Chapter 23: Lightbulb Moment!

The third episode of Rising Voices had just finished airing on the Inkstone Channel.

Compared to the other episodes which had song performances in it, this episode was more or less about the more mundane aspects and day to day lives of the contestants' stay at the hotel in preparation for the next round.

In addition to that were the snippets of interviews here and there of the more interesting contestants and well-edited videos of the contestants' vocal lessons and choreography sessions.

Although the highlight of the episode was the 'Blind Auditions' theme, a new overhaul to the shows' usual and more direct elimination rounds per certain number of contestants, it was something fans were very excited for.

Some fans were a bit skeptical about the new changes though and simply hoped it would at least be engaging if only by a tiny margin.

Nevertheless, the episode, despite focusing more on the reality aspect of the show this time around, was very well-received and the ratings were still as high as ever.

All that being said though, there was a particular section in the episode that also really got a lot of people talking, and that was Lily's interview with Chris.

When the part about her wanting to get close to a particular contestant came up, fans of the show and Lily's core fans instantly took to their social media apps and began speculating.

Although it had been clearly stated that she only wanted to be friends, a good chunk of the internet saw it as a way to twist it into what they wanted to believe.

Some started thinking maybe it was Steven, especially since the two already seemed to have a bit of rivalry going on that could bloom into something more.

Others, saw differently and began pairing her with other guys like Ryan, Joe and Paxton which she had already interacted with.

However, all that speculation changed as the scene soon transitioned quickly to a snippet of her waving to a particularly striking guy with strong boyish charms who waved back.

Instantly, the focus of those people shifted to who that person was and some were currently even having discussions about it.

Considering most of them hadn't seen anyone of such on the show and Kyle's personal interview had happened way before he had his makeover, it was understandable that a lot of people didn't realize it was him.

All in all, the episode had also been a very successful one and the ratings, although not as high as the second episode, was extremely commendable nonetheless as it was higher than those of other seasons.

The fact that there was a new theme too, and the production team had successfully built up hype for it without any actual performances in the episode, was a testament to the high quality of the show.

* * *

"No. Of course not. I'm not interested in him like that. That's just the production team doing its thing" Lily calmly explained to her teenage sister who was squealing like a love-crazed lunatic from the other end of the phone.

[Really! You're sure?! 'Cause he is extremely good-looking! Even more handsome than those snobby rich ones who usually pester you!]

"And you need to understand that looks aren't everything Amy" Lily advised her younger sister and then casually asked;

"Kyle aside though, how's dad doing?"

[What?! What!!! No fuggin' way!! That was Kyle?! My Kyle!!! Good-Freaking-Lord! What's with that unexpected transformation!]

'Oh you just wait till the fourth episode airs. I will not be surprised by increased number of ladies that would be swooning for him' the lady mused to herself over her sister's reaction.

[Don't worry sis. I won't tell anyone. My lips are sealed. You can count on that!]

"Thanks Amy" Lily nodded and said, appreciative of the young lady's gesture.

It's not like she had broken any rules by saying Kyle's name.

Considering a minute few on the internet would've also figured it out if they really took the time to scrutinize the 'mysterious' strikingly handsome guy, she really didn't break the show's confidentiality clause.

However, Lily liked the fact that her sister was mature enough to still keep that information to herself regardless.

[Don't mention it. Also, Dad's doing great. Doctor said he'll be golden in a year and a few months. He's even been able to move around quite a bit now which is nice!]

"That is quite nice. I hope to see him soon"

[We'll be waiting but, don't come home unless you win the competition. Kyle may be my favorite contestant but I'd never want you to lose to him!]

"Well I don't plan to lose to anyone really" Lily affirmed with a determined expression.

[That's what I love to hear!]

Like that, both sisters conversed for a few more minutes about other mundane things before their call then ended.

Moving out of her room the moment she was done to head out to her band's practice room, Lily encountered Kyle who seemed to be pondering over something.

"Oh hey Lily" he greeted her as soon as he noticed her.

"Hi Kyle. Hope you're not uncomfortable about the way the new episode was edited?" she responded and then asked in reply, her hazel eyes trying to gauge his reaction.

"Uncomfortable? Oh, that. Well, it is what it is I guess" he calmly shrugged and added;

"That's why they're the production team after all. Free to do with their footages as they please"

"That is true" Lily nodded in agreement and then said;

"Well, I'm just glad you aren't bothered by it. Have to head over to practice now. See you later then"

"Yeah. Later" Kyle responded and both individuals amiably went their separate ways.

* * *

🎸 🎶 🎵🥁

Keep your eyes on me boy,

Blink even once and you'll miss it…

🎸 🎶 🎵🥁

As [Dancin' On The Edge] kept playing on repeat inside their practice room, the guys just sat down on the floor, listening to the song.

Today was the second day of practice and yet, they were unable to even figure out a way to tweak the song to become better, talk less of even divvying the song up into the respective parts they would each be singing.

They had mostly used all of yesterday, Saturday, just to listen to the song and get all its lyrics down by playing it on repeat but there was still that unshakeable mediocrity to the song itself.

That was why they were currently listening to the song again, a bit of melancholy in the air as they wondered how they were going to get over the uninspiring, soulless vibe it was giving out.

"Honestly, this isn't helping" Joe stood up, planning to go switch off the song.

Ryan nodded in agreement while Steven sighed and commented;

"We should decide who gets to sing which parts at this point. We don't have all day"

Kyle on the other hand, was currently musing to himself over how exactly they would divvy up the song since he really wanted for everyone to standout when they did perform.

Even if they were going to perform as a band, there was nothing that said they couldn't all individually shine in the performance.

___________________________

{Joe Michaels} – 27 years

Singing › Level 9

Dancing › Level 8

Instrumental Mastery (Drums) › Level 7

Skills – [Rapping], [Symphony]

___________________________

{Ryan Parker} – 22 years

Singing › Level 8

Dancing › Level 9

Acting › Level 3

Instrumental Mastery (Bass) › Level 8

Skills – [Breakdancing]

___________________________

{Steven Andersson} – 24 years

Singing › Level 10

Dancing › Level 4

Instrumental Mastery (Piano/Guitar) › Level 8/6

Skills – [Immersion], [Perfect Pitch]

___________________________

'Hmmm… what to do, what to do…' the young man pondered as he gazed at their panels.

Casually glancing over to the audio speakers as Joe slowly walked over to it, Kyle's eyes widened in surprise when another panel showed up in his field of view.

It was the panel of the song being played!

'I didn't know it could appraise that!' he inwardly exclaimed in mild surprise.

___________________________

{Dancin' On The Egde} – (56%)

Written and sung by Carl Finch, the pop-rock song was meant to be upbeat and energetic, capturing the youthful and unexpected experiences of a youth love-struck by a charming lady.

___________________________

'56%? Upbeat and energetic?' Kyle thought to himself, his head slightly tilting.

And then, like a lightning bolt, a wave of realization hit him, causing him to immediately spring up off the floor.

"I've got it! I know how we can make the song better!"

His sudden declaration halted Joe in his steps, causing he along with the rest of the guys turning to look at him with startled expressions on their faces.

Without minding them, Kyle explained.

"The song is pretty much just sung like most pop rock song out there these days! It's generic and soulless! There's no infused energy or excitement to it!"

"The song is supposed to feel infectious. To feel catchy! To make you want to sing along! To really make you want to bop your head to it! But it falls flat on its face because it wasn't sung with the immense enthusiasm that should've come with its lyrics!"

As the guys gazed at Kyle, slightly dumbfounded by how he was suddenly ranting along with a noticeable spark of eureka in his eyes, they were still unable to grasp his thought process.

Realizing they weren't understanding what he was getting at, Kyle rewound the song and played it from the beginning, this time, only with the instrumentals.

And as the song began, Kyle sang the lyrics to it, but this time with a powerful intensity at the beginning that instantly set the mood for an upbeat and energetic feeling!

It was such a big contrast to the original song which opened up with a calm voice but it instantly made all the difference as the other guys widened their eyes in realization.

As Kyle completed the first half of the song with the same energetic enthusiasm, the guys all had big grins on their faces!

"Kyle! You're a fucking genius man!" Ryan vigorously shook his shoulders.

"Haha! I never would've expected that to be the case! How come no one ever realized it until now!" Steven on the other hand, laughed out loud in reply.

"I genuinely did not expect that man! How'd you know?" Joe questioned in curious excitement.

"It was just a hunch really" Kyle lightly smiled in response.

"Well, with that out of the way, let's get to it then! How're we gonna split the song now that we know how it needs to be sung leader?" Steven then asked him, surprising everyone in the room, Kyle included.

"What? You guys didn't think I was just going to try to hog all the spotlight for myself during our performance, did you?" he asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

Watching them nod in collective agreement, as if they had truly expected that of him, Steven uttered out loud, his disbelief clear and evident.

"I'm not even that selfish dammit!"

"Well, you did give off that kind of vibe so…" Joe shrugged his shoulders.

"I have to agree with Joe man. You do give off that vibe" Ryan casually added.

"You guys are the worst…" Steven muttered, clearly disappointed in his band members.

"Alright guys. Let's ease up on him" Kyle sighed, hoping to pacify the sulking Steven.

"Since you all seem to be okay with me helming things then, I'll ensure to make our performance memorable!" he declared, proceeding to explain a few things.

"First off, I'll need to make some changes to the song..."

Like that, the young man started explaining his ideas on how to better improve the song to his band members while also giving them the parts they would need to sing.

This was something they were all satisfied with as they felt that Kyle truly was the right person to lead their temporary band.

* * *

"Hey old pal. I was quite surprised by your sudden call. Why'd you suddenly decide to rent the studio for the next month? You started working with a new talent?" a thin-looking, brown-haired guy who was casually dressed said to Kyle's agent.

He was the owner of a pretty secluded, small yet well equipped recording studio in L.A. He was also a long-time friend of Oliver's that went by the name of Ricky.

"Yeah" Oliver casually replied and then added;

"Well, let's just say I'm making plans for the future"

"Interesting. That actress you were managing leave too then I guess?" his friend asked.

"That she did" Oliver replied again.

"Well I hope this one sticks around long enough…" Ricky sighed and said, after which he then opened his mouth again.

"Wanting to make someone a big superstar as an agent in the free market is a pretty grueling task Oliver. I really hope you can make those dreams of yours come true. Good luck again this time old friend"

"Thanks Ricky. I appreciate it" Oliver responded with a grateful nod.