Mitchie's POV

I knew Kayla was Shane's sister and therefore she had to be a good performer. But the way she sang totally had me surprised. I didn't like to say it, but she seemed better than Shane. For one thing, her voice had this pure, sweetness which had the judges impressed. And her every move seemed to show her personality, which was exactly what Java wanted, according to Shane.

Now I was sitting in the front row. I was being stared at by reporters, who were wondering why on earth a high school girl was holing hands with Shane Gray. We were waiting for Kayla's video to come on screen. So far, we'd seen that Paisley girl's, which just screamed "Look at me, I kiss and tell!" I couldn't believe they had actually shot that. The other one was just as indecent and I could just imagine Mrs. Bishop covering her daughter's eyes.

Kandice's video was much better. The song was her usual country style, but the video was a little intense. It was following her song, which had everyone entranced. As much as I loved Kayla's voice and her style, I was forced to admit that Kandy had a good chance of winning. She was already in the lead. The second one was good, but not amazing. I only saw a lot of flowers and heard her voice. I managed to grasp the theme with only a few scenes.

I heard music and felt Shane squeeze my hand in anticipation as the music began. I now knew that the outcome of this competition would determine the future of, not only Kayla Gray, but Connect 3 as well.

!!!!

Kayla paced in her dressing room anxiously, her heartbeat going wild. Peggy was sitting calmly in the make-up chair, reading a magazine. She thought Kayla's worry was needless.

The music started and Kayla heard her own voice. She had loved the theme chosen for her the first time. It was a song about a fairy that needed to "fly to her heart." She was wearing a shimmery, shocking pink dress in the video. She even "flew" in a couple of scenes. It was all outdoors and Kayla loved it. But she didn't know if the judges would.

The other one showed her dancing side. She didn't much like the song, seeing as it had been co-written with a few other people, but she loved the dancing. And her outfits helped matters. Though she thought some scandalous, the others she merely laughed at. She loved this one too, but she knew that Dave, who was actually Shane's friend and hers too, would be the only one to like it.

"Stop moving, Kayla, you're giving me a head-ache," complained Peggy. "The videos are fine, everyone will love them."

"And if I don't win?"

"Then Kandy will."

"That's why I feel majorly guilty!" groaned Kayla. "I want to win, but Kandy is my friend and-"

"Kayla, chill! Kandy won't blame you if you want to win. She probably wants to win too."

"Yes, but after all that happened with Drew and…" Kayla trailed off. "You don't think she deserves this?"

"Yes, and if she wins, she'll be happy. But if she doesn't, you know she'll be happy for you. Now, sit down!"

Kayla promptly sank onto the floor as the music stopped and applause sounded. Peggy rolled her eyes at her friend's trembling hands. "Go out and start biting your nails; they'll announce the winner soon."

Kayla scowled and walked out, her hands still trembling. She wanted to win, and she wanted it badly. Shane wouldn't show it because of Mitchie, but inside she knew he'd never really think she was good until she won. And she wanted her brother to be proud of her. She knew he didn't love her. he would always blame her for something she couldn't even remember doing.

!!!

While the videos were being shown to the audience the judges sat in a room, backstage, making their decision.

"Okay," said Brown, leaning back in his seat. "David, what do you think of Brenda?"

Dave grimaced. "She has a good voice, but I don't exactly love her videos."

"Robert?"

"I agree with David. I personally like that country girl and Kayla Gray. They have the spark I'm looking for."

"Well, to be honest, I like Kandice myself," admitted Brown. "But I remember Kayla and Kandice from Camp. Kayla has something which makes you want to listen to her, to look at her again. Kandice is just another country singer with some talent."

Lionel seemed to agree. "Kayla is a dancer; she has a lot of talent, judging from the second song. The first one shows that she can be a 'Teen Queen," rather wryly. "She's like you and Connect 3, Dave. She'll have boys going crazy over her in no time, and her voice is definitely going to attract critics."

Dave nodded. "Kandy's good, but… I don't know, she doesn't seem right."

"Well," Lionel shrugged. "I've made my decision. I like this Gray girl. She has what it takes to compete in the industry. Brown, what about you?"

"I was hoping you'd say that, Robert," grinned Brown. "Kayla is my pick too. But I think you should know something about her."

"Which is?"

"She's Shane's sister," Dave grinned. "If you don't believe us, we have a copy of her birth certificate and Nate and the Bishops are outside, willing to confirm."

Lionel blinked and shook his head in disbelief. "You mean to tell me," he said slowly. "That this girl is Shane Gray's sister?"

"Yes," Brown nodded. "And my niece, might I add."

"So," Lionel looked at Dave. "You know her personally."

"She didn't want us to tell you," admitted Dave. "But seeing as you like her already, I guess its fine, right?"

"I picked her out the minute I saw her."

"Then its final!" said Brown enthusiastically.

"So, that means she wins?" asked Dave hopefully.

"Not exactly," Lionel said thoughtfully. "Let's see if she can perform the same trick twice."

"Meaning?"

Lionel told his plan and the other judges nodded.

"I know she's good. She'll win this thing easily," said Dave confidently.

i knowwww

im a horrible person who never updates when she says she will! but i have exams!!!!!!!!

anyways!

ill send u the links to the videos in the next update, but lets see who can guess them, huh?

please read and reveiw!