Stardom: The Clash is a program divided into five main phases, with intermediate challenges between them. Phase 1 was the only one announced to the candidates before the show began. It consists of a blind audition. Although the candidates had been pre-selected by the producers, this would be the first time the coaches and judges would meet them. To do this, a blind audition format was planned for Phase 1. To pass this stage, three out of five judges must turn their chairs during the performance. It follows the same format as the show The Voice, except that in this case, the public can vote at the end of the selection to save ten participants, five girls and five boys, who made a strong impression but failed to make the judges turn.
From the waiting room, we could observe the candidates' performances on three large screens hanging on the walls. The spacious room, filled with candidates, was completely silent. This phase is extremely important because, in addition to being an elimination round, the judges will also divide us into categories. To be judged fairly, the judges need to see your entire performance; therefore, the first ten seconds are absolutely crucial to grab their attention. The later the judges turn, the fewer elements they have to grade you on for the final ranking. You must choose your song carefully and make an impact through either singing or dancing right from the start.
The tension among the candidates intensified even more when the show's hosts appeared on the screen. Two beautifully dressed people entered the stage as if walking a red carpet for an awards ceremony. The man was none other than Lee Junho, a member of the group 2PM. The woman was Myoui Mina, a member of Twice. Junho was dressed in a perfectly tailored, custom-made suit, and Mina wore a stunning silver dress that fit her waist beautifully. The striking contrast between her long black hair, the dress and her pale skin was absolutely magnificent.
_ Good evening to all our viewers! Whether you are watching us here or from the comfort of your home, welcome! Junho declared with a large smile.
_ Welcome to the new show that will blow your mind and squeeze every bit of excitement out of you. Mina continued.
_ Welcome to Stardom: The Clash! They announced in unison.
_ To begin, let us welcome our five honorable judges and coaches who will be with us throughout this show.
As if responding to Junho's declaration, the camera angle changed. One by one, the judges appeared on stage, heading toward the podium while waving to the fans. The crowd went wild as Park Jin-young, Kany Diabate, Ejae, Kyle Hanagami, and Karol G were announced as the judges for the show. Both the crowd and the candidates were fired up by the exceptional lineup of judges responsible for mentoring the candidates throughout the program. In the waiting room, the candidates were buzzing, practically unable to sit still. I shook Cat, who was sleeping on my arm and nearly drooling, to wake him up.
_ Huh? What's going on? He asked, half-asleep.
_ It's starting. Look, the judges just walked in. I said, pointing at the screen.
_ Oh my God, it's Karol G! He exclaimed.
_ Exactly, that's why you need to wake up.
I rolled my eyes, annoyed by his antics. I handed him a wipe from my bag so he could wipe away the drool.
_ Focus, they're about to explain the rules.
_ I don't understand English, there's no point. He pouted, rubbing his eyes.
_ Focus anyway. I'll explain the instructions to you later.
He nodded, and we turned our attention back to the screen. This time, Mina took the floor.
_ Phase 1 is very simple. All candidates will audition before you, and the judges will choose them blindly. Out of the 200 participants, only 100 will move on to the next phase.
_ 50 girls and 50 boys. Junho continued in a clear voice. To pass, at least three judges must turn during the candidate's performance. If the judges turn too often, the participants with the fewest judges turned will be placed on a waiting list.
_ After all candidates have performed, the judges will decide who among the 200 will remain, assigning them qualification grades from A to D and ranks from 1 to 100.
_ But fear not, dear audience! You will have the opportunity to save five female candidates and five male candidates who made a strong impression but were not chosen by the judges. In total 110 candidates will pass.
_ Now, let the auditions begin. My colleague and I will randomly draw the numbers for each candidate.
At the sound of Mina's voice, the staff brought out two manual lottery machines, a pink one for the girls and a blue one for the boys. The drawing began, and the first candidates took the stage when their turn came. Mina announced the boys, and Junho announced the girls. Some performances went well, but most candidates were too stressed to show their full potential. This was the case for candidate number 82, who was the tenth boy to perform. He was incredibly tall, nearly two meters, with broad shoulders and a physique sculpted like a Greek statue; he danced incredibly well. But I think he was likely too stressed. His voice didn't come through well during the performance, so only Kany Diabate and Kyle Hanagami, the choreographers, turned around. The look of surprise on Kany's face when she saw him was incredible, it could easily become a meme, her expression was so funny. She held back from screaming like a fan, but you could clearly see the excitement on her face.
Finally, just as hope was starting to fade and the atmosphere in the waiting room grew darker. Boom, girl number 90 was drawn. A baddie above all baddies stepped onto the stage. If it hadn't already been established. Besides my sister, there are two types of girls I admire most in the world, the "baddies" and the "sugar rainbows." This is because they know how to assert their identity and personality, and most of the time, they are formidable.
And there, on stage, dancing and singing Like JENNIE by JENNIE, was the greatest and most beautiful baddie I'd ever seen. She wore cargo pants with a belt hanging from her hips, a top that showed her midriff, and an oversized jacket resting on her elbows. At any moment, that jacket could have hit the floor. The energy, the self-confidence, the dance, the arrangement, everything was incredible. I'd love to be friends with her, or better yet, debut in the same group. If I remember correctly, her name was Nam Jiho. Wow, what an incredible performance. I became an instant fan. She was the first candidate since the start of the competition to make all five judges turn in less than 15 seconds.
_ P', stop looking at her! I'll be even more incredible than her later. Cat pouted, shaking my shoulders.
I just nodded, telling him to calm down. He started to sulk but quickly composed himself when his number was drawn. It was now his turn.
_ Good luck! I told him.
_Just watch me tear it up He said proudly, walking off with his head held high.
I watched him, smiling; he is seriously too cute. I'd put him in my pocket if I could. He appeared on the screen and began performing to the song Charm by LYKN x JOONG, POND. His performance was truly incredible; his stage presence was immense. You could practically see the stage shrink because his presence was so commanding. The audience literally loved him, judging by the screams. He performed as if he were an accomplished artist. He oozed charisma and confidence, and for good reason. It felt like being at a concert. I had to control myself to keep from being too noisy in the break room because I wanted to scream and cheer for him. The talent required to master William's high notes while performing such rhythmic choreography. He truly deserved the five judges who turned for him. He finished the routine with a dance break that set the crowd on fire. The interview afterward was a bit awkward due to the communication barrier, but he handled it well. I applauded loudly as the camera followed him to his seat in the winners' zone.
Time passed quickly, and only about twenty people remained in the waiting room. Suddenly, my number was drawn, and I headed toward the stage with a staff member. She took my bag and jacket, and then I stepped onto the stage. The notes of a remixed version of Hips Don't Lie by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean filled the air. Immediately, I braced my muscles because what was coming was exhausting. I sang the beginning of the song while maintaining Shakira's signature dance moves. The hip rolls were so tiring, but I was having more fun than ever before. I quickly forgot the slight apprehension I had felt at the start. Just as the crowd was completely on fire, the music transitioned into the chorus of Bang Bang Bang by Big Bang. I took a deep breath and began to rap the section with all my might. I don't know if it was fatigue taking over, but I felt like I could see my sister singing with me on the "Bang Bang Bang." It made me happy from the depths of my soul. At the end of the music, I slowly raised my head to see that all five judges had turned and the crowd was in a frenzy.
_ Oh my God! What an incredible performance by candidate 37! Mina exclaimed.
_ Thank you. I said, bowing my head slightly.
The judges took the floor once the noise had died down, more or less.
_ I really loved your dancing. Karol G said. You must have lungs of steel to manage both the dancing and the singing, as both are very exhausting.
_ Thank you. I practiced for a long time to achieve this result.
_ I really appreciate the arrangement of the two songs. J.Y. Park said. The transition between the two was very fluid. Who did it?
_ Thank you very much. I did it myself. I said, bowing my head slightly.
_ Wow, incredible! Kany exclaimed. I'm sold. Would you mind introducing yourself, please?
_ Yes, of course. My name is Anael Khumalo, I am 19 years old, and I am from Toronto, Canada.
_ Did you undergo any specific training, or are you just naturally talented? Ejae asked with a smile.
_ Yes, I was coached by three wonderful teachers for two years. But my father likes to say I know how to dance because of his genes. I said, laughing.
_ Frankly, you did a great job. You can go take your place with the others. Kyle finished.
I bowed one last time and headed toward the selected candidates. Amidst the many intrigued or suspicious looks, Cat's smiling face was like a ray of sunshine. He waved his hand to get my attention. I waved back before sitting down in my designated seat.
___
References
_ The Voice: A reality talent show franchise that first launched in April 2011.
_ Lee Junho: South Korean singer, dancer, actor, and member of 2PM.
_ Myoui Mina: Japanese singer and dancer, member of Twice.
_ 2PM: South Korean groups formed by JYPE.
_ Twice: South Korean groups formed by JYPE.
_ Park Jin-young (JYP): Singer, songwriter, and founder of JYPE.
_ Kany Diabate: French dancer of Senegalese origin, choreographer, and performance director.
_ Ejae (Kim Eun-jae): South Korean-American singer-songwriter.
_ Kyle Hanagami: Choreographer and creative director based in Los Angeles.
_ Karol G: Colombian singer of Latin trap and reggaeton.
_ The inspiration for this chapter is drawn in part from the song Freakin' Bad by Xdinary Heroes, which you can listen to while reading if you wish.