Chapter Seventeen: The first presentation

Standing on the stage was participant number one who had his role number tagged to his shirt. He had decided to play his guitar along with the song despite already having a beat playing underneath. He adjusted the mic to a convenient length and then cleared his throat.

"Hi, my name is Gary and I'll be singing a song called; Why did you?"

At that moment, a gentle beat intro started playing, though, it turned out to be a very popular song known by almost everyone in the hall.

Without wasting any time, Gary had started singing, his counter tenor voice syncing with the soothing sound of the beat. The first stroke of his guitar sending chills running down everyone's spine.

If I could wish for one thing

I'd have hoped you never left my side

Cause it's lonely without you

There's no one to replace you in my heart

You've always be on my mind

Even though you're gone

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

(His voice revealed the emotional gravity of the song, and once in a while a desperate frown would appear on his face, showing how much he meant his words)

I want you back, I need you here

You promised to never ever leave me

So why did you leave-leaving me behind here

All on my own (slowed down)

(Raised voice)

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

(All at once, he started stroking the guitar more wildly than before.)

Why-y-y did you have to leave me

why-y-y did you have to go without me

I want you back, I need you here

You promised to never ever leave me

I'm missing you, I really do

It feels so lonely without you here

Come back to me, come back!!

Come bac-c-k!! Come b-a-ackkk!!

Come back…

(There was a slight pause in the beat and the song, until about a few seconds later, the music continued with the guitar stroking wildly once again.)

(However, this time he sang with a different tone.)

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

I want you back, I need you here

You promised to never ever leave me

So why did you leave-leaving me behind here

All on my own

All on my own!! (High pitched voice)

(Continues…)

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

But, why-y-y did you have to leave me

And why-y-y did you have to go without me

I want you back, I need you here

You promised to never ever leave me

I'm missing you, I really really do

So please come for me (slowed down)

Plea-seeee…

Come for meeeeeee!!

(Song ends as Gary bowed down to the crowd)

The whole arena erupted with loud cheering and applause as they felt an emotional wave hit their bodies. They were so mesmerised by the singing and demonstration that came from participant number one that they didn't want him to stop. Just like his role number, he was indeed a number one. A lot of people were already imagining what the results will be, as number one didn't fail to alter any steps in his performance. It was wonderful, gracious, and excellent.

Soon after, the noises went down as everyone anticipated what the judges would say. The judgement was very important since it would help those who are to perform next to improve in their lacking areas and also for them to have a swift idea of what the judges are looking for in each participants.

Dora Barton was the first to speak. She had a neutral expression on her face as it didn't seem like she is either happy nor sad. She has always been like that, making it difficult for anyone to read her expression or know what her feelings were at the moment.

"The beat of this song, isn't it from the song; Waves?" Dora asked. Waves was a song that came from an artist called Jaja. He was a popularly known artist and had featured a lot of artist nationwide, including Alex Stale. It could be said that he's five steps away from catching up with Alex Stale during his time.

"Yeah, that's right. I used the beat from Jaja's song; waves, to compose my own song. The lyrics are originally mine. And I also gave it a title 'Why did you'." Gary replied with a smile.

"Right. So, have you ever sang any song of your own without using other artists' beats?"

"Sure I have, but I feel like I should present this for today." Gary truthfully said.

"And why is that? Are you scared you won't win if you sing your own song? Or perhaps you're ashamed of your own creation?" Dora raised an eyebrow causing Gary to chuckle out nervously.

"No… no, not at all. I'm not scared, I just feel like I should perform with this song first." He knew participants were allowed to sing any song of their choice, be it other artists' song or their own original song. Yet he couldn't understand why Dora was interrogating him this way.

Dora turned her gaze from Gary to the bunch of paper in front of her and started writing down some things.

Gary had his gaze fixed on Dora, but despite how much he looked, he couldn't seem to figure out her thoughts. At least, if she was impressed by his performance, there should be a smile or some kind of excitement written on her face. Yet, her expression remained as it is; constantly emotionless and neutral.

With the question Dora just asked, the confidence Gary once had in himself was starting to diminish slightly. Beads of sweat ran down his face as he awaits the judges' final judgement.