Bianca pushed the chaos in her mind aside and focused on the stage.
The host’s voice rang out excitedly at the beginning of the show. “This episode is proudly sponsored by the Phoenix Alliance Group! All contestant attire is provided by the prestigious Cherish brand of the Phoenix Alliance Group! Today, we are thrilled to welcome the CEO of the Phoenix Alliance Group to present the final winner’s award! The winner of this competition will secure an S-level contract with Phoenix Entertainment!”
The moment the host finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers.
“The S-level contract from Phoenix Entertainment is a highly sought-after prize for top stars, including the best singers and actors!”
“Star Search lives up to its name as the biggest and most influential talent show. It’s formed a strong partnership with the Phoenix Alliance Group! This is the first time the Phoenix Alliance Group has sponsored such a large-scale talent show, marking a major achievement!”
“The CEO of the Phoenix Alliance Group has always kept a low profile, staying out of the public eye. But today, he’ll be at the event as the special guest for the awards ceremony! That’s unbelievable!”
“What an amazing day! Seeing Brandon and Nicolas on stage with this mysterious CEO is really exciting!”
“I wonder if he really looks as harsh and unattractive as people say online?”
“By the way, wasn’t he engaged to Skylar Larson before? And Skylar used to be a judge on ‘Star Search.’ Did he sponsor it because of her?”
Bianca looked at him in surprise. The production team had often mentioned the Phoenix Alliance Group and Dave.
The CEO of the Phoenix Alliance Group had always been distant, so why would he lower himself to be part of this? Was it really for Skylar?
Bianca felt a wave of sadness.
Also, hadn’t her mother taken control of Cherish? Why hadn’t she told her about its connection to this show?
With the backing of the Phoenix Alliance Group and all the attention, the show’s ratings could soar to the top.
If Blake or Reese won the championship and secured an S-level contract with Phoenix Entertainment, the Emerald Artists Agency would see a big boost in revenue for the second half of the year.
After that, she could focus on building relationships with key partners.
As the finals neared, the competition became fierce. Bianca knew all too well the scandalous side of show business.
Although “Star Search” claimed to have fair auditions, her years in the entertainment industry made her doubtful.
Blake also had a leg injury. However, if he and Reese kept up their performances, they would still get much attention.
The host began introducing today’s judges, and the audience responded with loud applause.
The opening act was full of energy, unlike the previous episodes.
The contestants were buzzing with excitement, and their enthusiasm spread to the audience.
As they walked across the stage, the crowd couldn’t stop talking about the fashion.
“That has to be Cherish! The quality and design are amazing!”
“I love those dresses. I wonder if they have something like that for sale.”
“Looks like Cherish is proving the doubters wrong about losing their head designer.”
“Amazing! I’m checking their website tonight!”
Bianca couldn’t resist looking at Dave again as people praised Cherish. His profile was as handsome as ever, exuding the power of a king watching over his kingdom.
At that moment, it hit her-the man she once shared an ordinary life with was gone.
A familiar feeling of tears welled up in Bianca’s eyes.
She quickly pushed the emotion down and focused on the stage again.
Nicolas’ critiques were soft compared to Brandon’s sharp remarks.
“Pitch accuracy is key. You should focus on vocals before a debut.”
“I’m not an acting expert, but your performance was… mediocre.”
“A cappella, really? That gap without backup was huge.”
If any other judge gave such harsh critiques, they’d be trending for negativity.
But this was Brandon, known for his talent, fame, and powerful voice. His blunt honesty made the audience laugh and clap.
They appreciated his straightforwardness, believing the show needed judges like him.
Diana couldn’t shake the feeling that Brandon looked especially handsome today.
A rush of excitement went through her.
Bianca’s contestants, Blake and Reese, were up to perform last.
Nervousness gripped her. She quickly pulled out her phone and texted Reese. “Where are you? It’s almost your turn.”
Xiormara replied, “Almost there. Just finished up, heading over. No worries.”
Bianca quickly put her phone away as the host announced the next performer.
“Let’s give a warm welcome to the ever-popular Blake, performing his original song, ‘Meteor’!”
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
This was the moment everyone had been waiting for-to see how Blake would come back after his car accident.
Shocked by the news of an original song, a big advantage for any singer, Bianca sat up straighter in her seat.
She felt relieved. Blake hadn’t given in to despair but had poured his energy into this performance.
Dave, noticing Bianca’s excitement, shot her a quick glance.
A cold flicker passed through his eyes, and his lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line.
Brandon’s face twisted into a sneer on the judges’ panel when Blake’s name was called. He leaned back in his chair, clearly ready to see what Bianca’s fiance had to offer.
He wanted to find something to criticize.
As the host left the stage, the venue went dark.
A single spotlight lit up the center, and from the shadows, a platform slowly rose, revealing Blake seated on a white chair in front of a matching grand piano.
Dressed in a white suit, the entire scene had a surreal elegance that left the audience in awe.
The crowd fell silent. All eyes were on the lone figure illuminated by the spotlight.
Blake’s long fingers moved gracefully over the keys, creating a powerful piano solo that suddenly stopped.
As the audience prepared to applaud, thinking the performance was over, he seamlessly returned to the melody, now with a perfect backing track.
Then, as the flawless music played, his rich voice filled the air…
“Under the meteor shower, a wish flew into the night.
I’ve been with you all this time, in every note of our love song.
In this broken world, your love shines clear.
Through sorrow and pain, I’ll stay, standing by you.
You’re my dream, my light, my heart’s endless flight.”
“In your arms, the world is mine, wrapped in love’s sweet design.
Meteors streak across the sky. Beside you, my heart will lie.
Holding you, the world feels right. In your love, my soul takes flight.”
The audience, touched by the deep emotion in Blake’s voice and the song, couldn’t hold back their tears.