex, you're going to Hollywood!"

Riley screamed in excitement. She jumped and embraced me. I just stared at the judges with the biggest grin on my face. All I remember saying was, "Thank you so much. you will not regret this at all!"

"But that's not all." Keith said.

"Huh?" I said

"We talked about it, and we decided that you won't going alone. We loved Riley's voice so much that she's going to Hollywood too!" Keith continued.

Both my and Riley's jaws dropped on the floor hard. Riley screamed some more. This was the best thing I could ask for. Not only am I going to Hollywood for American Idol, but I get to go with my best friend.