Chapter 2

The following night brought the next eight performers into the spotlight. Abby was really into the excitement of performing each week and secretly confessed to Brad that she felt either one of them was good enough to win.

“Next up to try and win your votes singing, American Idol’s very first winner, Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Breakaway’ is Abby Kendall.”

The beat of the song was slightly quickened, and several lines were omitted. Abby knew she’d be flirting with the allotted time and hoped her performance would compensate for it.

‘Breakaway,’ words and music by Avril Ramona Lavigne, Bridget Louise Benenate, and Matthew Gerrard.

While the band did a shorter intro to save several seconds, Abby walked to her left on the stage.

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I’d just stare out my window
Dreamin’ of what could be
And if I’d end up happy
I would pray

Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I pray
I could breakaway

Abby moved to the right corner of the stage, taking a wide-legged stance, left arm reaching up high.