Chapter 49

"Five, four, three, two, one—livestream starts!"

As the director's countdown ended, forty trainees stood in perfect formation on stage. The dazzling lights swept over their tense yet eager faces.

"Today's rules are simple," the host announced, holding up a cue card. "Eight teams will compete simultaneously. Professional judges' scores account for 50%, while audience votes make up the other 50%."

Mason Bell leaned toward Aria Bennett and whispered, "Ms. Bennett, you've got the best luck. We're counting on you for the draw later."

Aria, sporting a high ponytail, a white cropped tee, and denim shorts, radiated youthful energy. She flashed an OK sign. "Got it."

The draw began. Aria’s fingers lightly tapped the box before pulling out ball number five—a mid-range slot that spared them the pressure of opening while keeping the audience engaged.

"Ugh, my terrible luck," Wesley Hart sighed, revealing ball number one. Caleb Monroe followed suit. "What a coincidence—I got the closing act."

The first performance kicked off swiftly. Six trainees moved in perfect sync to a gentle melody, but renowned choreographer Nadia Bloom frowned from the judges' table. "Too soft. They lack explosive energy."

The second group delivered a steady performance, but the third had an unfortunate mishap—a cracked high note threw off the entire routine, sparking murmurs in the audience.

"Next up—Team Serena Blake!"

Under the spotlight, Serena stunned in a silver sequin mini dress. Her opening high note drew gasps, but vocal coach Rafael Dean narrowed his eyes. "Unstable breath control."

During the dance segment, Serena stood out like a proud swan among her five backup dancers, prompting debate among the judges. "Is this a group performance or a solo act?"

[Live comments exploded]

"Serena slayed!"

"But the others got completely overshadowed..."

"The judges are brutal today!"

Serena’s team temporarily took first place, though not without controversy.

"Our turn," Aria patted Mason’s shoulder. As the music started, five young men burst onto the stage with electrifying energy. The moment Aria’s crystalline voice joined in, the performance soared to another level.

She had tweaked her singing style—delivering the cherry-themed verse with a crisp, honeyed tone. Her high notes during the climax were ethereal, a stark contrast to Serena’s earlier performance.

[Live comments went wild]

"That voice is pure magic!"

"Everyone shines here!"

"Now THIS is teamwork!"

All three judges awarded high scores. Even those inclined to nitpick hesitated under the audience’s watchful eyes.

"Current first place—Team Aria Bennett!"

Next up was Nolan Reed’s group. The top-tier star’s entrance alone triggered deafening screams, but sharp-eyed viewers noticed he deliberately toned down his presence to spotlight his teammates.

"Energetic, but off-theme," the producer remarked. They settled for second place.

The penultimate act belonged to Damian Cross. When the tall figure took center stage, even Aria straightened in her seat. Dressed in a silk white shirt with the top buttons undone, his voice—amplified by the mic—sent shivers down spines with every syllable.

"I’m deceased!"

"Did this man swallow a CD?!"

The live comments flooded the screen.

Damian sang only a few lines, yet every glance from him was heart-stopping. His team narrowly overtook Aria’s, claiming the top spot.

The final group’s lackluster performance all but sealed their last-place fate.

The host grinned mysteriously. "Now, the most intense moment—voting! Who will advance? Find out after the break!"

Just before the screen cut to black, the cameras caught Aria and Damian exchanging a fleeting smile across the stage.

[Live comments]

"I SHIP THEM!"

"Don’t leave us hanging!"

"The producers love their cliffhangers!"