An American Idol Fanfic

By Sakura Martinez


Author's Notes:

Aaaannddd...we have another update for this fanfic, folks!

I'm not going to post much on this part of the author's notes (will do the posting on the Post Author's Notes) since it's a long one, so...I'm just going to go on ahead and let you guys read the chapter first. Hope you all enjoy! (^_^)

End of Author's Notes


Disclaimer:

I really don't own American Idol, FOX owns that. I don't own Lauren or Scotty, or any other people mentioned in this fanfic-unless they're my OCs. This story is fictional...sort of.


A McLaina Story

Chapter Three

Hell Week, Part One


I didn't know what to expect when my mom and I boarded the plane that would take us to Hollywood. Or, maybe, I did have my expectations but I was just telling myself to expect the unexpected. But, what had greeted my mom and me when we got in that plane really wasn't in my lists of expectations.

I guess, when you have been watching American Idol your whole life, you tend to believe that what they show you are the juicy stuff-you know, stuff that would boost the ratings, stuff that would entertain. I was wrong about that. There were more than just strangers in that plane. All around me, seated with their chaperones and their small entourage, were the other contestants from the Nashville auditions that had earned the Golden Ticket...and then some.

As my mom steered me to our seat, I looked around and wondered: Are all of us here people who got the Golden Ticket?

I got my answer when I looked at the back. Sitting there were people wearing black shirt with American Idol logos on them and jeans-Cameramen and a small crew from American Idol.

I scanned the faces of these 'Officials'.

I didn't really know why I was doing it until my mom caught me staring at them and said, "I guess Lissa and her crew are already there in Hollywood."

'Lissa and her crew'.

Harry.

I didn't know why but I blushed at the thought of Harry. Why was I thinking of him? Even though it was sort of unconsciously? What's more, why was I blushing? I, Lauren Alaina Suddeth, rarely blush!

I shrugged as I tried to look nonchalant. I don't think I have a crush on Harry but, knowing my mom, she wouldn't be happy with what she would think as an 'infatuation' with someone who is much, much, much older than I am...even if the age gap was three years.

I sat down after my mom and turned my head to what lay in front of me. The people who were with us on that plane-the other contestants-they were all giddy and merrily chatting with those that were beside them. Some were standing around and getting to know other people. Most, however, were just on their seats-like me-and looking around, nervousness, anticipation, and excitement oozing from them.

When the plane took off, we knew we had a couple of hours before we get to Hollywood-maybe even half a day. I had thought that people would just take out their iPods and plug their earphones on-tuning the world out. I had thought that people would be taking this time to rest, to sleep, to relax before we all faced the inevitable. But, there were only a handful of people-at least, from where I could see-that had taken their iPods out and plugged their earphones in. There were only a few people who slept and relaxed.

Those of us who stay awake? Well, we sort of had a concert on the plane. People were singing and singing. We sung all sorts of songs from all sorts of artists. We were, surprisingly, all bonding and (to some degree) gauging our competition. It was, without a doubt, the most fun plane ride I have ever been on.

There was one guy on the plane, however, that caught my interest...and my surprise. He was sitting a couple of rows to my right, next to a man that I could only guess was his father, his uncle, or some other male relative. There wasn't anything special with him at first glance. He didn't have that Brad Pitt or Ewan McGregor look. He wasn't wearing anything flashy, or cool. What he wore didn't scream 'Star Power'. But, for some reason, I found myself looking at him.

He had really, really short hair and his eyes were closed. But that serious look on his face told me that he wasn't sleeping and the way that his mouth moved quickly told me he was mumbling something. He was dressed cleanly with a plain white button-up shirt and jeans. He was thumbing something that hangs around his neck. I caught a flash of silver and a familiar shape and I knew what it was-a cross. I was intrigued by him, to be honest. And I wondered if he was singing to himself or chanting something to ease the nerves.

It may be because I was staring at him far too long. People may even say that it wasn't that but it was fate. Or maybe this guy just has some third-sense or is psychic or something because he suddenly opened his eyes and turned to my direction. It was like he knew I was staring at him. I panicked when he looked at me. I thought he was going to raise an eyebrow or flip me off or something and that moment in that plane as that boy stared back at me felt like minutes, hours, months, years...no, it felt like forever (but it was actually just a second or two). But the boy didn't raise an eyebrow at me. He didn't look smug the way some guys tend to look when you're checking them out-not, that I was checking this guy out! He didn't give me the finger or any rude gesture. No. This boy, he just...smiled. He smiled and nodded at me.

I caught myself smiling back and then, for the second time that day. I, Lauren Alaina Suddeth, blushed.


We weren't allowed to get off the plane even after it has landed. First, we were briefed on what we should do once we get off the plane and once the security procedures were over and done with. It was like we were all extras on some movie and this was the part where we all come in. Everyone was already impatient, and I can't blame them. I was as impatient as they were...Impatient and tired.

Our chaperones and entourage-those people who came with us-were the ones who got to get off the plane first.

I nodded at my mom. She was going to wait for me to pick up our luggage (not to mention that, since I am still not legal yet, she has to stick around me at all times) before we make our way to the theater where Hollywood Week will officially start.

I put my hat back on and looked at the window-which turned out to be stupid since I couldn't see my reflection in the window, it was too bright-and so I had to only just hope that I looked presentable and not haggard, and to make a mental note to always have a mirror-even a small one-with me for times like this.

The moment the 'nonessentials'-as the crew called them-were out of the plane and the security measures were implemented and done with, we were finally allowed to literally rush out of the plane's holding area and-by instruction-look excited and fun-it wasn't hard to do that. We were all feeling fun and excited...well, among other things.

After all that, we had to wait...again. During that waiting period, Cameramen swarmed around us. Some of them were taking shots of people boasting about how they were the next American Idol or about how great they were. Some were talking about how excited they are to be here, or about all that they hope to accomplish by joining a competition such as this. Others were talking about how much 'hell' there would be in Hell Week.

There was one such girl that I happen to stand beside with whom one cameraman was filming. She was shorter than I was with dark brown hair and a smile that kind of screams "Class President". She was wearing a white overcoat, a green and white stripped scarf and a sort of dark-green pair of leggings. I didn't know what her name was until the cameraman, who for some reason knew her name, called her "Victoria".

I guess I was sleepy since I didn't get to hear what the cameraman's question was, but I did hear what she answered...and what she said, well, I'm sorry to say but it made me force myself not to laugh. Don't get me wrong. I'm not mean and I don't enjoy laughing at other's expense but...well...

I guess what the cameraman asked was, "How do you feel about Hollywood Week?"

What Victoria said was, "I am really excited about this week and the next week." I couldn't help but look at her when she spoke. "Hollywood is that one where some singers dread but I'm ready especially for group week..."

Is she serious? I couldn't help but wonder. She's already thinking that far ahead...already thinking about Group Week?

She then takes a breath and added, "I'm ready to put some choreography in there."

As soon as she said those lines she began doing that whole dancing-in-place thing. It was kind of cute and funny, to be honest. Well, okay...she is kind of funny. I didn't know what else she could have said because at that moment, my mom and I-along with the other contestants-were already being ushered in to the bus that would take us to the hotel.

As we were heading out of the airport, I couldn't help but look around and search for the boy who had smiled at me.


The hotel was grand...well, not majestic-grand or oh-my-god-it-costs-a-lot-grand but it was, for me, pretty nice and grand. I mean, it's a California hotel. I've never been in one before.

But, the hotel's allure was suddenly lost on me when I heard a familiar voice. It was Victoria and she still wasn't finished with her interview.

I didn't bother to listen or to see how it goes like some of the contestants, but I did hear her say, "I'm gonna stay for a while 'coz I am the next American Idol so..." and I saw her roll her eyes before adding, "Duh!"

The sound of her laughter echoed in the hall but it was soon drowned out by the sound of chattering as those of us who flew from the same plane met with the other contestants who flew on a different flight. And, that was a lot of people.


I felt drained as I fell on the bed in my and my mom's, hotel room.

I was glad that we were allowed an hour's rest before we head off for the start of Hollywood Week. We were told to use that time both to rest and to prepare for the first round. We were to sing acapella in front of the judges. I know that round very well. I have watched nine American Idol seasons worth of it.

"Are you going to change for the first round, Lauren?" My mom asked. "Do you want to take a bath before you head down there?"

I lifted my head just enough to see my mom busying herself with our luggage. She was already taking some stuff out and hanging some of the clothes on the cabinets. It was like there was no doubt in her mind that I would make it through and that we would get to stay here in Hollywood for a while longer.

I wasn't sure if I doubted that. I'm not sure if I doubted myself. All I'm sure of was that, in some ways, no matter what happens this week, I feel like I've already won. I mean, how many fifteen-year-olds could say that they've managed to get to the Hollywood Week round of American Idol? That's got to be a milestone or something. But, of course, I want to make it through. I want to be the next American Idol.

I just have to show the judges and everyone how much I want this.

"I think I'll go take a bath, mom." I answered. "I don't want to look ragged. They are looking for the whole package and I want to be one of those people who they think have a potential to be a star."

"That's the spirit." My mom beamed at me as she handed me a towel.

I stood up, took the towel, and went to take a bath both to clean myself up and to calm my nerves.


We were ushered into the theater and we didn't bother to loiter around outside. The December air was cold enough and-add that to our nerves-it would not be a good idea to stay behind outside...not to mention that the American Idol crew is making sure to prep us up about what's going to happen for that day...for that round.

They asked us to form several lines after we have gotten our number from the receptionist. All three-hundred-and-twenty seven of us were lined up-based on the group that we would be singing in for our acapella solos for round one-as the camera crews got themselves ready and Ryan Seacrest walked into the room with the judges. We hooted and cheered, clapped our hands for the three people that would hold our fate in their hands...and for Ryan Seacrest.

There was a countdown.

"3..."

I took a breath, my heart was pounding so loud that I was sure those around me could hear it.

"2..."

I scanned the room and I saw the faces of those whose hopes and dreams lay on the line, on this day...on this round.

"1..."

And then I saw him. The boy I had seen in the plane. The boy who had smiled at me. He was looking at Ryan Seacrest, a serious look was on his face.

"It's show time!" One of the crew members shouted.

Ryan took that cue and went on with his monologue...or speech, whatever you want to call it.

"This year is going to be twice as hard because we have doubled the amount of contestants." Ryan said as he walked in the middle of the groups, the line, and made his way towards the front of the stage, facing the judges. "Two times the drama. Two times the talent. But there is only one Hollywood Week."

He paused. The kind of pause that was meant to add a dramatic flair to the whole thing. Right there, on that stage, with all the other three-hundred-and-so contestants, it wasn't just drama Ryan added with those words. It was a collective yet silent gasp as every one of us had one thing in mind: This is it.

"Brace yourself." Ryan Seacrest said as he stopped right in front of us, his backs turned on the judges who are sitting comfortably. "This is American Idol!"

There was a collective cheer, a collective intake of breath. And then someone shouted, "And Cut!"


I was trying not to shake in my boots.

I have heard a lot of great singers perform who had gotten through and a couple of great singers who failed to impress the judges and were booted out of the competition. It was as harsh as they said, even harsher than what I have watched on television. This was the real deal. The uncensored Hollywood Week.

I have often wondered why they called it Hell Week. I thought it was because the contestants' nerves were fried, they feel stressed and they feel that they are in hell. I was only beginning to learn slowly the real reason why Hollywood Week was always called 'Hell Week'.

As I climbed up the stage with the group that I was a part of, I had to force myself to focus and to not forget the words. There were a couple of singers who forgot the words to their songs and they got sent home, even when they have an exceptional voice.

That was the first reason why it was called 'Hell Week'. There were no second chances.

I was in line with other great singers. I knew they were great because I had heard them singing before when they were practicing their song. One of them was a guy with a bandana wrapped around his forehead. He was wearing a sort of 'rocker' look. I heard his name is James Durbin.

Then there was a girl with the same blondish-brown hair as mine (though I wasn't born a blond). She was familiar to me and I vaguely recall seeing her in the Nashville Auditions. Her name is Stormi Henley, if I recall correctly.

They both sang before I did. James kind of reminded me a little of Adam Lambert...minus the 'glam' but with a lot more of the 'rock'.

It seemed like forever before I was finally handed the microphone. I took a deep breath, smiled and walked to the middle of the stage. I didn't waste any time for as soon as I said my name, my age, and where I auditioned, I went on ahead and sang 'Unchained Melody'. I figured, if I would have to showcase my voice again, and since it has been months since they last heard me sing, I might as well remind the judges why they put me through and why they gave me a Golden Ticket. Unchained Melody felt like the right song to do that...without really showing too much of what I can do...yet.

For some reason, I began to ask myself 'What would Simon think?' as I sang. I guess that's why I did my best with that performance.

At the end of my song, as I took a bow and I heard the applause, all I could say was "Thank you". And with that, I returned to my place in the line to wait for the verdict. Was I going to go through to the next round or will I be going home?

As the judges began to call out names, asking them to step forward, I was praying. And I was praying hard. I was praying that I would be safe, that I would make it through the next round.

They called James' name first.

"James, step forward." Randy commanded. James did as he was told.

Then Randy called my name, "Lauren, step forward." I bowed my head and took a step-well, actually, four steps-forward to line up with James. As I walked forward, my prayers intensified.

The judges' faces, their voices as they called my name, betrayed no emotion.

And then Randy said, "Paris, step forward."

Paris walked forward as well, standing right beside me.

"Front row..." This was it; Randy was going to tell us whether we've made it through or not. There was a long- a very long-pause before he went on to say, "Congratulations, you've made it through to the next round..."

Whatever Randy said after that, I couldn't remember. I feel so elated that all I could do was put my hands in front of my face. I wanted to cry. Tears of joy fell from my eyes, down my cheeks and my jaw. I have made it through. I had slipped past another hurdle unscathed!

As the doors that led outside the stage opened, I couldn't help but pump both of my fists up and give a hoot of victory like James and Paris. The smile on my face was also something that I didn't bother to hide, despite feeling bad about the others not making it.


The boy that I had been curious about didn't sing during the first day of Hollywood Week. It turns out, he was going to sing the next day-the day that was our free day. And this time, those of us who sang during the first day would be able to do what we please during the second day of acapella solo performances. I decided, out of morbid (yes, I do admit that I was that curious) curiosity, to watch the other half of the contestants sing. And, I also wanted to know the name of that boy.

My mom was happy that I decided not to goof around and just watch the other contestants with her. She was just as curious as I was, but for another different reason. Of course, I didn't tell her what mine was...

When he finally took the stage, I learned what his name was. Scotty McCreery. Age, 17. From Gartner, North Carolina. And when he sang...Oh, boy. He has a very deep voice, a traditional country singer's voice with the smoothness in it that so few truly possess. I was surprised and I couldn't help cheering along with the others when he sang. I noticed that the judges were having fun as well. They liked him; there was no question about it.

"Scotty McCreery, huh..." I muttered.

"Did you say something, honey?" My mom asked.

"Ah, no, mom. Nothing. I just said that he sounded great." I said, nodding at Scotty's direction.

"Yeah, he has a pretty deep voice." My mom nodded.

I looked at Scotty again and he was smiling and nodding his thanks to the other contestants who were patting his back before the next contestant took the microphone from him. When all of them have sung, it was Jennifer's turn to say the verdict.

"Are you ready? Let's go." Jennifer said, and then she called his name. "Can I have...Scott, please step forward." Then she corrected herself, "Scotty?"

Scotty did as he was told. He looked as serious as when I saw him on the plane and when Ryan was talking yesterday.

Then Jennifer called some more people to step forward. When she has finished, there were six people in the front row...and all of them, Steven announced, had made it through.

I smiled. I didn't know why but I suddenly felt happy for Scotty...even though he was a stranger to me. I guess it was because he was a country singer-we both have the same genre...or maybe it was because of that smile he gave me.


To be continued...


Post Author's Notes:

When I first plotted the chapters, I thought about doing a single chapter for Hollywood Week...but, I decided to go against it since I was planning to add a couple of things to it. Five days worth of action, drama, and suspense rarely fits in a single chapter without making said chapter look too cramped and making it hard for readers to read...unless, you plan on skipping some things. But, I can't afford not writing about the other things that, in this AU, happens during Hell Week...and so, Hell Week will have three parts.

Yes. Three.

That being said...I would like to remind people that this is an AU-ish fanfic. That's why, the whole plane-scene, the airport scene (with the exception of Victoria Higgin's interview)-to name a few-have a fictional touch in them. They didn't happen. Whatever happened in that plane, or in the airport, that wasn't aired-I don't really know. I wasn't there...I I was there, I would have went straight to Lauren and Scotty, and Pia and James and asked for their autograph because they are my favorites in the show...but, then again, we didn't know about them yet...over here, at least...

I would like to thank you all again for taking time to read this fanfic. And I do hope you continue to support, review, like, fave, whatever...except flame, this little work of mine. I'm having as much fun writing this as you guys are (probably) enjoying it. I'm going to keep updating this as frequently as I can and keep you all satiated. XD

Anyways, that's that.

What do you guys think? Comments? Criticisms? Don't forget to click that Review button!

Until the next chapter!

Dream on; Fly on!

End of Post Author's Notes