Chương 101: X factor.

It was the time and place for progress... The British X Factor had two reigning elements, anticipated by the operations of the venue. X Factor was and would be one of the most iconic series in every aspect, without a doubt. This place will be the focus of many eyes because of its iconic nature. It's a place that heralds the birth of artists, the beginning of Simon Cowell's career, and the attention of many audiences who long to be part of the spotlight and stand out.

-I didn't expect a star like you to admit being part of the social circle of a small show that's just getting off the ground, - commented Kate Thornton, the host of X Factor.

The show had already started, they were in the intermission, two months ahead of the recordings, and thousands of people with dreams in hand presented themselves, with the hope of surviving in the austere world of music, the gathering of musicians, and the potential to stand out.

-Well, you invited me, so I came, - Billy replied with a smile.

-Ahahaha, a bit funny, - Kate said. -A lot of people say you're one of the most successful people in rock right now. Any advice for our contestants on the success they should strive for in the competition? -

-Practice as much as you can. Your moment will come in the least expected way or in the most illogical way... Sometimes it's not about success, it's about satisfaction, - Billy responded.

-So what is success for all of us? Do you have any key insights? - asked Kate.

-For artists, have to marry their taste, define their specialty, and their vocal tones. Some of us have a deep voice and try to sing in a high pitch. It's about feeling comfortable, and following that, finding your style, - Billy explained. The strength in his voice was something he never had to work on, but it was always something he was warned about as his voice improved through practice. Its color and depth established a mark that stood out from the ordinary, and didn't need further improvement, just continued practice.

Songs like "Chop Suey," "Teenagers," "Helena," or "Black Paradise" demanded a powerful vibrato, which wasn't Billy's primary skill. It was a simple ability, quite different from what usually happened with softer songs.

But he improved, and now that his singing surpassed the ordinary, it led him to improve even more.

-So it's important to choose the style you belong to. I thought versatility was good. - commented Kate.

-It is, but... no one can do it all. It's like choosing a career for your life; you choose what you're good at or something you want to become good at. The more areas of study you take on in your life... the more complicated it gets, - Billy commented. - Well, that's my guess as to why choosing a focus is important. Of course, there are exceptions; you can always embrace versatility. -

-Well, it's your turn to sing, - Kate said.

-You're in luck. I hope you pay close attention to my song, - Billy replied, smiling, happy to be in the moment. The situation and his position gave him a complete sense of strength.

The X Factor platform drew him in, the force of being there. Normally, these shows attract a lot of people. Billy had watched the show in his previous life and had certain memories of the program, from the auditions, the performances, and the struggle... The judges would grade the songs, give their feedback, and compare Billy to other singers. Why is he participating? To build relationships in the UK, especially as he'll be involved in Harry Potter. He needs to keep a low profile; for now, his participation will remain private.

The stage was set. He missed his band; it was the first time he didn't have his big stars by his side, Spencer, Connor, Jack Sauce, and Sugar Egg, who all brought a different kind of power.

-Good evening, I hope you enjoy it. I'll be singing "Here Without You " by 3 Doors Down, with everything I've got, - Billy announced, with a distant rasp in his voice, his mind blank, focusing on the song's effort to convey solitude. To transmit loneliness.

🎶🎶🎵 🎶🎶🎵

A hundred days have made me older

Since the last time that I saw your pretty face

A thousand lies have made me colder

And I don't think I can look at this the same

But all the miles that separate

They disappear now when I'm dreaming of your face

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you, baby

And I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still with me in my dreams

And tonight, it's only you and me, yeah

🎶🎶🎵 🎶🎶🎵

Loneliness, without words.

🎶🎶🎵 🎶🎶🎵

The miles just keep rolling.

As the people leave their way to say hello

I've heard this life is overrated

But I hope that it gets better as we go, oh, yeah, yeah

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you, baby

And I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still with me in my dreams

And tonight, girl, it's only you and me

🎶🎶🎵 🎶🎶🎵

At the end of the song, the intensity... completely transformed the atmosphere. Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh were stunned by the power and strength needed to impress the judges. These judges had been listening to auditions for months, just beginning a rigorous training process, and now the performances spanned two weeks to give participants time to improve.

But hearing a singer after so many others was a rare grace. It left them speechless; some wanted to applaud and nod their heads, but the judges found themselves dissecting the song, preparing to critique it. Summarizing the performance, Billy, for example, simply exuded grace because he didn't need to move or engage with the audience. Closing his eyes, he celebrated an emotion.

The truth is, for Billy, it was torturous to sing when his instruments were out of sync by mere milliseconds. It made him a bit furious, especially the drums.

They were novices... just novices.

…

🎶🎶🎵 🎶🎶🎵

Everything I know, and anywhere I go

It gets hard, but it won't take away my love

And when the last one falls when it's all said and done

It gets hard, but it won't take away my love, oh, oh, oh

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you, baby

And I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still with me in my dreams

And tonight, girl, it's only you and me, yeah, oh, yeah

Oh, oh, oh

🎶🎶🎵 🎶🎶🎵

…

-Wow, - commented Simon Cowell.

Billy smiled.

-I think we've just experienced the true brilliance of a professional artist compared to novices. It's no coincidence—the color of your voice is above anything I've ever heard. Your pronunciation was magnificent. I love that slight rasp you have in some parts of the song, perfect sustains, perfect melismas. Your singing is perfect with the band. You're incredible, - Simon said, completely captivated by Billy's music.

The cameras focused on Simon, who was lost in thought, his face completely red... It was the first time he had been so expressive, leaving the other judges speechless.

-You convey so much in your music, almost like a powerful punch, - commented Sharon.

-It frustrates me completely that I couldn't see you live, - responded Louis Walsh.

-I perform concerts all the time. You can invite me whenever you need if I'm in the city. Don't hesitate to call me. As long as I have the time, it's not a problem, - Billy said, happily. His inner fan was thrilled to be part of a show he had followed with all his heart. This time, it was the strength of his singing that brought him here. What would happen next?

-I think, without a doubt, I would recommend you to anyone. I think, without a doubt, I'd call every contact I know and invite you to record an album, - Sharon said, laughing uncontrollably.

-That's exactly what Jerry said when he saw me sing, - Billy replied.

In a complete downturn, this might become the most popular performance on X Factor.

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