11 June 2008
Copyright© 2018 by Mustang
Chapter 5
The final forty sat in a room adjacent to the stage for the long wait. Heads were bowed and hands gripped tightly during those long, anxious minutes. Abby was a bundle of nervous energy. She held Brad’s hand tight, rubbing her palm over his hand.
“Thank you, Brad; it means the world to me that you are here with me.”
“You are so incredibly beautiful and talented. I should be the one thanking you. I’m glad you had me try out for Idol. I love you,” he replied, kissing her.
The camera centred on Ben Mulroney, saying, “It’s time for the competitors to learn their fate. Each one is about to go in front of the judges to find out if their Canadian idol dream is over or if their next stop is the top twenty-two.”
“Alright, the judges are ready, and they want to see ... Mark Day,” he pointed to him. Mark received supportive cheers and applause from most of the competitors.
Another camera would show Mark and other contestants walking across the darkened room, lit by large stone-like squares on the floor.
Mark re-entered the room, his hands covering his face. He broke down in emotional tears, going to his knees. The air was filled with appreciative cheers and applause for him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the first member of the top twenty-two,” Ben gestured with his hands.
Slowly, the contestants, numbering one to three at a time, were called before the judges. It was difficult for a moment to tell tears of joy from tears of sadness. Some yelled out, ‘I made it!’ Then they cried in relief. Others shook their heads as tears streamed down their cheeks. Their Idol dreams were over.
In the theatre, the judges would explain the reasoning behind their decision to let a person go or move on to the next round.
Abby was keeping track of the numbers going through to the next round. She had counted to fifteen. Finally, it was Abby and Brad’s turn. They stood hand in hand in front of the four judges to hear their fate.
“Abby and Brad, during your group performance, I remarked to Farley, ‘So much for age-appropriate song choice.’ I can see that you clearly love each other, and it showed in your performances. You may be young, at sixteen years old, but act so mature. I could sense the sexual energy between you; well done,” Sass complimented. “And your final solo song was so good!”