Chapter 22 - Personalities, Strategies, and Alliances

The next contestant to step forward was a young woman in her early 20s. Her presence exuded elegance with her long, silky black hair and almond-shaped brown eyes. She stood tall at 165 cm (5.42 ft), adding to her poised appearance. 

Unlike the previous two contestants, Celine had a serious expression on her face, reflecting her focused demeanor as she walked towards the designated chair and took her seat.

"Hi, everyone…" Celine began, her voice slightly flat yet clear. "My name is Celine. I love music and have participated in several music contests. I'm also a vocal coach."

Her introduction sparked a wave of applause from the other contestants. Despite her youth, Celine's background in music was impressive and hinted at a depth of knowledge and experience.

Without delay, Celine began her performance, choosing a pop song with challenging high notes. As she sang, her voice effortlessly scaled the difficult parts of the song, her expertise as a vocal coach shining through. The audience was captivated by her skill and the complexity of the piece, showcasing her vocal range and control.

Talon, still mentally ranking the contestants, watched Celine's performance with a critical eye. "She is good, but I think Maya and Emily are still better than her," he muttered to himself, trying to maintain objectivity. "So far, the ranking for me is Emily, Maya, Celine, and Rachel."

Celine's performance, while technically proficient and showcasing her deep understanding of singing, seemed to lack the unique charm that had made Maya and Emily's performances stand out. Nonetheless, her talent was undeniable, and she brought a level of professionalism to the competition.

As Celine concluded her song, the room filled with applause. Her performance clearly impressed everyone despite the tough competition.

With a quiet determination, Celine added, "I want to win this contest." Her words, though softly spoken, carried a weight of sincerity and ambition. She thanked everyone and then gracefully walked back to her seat.

In the judges' room, Oscar facilitated the discussion, eager to delve into the insights and opinions of his fellow judges.

"So far, what do you think?" he asked, looking around at the panel.

Heejin, reflecting on the performances, shared her thoughts first. "Emily is apparently extraordinary. Her singing tone is very cheerful. Despite being an actress, her singing ability is quite remarkable."

Sofia joined the conversation, sharing her thoughts. "I also think Rachel is talented," she said. "She grasps the complexities of singing, and I see potential in her. However, in my view, Celine is still a step ahead of her."

David, contemplating the difficult choice, added his viewpoint. "Only three contestants so far, but I can't decide who is better among them. They each bring something unique to the stage."

Heejin continued. "Celine is cute too, and being a vocal coach at such a young age is very impressive."

Sofia nodded in agreement. "Rachel is so elegant and possesses great charm. Her indie style adds a different flavor to the competition."

David chimed in, "Emily seems so warm and cheerful. I have no doubt that her personality and talent will attract a lot of male contestants when it comes to choosing a partner."

The judges all laughed at David's comment, the mood light and filled with anticipation for the remaining contestants.

"I'm sure you must all be curious," Oscar said, sensing the excitement emanating from the room. "Let's proceed to the next contestants' performances."

The anticipation reached a new peak when Maya's name flashed on the screen. She stood up gracefully, her blonde, curly hair cascading down her back, adding to her girly charm. Her sweet smile and friendly wave to the others instantly lightened the atmosphere.

"Hi, everyone… my name is Maya…" she began, her voice tinged with a playful lilt. "I'm a bar singer… and don't tell me that one of you ever knew me while singing in the bar?" Her chuckle was infectious, bringing smiles to the faces of the other contestants and judges.

Without further ado, Maya started her performance. Standing up, she sang with an emotion and a voice that was melodious and captivating. Her performance was a display of both her vocal talent and her ability to connect with her audience.

Talon watched and listened, his earlier assessment of Maya being reaffirmed by her impressive performance. He smiled and nodded slowly, appreciating the quality of her voice and her presence on the stage.

As Maya concluded her song, the room erupted into applause. She had shown a different side to what Talon had known. Onstage, she was friendly and girly, a stark contrast to the firm and honest woman he knew.

Maya spoke with determination, "I am on a quest to find my soul mate." She explained, "I desire a strong and dependable man who can also empathize with a woman's emotions." Her words struck a chord with those gathered in the room, particularly the men. They gazed at her with a blend of respect and curiosity.

After her introduction, Maya began walking back to her seat, but unexpectedly, she veered towards Talon. The room fell into a hush, all eyes following her movement, curious about her intentions.

"Maya?" Talon murmured softly, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue.

Maya leaned in closer to Talon, her face just inches away from his, creating a moment of intense silence. Then, in a hushed tone barely audible to others, she whispered, "Talon… I don't want you to choose me…"

Her statement was unexpected, leaving Talon momentarily taken aback. Maya then straightened up, her smile returning as she looked around at everyone before gracefully making her way to her seat.

The room buzzed with whispered speculation and curiosity. Maya's action and words to Talon had added an element of intrigue to the dynamics of the show. For Talon, Maya's request was a puzzle. Why would she say that? What did she mean?

As Maya sat down, the focus shifted back to Xander, who was prepared to call the next contestant.

The tension and competitive spirit among the male contestants escalated noticeably after Maya's intriguing interaction with Talon.

Derek, sitting beside Talon, cast a glance filled with challenge and curiosity. "What made him get Maya's attention this early? Will Maya still give this kind of attention to him after she finds out how amazing I am?" Derek mused his thoughts, a mix of competitiveness and intrigue.

Leo, a late 20s participant known for his self-assured demeanor, couldn't help but comment on the situation. "So, who's this guy? Looks like we're in for an interesting show. But let's be real, I know I'm the most attractive guy in this place. My charm is unbeatable."

Ethan, a slightly older contestant in his early 30s, joined in with his perspective. "I will defeat all male contestants with my talent. It will be an easy contest," he declared, his voice tinged with unwavering confidence in his abilities.

Marcus, a man in his mid-30s, had a more strategic approach compared to the other contestants. He confidently stated, "Maya is undeniably beautiful, charming, and a great singer. But this contest won't be won solely by talent. Strategy is key, and I have that in spades."

Maya's earlier approach to Talon and her cryptic message had added an intriguing layer to the competition, sparking curiosity and speculation among the contestants. It was clear that 'Passionate Beats' was more than just a singing competition; it was a game of personalities, strategies, and unexpected alliances.