My Red Thread

Hollywood Week! (IV)

Chapter 6: Hollywood Week! Single Rounds (Part Four)

If I didn't have a gray streak by this time, I do now.

After the group round, workers were calling people up in groups. The four of us were still on the excited high.

I had to decide my next song. I always wanted to do Radioactive by Imagine Dragons ever since I heard it.

Noelle insisted on talking to Riley about shopping, boy bands, and hair, but Riley just stared at Noelle like she crazy.

"I just love SoMo, have you heard of him?" Noelle would say.

"Who?" Riley would say back.

"What about The Ready Set? Ariana Grande's song 'The Way'?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm not into mainstream music that much. I like my indie/alternative rock music."

"What about shopping? Do you like shopping?"

"I hate shopping."

Noelle's eyes widen, "How do you even live?"

"I'm just not any good at shopping. Alex has the better sense of fashion."

"I'm gonna make it my mission to make you a shopper. You and I are going shopping every week for the show."

"Oh joy...shopping."

I spent my time talking to Ethan, trying to get a feel for him. Apparently this wasn't his first time on the show.

"This is my second time. I auditioned when I was 18, but I was turned down at the audition." Ethan told me.

"How old are you now?" I asked.

"19."

"Ah, but that's not bad."

"I guess. After my audition, I practiced. I even signed up for vocal lessons. I worked hard. So I came back, here I am now."

"Do your parents support this?"

"Not really; they want me to be a business major, but singing is where my heart belongs. My parents weren't happy I audition the first time, so when they found out that I was doing it again, they pretty much kicked me out."

"Damn man, I'm sorry."

Ethan shook his head, his light greenish-blue locked into mine, "Don't be. I would of miserable doing business."

"So where are you living now?"

"Luckily a family friend took me in. They were kind enough to let me crash there until I got on back on my feet."

************

I was called up to sing next. Fortunately, Riley, Noelle, and Ethan were in the group with me. I just have two more songs until the live shows.

I went up to sing my song. The lyrics just came out of me. The energy of the music ran through my veins. I noticed Jennifer rocking out in her seat.

"Alex I have to say," Jennifer said once my song was over. "I just love the raspy tone of your voice. It just adds something to your voice that I can't quite explain."

"Yeah it's called talent. That boy has talent!" Keith continued.

"I'm not going to deny, you have what it takes. You'll go far with that rasp." Harry finished.

I thanked the judges and went back with the others backstage.

"That was awesome!" Ethan greeted me backstage.

"You totally killed it." Riley commented.

"Thanks guys." I said.

"It's almost time to go back on stage. I just know we're going to be in the top 48." Noelle said.

"Can all contestants please make their way on stage."

"Can the following please step forward."

"Noelle Chandler."

"Ethan Wilson."

"Alex Medina."

"Riley de la Rosa."

"Front group: you're going through!"

Celebrate good times come on! Top 48! Top 24 here we come!"