The recording continued.
As expected, the subsequent contestants who took the stage received no high scores. Amelia Quinn and Liam Reed both realized that excessively high scores for the sake of politeness only displeased Celeste Monroe. So, they followed Celeste Monroe's lead, transforming into strict mentors. James Dawson, the persistent suitor, did the same, closely mirroring Celeste Monroe's scoring. Emily Chen, whose scores were already objective, was the one least needing adjustment.
Thus, under the sole influence of Celeste Monroe, "The Voice of America" transformed from a singing reality show into the most professional music competition program. Contestants also gripped their scalps tightly, one by one nervously taking the stage, not aiming for high scores, but merely hoping not to leave in tears.
The next dozen or so performers didn't exceed 800 points. Instead, the first contestant to perform, who benefited from Amelia, Liam, and James's initially high scores, temporarily held first place with 806 points.
"I remember last season, scores often hit 900 points. Now the highest is just over 800. That's rough!"
"I think it's great! This is what a real music show should be!"
"No one has managed to get a 60 from Diva Celeste yet!"
"If CEO Celeste would just smile at me, I'd take 0 points, just worship her!"
Backstage, another contestant ran in crying, and then a staff member called out: "Contestant number 17, Alex Stone, get ready!"
Alex Stone abruptly stood up and, under the gaze of many eyes, proudly walked towards the door. He suddenly stopped when he passed Frank. "I believe you're number 18, right? Heh, being after me, bad luck for you." With that, he walked straight out of the contestant area.
Frank remained calm. The other contestants couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"What does Alex Stone mean by that?"
"He means he's going to sing so well that Frank Castle, who's next, will look inferior."
"True, if the previous performer is too brilliant, the one who follows immediately after can only be cannon fodder."
Everyone present was a professional singer, understanding the impact of performance order on a singing competition. If the person before sang too well, it would put immense pressure on the immediately following contestant. But did Alex Stone really have that capability?
The contestants wondered, as on stage, Alex Stone had begun his performance. He also played the piano, singing an original love song titled "Lingering Flames." It fit the theme perfectly.
"He's really lucky! No wonder he's so confident!" The contestants marveled, then quickly fell silent again. Alex Stone's song was indeed well-written, and his vocal performance was better than previous contestants.
When the song ended, the applause from the audience was noticeably more enthusiastic than before. This was a clear acknowledgment of Alex Stone's performance.
Mentor critiques began.
Amelia Quinn wore a gentle smile. "This is the best performance I've heard tonight. I really love this song. I give you... 90 points!" Alex Stone was a new talent Twilight Studio planned to heavily promote. Amelia naturally gave her own artist a high score. And Alex Stone's performance was indeed good, so Amelia felt justified in giving 90 points.
Liam Reed smiled. "Amelia and I feel the same way. This song, both in its composition and performance, shows genuine effort. Sincerity should be cherished. I also give you 90 points!"
The audience applauded enthusiastically, and the "ship" fans were even more excited:
"She gives 90, he gives 90, and he says he feels the same way as her! I'm melting!"
"This is a match made in heaven!"
"Twilight Couple, forever sweet!"
Hearing the girls' screams, Liam Reed smiled and waved, driving the "ship" fans even wilder. Amelia was somewhat reluctant, but she also knew that "shipping" with Liam brought her the most benefits right now, so she could only force a sweet smile in cooperation.
Next, Emily Chen gave 80 points, and James Dawson gave 90 points. All eyes once again fell on Celeste Monroe.
The woman, cold as frost, parted her red lips and said blandly: "This song fits the theme and vaguely conveys a sense of lingering old feelings. However, the original melody and technique are rather ordinary. 60 points."
"Wow!!"
The entire venue erupted in cheers and thunderous applause, as if Alex Stone had already won the season's championship.
"That's the first passing score from the Diva Queen!"
"Oh my god, it's so hard to get 60 points from Diva Celeste!"
"Alex Stone has already won!"
"Alex Stone is so handsome! I love him!"
Receiving the first passing score from Celeste Monroe, Alex Stone instantly became the center of attention. Coupled with his effeminate appearance, he immediately attracted many "fujoshi" fans.
In the subsequent audience scoring, Alex Stone received 426 points.
Total score: 836.
Currently ranked first. He was also the first contestant to leave the stage with a smile.
Amidst countless cheers and screams, Alex Stone walked off the stage and returned to the contestant backstage area, where he was met with applause from the other contestants.
"Alex, that was amazing!"
"Mr. Stone, you sang so well, I was genuinely moved!"
"Alex, I also do originals. Guide me sometime!"
The entertainment industry was like this: praising the rising and stepping on the falling. Alex Stone was clearly about to become famous, and these people naturally rushed to curry favor.
Alex Stone smiled in response, his face almost overflowing with pride. He walked directly to Frank. "Sorry for putting so much pressure on you. Good luck, though." This statement was a direct echo of what he had said to Frank before going on stage. Now that his boast had come true, his perceived coolness factor had indeed maxed out.
The people around looked at Frank with sympathy. I can't believe Alex Stone is so impressive. Frank just hit a brick wall!
"You're usually quite talkative, aren't you? Why are you silent now?" Seeing Frank not respond, Alex Stone raised his chin and sneered.
Just then, a staff member opened the door and called out: "Contestant number 18, Frank Castle, on stage!"
"Okay, thank you." Frank politely thanked the staff member, then stood up, and calmly said to Alex Stone:
"A singer lets the music speak."
With that, he walked towards the main entrance with a serene expression. As he passed, others averted their gaze, seemingly afraid of being tainted by his bad luck. In their eyes, Frank would last at most two episodes, and might even be lambasted into withdrawing after the first episode aired. It was better to stay far away from such a plague.
"Good luck!" Only Chloe Campbell, with her cute face, raised her little fist and said to Frank.
Frank smiled: "Thank you."
After Frank walked out of the backstage area, the girl next to Chloe Campbell whispered: "Chloe, what are you doing? Do you want to get yelled at like Frank?"
Chloe Campbell blinked. "I don't think he seems like a bad person?"
Just then, a huge gasp erupted from the stage. Through the television screen hanging on the wall of the contestant backstage area, it could be seen that the audience members all looked shocked.
"Frank Castle?!"
"Why is that scumbag Frank here?!"
"How dare he show up here?"
"Is he chasing Amelia Quinn again?"
"They're divorced! Why is he still bothering Amelia? So disgusting!"
"Abusive husband, get out of showbiz!"
In an instant, the audience's shocked and angry shouts swept through the entire recording studio.