Author: SkyTate19
Title: Reluctant Idol
Summary: After being raised by only his father since he was 4, Bridge now has a new obstacle ahead of him: gaining the respect of his high-school classmates! Can he gain their respect by his hidden singing talent and maybe even find some true love? Find out!
Chapter 17
The contestants couldn't believe it: the Westlife were in front of their eyes waiting to judge and help them with their song choices.
Bridge looked around at his friends and saw Ronny, Syd and Kira drawling at Niky Byrne. He actually enjoy their presence too because he was one of their number one's fan.
"Guys! It's a pleasure to meet you. I know that you already know why we are here, but I have to say it anyway…" Shane started explaining while the others made funny faces at him, sanding the contestants in a fit of soft laughs.
The guy was trying to hide his smile because he already knew what his friends were doing "We are here to help you with your songs for this week's theme. But we made a bet between us four. We are going to split you in groups and we will help only three of you each. One of course, one of us will only take 2 of you. The looser will be the mentor of the group where the contestant who has to leave is and he will pay dinner for everybody. Questions?"
Syd, Kira and Ronny raised their hand "Yes?" "WE WANT NIKY!"
They stood up and ran to the boy, engulfing him in a big hug. "Well guys. I have my group. And I will win!" the blond man said while going out of the room.
Kian then stood up "If they don't mind I will take Tyzonne, Cole and Mack" he announced looking at the three guys, who agreed nodding.
Shane looked at the five remaining singers in front of him. Then he turned to the last of his band mates, Mark "you want to mentor two or three guys?"
Mark, who seemed to be shy in front of them, looked at the five and said "can I help Sky and Bridge?"
Bridge, hearing his name called, looked up shyly at Mark "Yeah why not. That means I will help Adele, Z and Wes. Good luck Mark!" Shane said giving his friend and high five.
When they were finally alone, Mark turned to Sky and Bridge and smiled "We're so going to win boys… who want to try first? We have plenty of time so we will go slowly. Ok?"
The two nodded. Sky looked at Bridge. He was smiling like a small kid in a candy store. This is so good for him…
RIRIRI
Niky Byrne's group
Niky felt very lucky. He had to mentor three stunning woman and he was sure he was going to win with them "Who want to start?" he asked looking at the three in front of him.
Syd raised her hand first "I go first…"
The boy smiled and took her hand and kissed it. Syd almost melted in front of him "What's your song darling?"
Syd blushed. Not even his father had ever called her like that "I want to try with –Unchained Melody- but Leann Rimes' version"
Niky's eyes widened "Wow! That's a big song to do… whenever you're ready starts"
Syd took a big breath and then started singing a cappella
Lonely rivers flow to the sea
to the sea
to the open arms of the sea
lonely rivers sigh 'wait for me, wait for me'
I'll be coming home wait for me
Oh, my love
my darling
I've hungered for your touch
a long lonely time
and time goes by so slowly
and time can do so much
are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
Godspeed your love to me
Syd finished singing and looked at the guy in front of her "what do you think?" she asked
"Can I be honest?" asked Niky and the girl nodded "Well… it was a bit… robotic. But I think I have a solution. Can you hit the high note at the end of the original version?"
Syd looked confused "I don't know… I can try…" She cleared her voice and tried with his advice. To everyone surprise, even Syd's, she hit that note easily "I did it!"
"Do that if you want to impress the judges. It's like your winning card" he said smiling "everything's clear?"
Syd smiled at him "I think I understand what I have to do. Thank you very much!"
"No problem really! Let's go on…" he looked at the others two girls "Ronny. You wanna try?"
"Sure!" she answered cheerfully as she stood up "what are you singing?"
"Since Barbra Streisand is my favorite artist of all time, I'm singing her song –The Way We Were- ok?" she looked straight in his eyes saying that.
"More than that! Another big song! Let's see what you can do…" he nodded at her. She then closed her eyes and started singing.
Memories,
Like the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? could we?
Memories, may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...
When she finished, Niky clapped his hands "Amazing. But you can make it more fantastic. Why don't you start soft and end it big?"
Ronny considered that for a moment "can I try now?" "Sure!"
She singed again, but adding what Niky had said. It was way better indeed "Ronny. You're going to be at the top this week!"
The girl's cheeks became redder then ever at that comment. He thought she was amazing. Ronny decided that she could leave that week after that.
Niky then took Kira's hand, helping her standing up "Let me see what you can do…"
"Thanks. I'm gonna sing – A moment like this – but I kind of what to make it like Leona's did" Kira explained but Niky didn't seem to be convinced "You got to have a strong voice to make it that way. Anyway, let's see how it sounds"
The girl think of what he said and then started singing.
What if I told you it was all meant to be
Would you believe me, would you agree
It's almost that feeling that we've met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come here and now
Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment... like this
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Some people search forever for that one special kiss
I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
A moment like this!
For that one special kiss
I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
A moment like this
She finished singing and she panted for air. Niky noticed it straight away "I told you so… that version is very hard to do. You have to stick with Kelly's version if you want to go through the next round"
Kira nodded. She wanted so bad to do Leona's version, but he was right. Kelly's one was way too easy to do.
Niky looked again at his three girls. He could say that he had already won the bet.
RIRIRI
Kian Egan's group
Kian knew that these three guys had potential. They just had to know how to use it. Epecially Tyzonne. "I've chosen you because I think you are the best. And I want to make you even better. I knew you can do this. Mack? You wanna start?"
"Ok. I even sing one of the songs you have covered –All out of Love-. Hope you like it." Mack explained shyly
"I'm sure I will. You can start whenever you want" Kian added smiling. Mack looked at the lyrics in front of him and sang.
I'm lying alone with my head on the phone
Thinking of you till it hurts
I know you hurt too but what else can we do
Tormented and torn apart
I wish I could carry your smile and my heart
For times when my life feels so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesn't really know, doesn't really know
Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
I 'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I 'm all out of love, what am I without you
I can't be too late to say that I was so wrong
Kian nodded "OK. That was very good. I just want to say something if you don't mind" "Sure!" the boy said smiling
"It was a nice choice of witch part you decided to sing. However, I think you should sing softly the second part. You can sing with full power the last part, but old as long as you can the last note. Got it?" Kian asked and the boy tried what he had suggested.
"That's better! Do it like that Mack and you will pass without problem" Kian said smiling.
Then Cole stood up "Can I go next?" "Of course you can! What are you going to sing?" Kian asked shaking his hand.
Cole smiled "-Endless Love-. I want to dedicate it to my wife."
The blond guy nodded "Fantastic! It's a bit difficult to sing solo, but we can arrange something I'm sure. Let's see…"
Cole took a moment and then started singing.
My love,
There's only you in my life
The only thing that's bright
And I
I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do...
And your eyes
Your eyes, your eyes
They tell me how much you care
Cause no one can deny
this love I have inside
and I'll give it all to you
My love
My love, my love
My endless love
Cole ended the song and looked at Kian "mmm… the only thing I can tell you just sing it soft. I don't see a reason why you should rush through it."
"Ok. Thank you Kian" Cole said shaking his hand again, and his place was token by Tyzonne "Ty nice to meet you" the blond extended his hand and Ty shook it smiling "I know you were practically destroyed by the judges last week. I kind of get what they meant. What you chose this week?"
Ty sighed "well… since they said I'm not good at rock, I want to try with a classic –Hello Again- by Neil Diamond. Hope this week I get it right"
Kian smiled softly. He remembered the first few auditions he had attended before joining the group. They trashed him badly "Whenever you want sing. Don't rush anything"
Ty looked down at his lyrics. He didn't know them that well because he had chose that song just the night before
Hello again, hello
Just called to say hello
I couldn't sleep at all tonight
And I know It's late
But I couldn't wait
Hello
Maybe it's been crazy
And maybe I'm to blame
But I put my heart above my head
We've been thru it all
And you loved me just the same
And when you're not there
I just need to hear
Hello, my friend, hello
And I know it's late
But I couldn't wait
Hello…
Kian clapped his hands "This is totally the kind of music you have to sing! I love how you carried through it without forcing anything. Very good job"
He extended his hand at Ty, but the boy took him into a big hug making him laugh. What he didn't see was Ty evil grin, who was thinking "this week I will beat you…"
RIRIRI
Shane Filan's group
Shane took the responsibility of teaching at Z, Adele and Wes. He was listening to Adele's version of –The first time ever I saw Your Face- and he was completely into it. She was absolutely amazing
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love,
the first time ever I saw your face,
your face,
your face,
your face
He looked at the girl blinking for a moment "wow… I don't even know what to say. It was amazing…"
"Thank you very much! Can I give you a hug?" Adele asked making the man laugh "Sure you can. Come here!"
He gave a big bear hug at the woman. Then he turned his attention to Z "So, Z. what you sing for me?"
Z smiled "-Un-break My Heart- by Tony Braxton. It's unusual I know…"
Shane shook his head quickly "No, No. I think is a very good song. Tony is amazing. Oh, God! You have to sing I better stop rambling. Go on sweety…"
Z laughed at the man. She calmed down and started singing
don't leave me in all this pain
don't leave me out in the rain
come back and bring back this smile
come and take these tears away
i need your arms to hold me now
the nights are so unkind
bring back those nights
when i held you beside me
unbreak my heart
say you'll love me again
undo this hurt you caused
when you walked out the door
and walked out of my life
uncry these tears
i've cried so many nights
unbreak my heart
oh baby come back
and say that you love me
unbreak my heart sweet darling
without you i just can't go on
unbreak my heart
"You have the same voice of Tony! I actually thought you were her. I've nothing to say girl you were amazing." Shane said standing up to hug the girl, who accepted it without complaining.
"Well it's seems is my turn" Wes said extending his hand to the man, who shook it "it seems to me also! What do you prepared?"
"-You're beautiful- by James Blunt. I want to use it as a message to say –I'm sorry- to a girl I've treated badly" the boy said sighing
Shane smiled. He remembered the first time he met his wife. He offended her badly and he thought he wouldn't saw her again. But destiny had changed for him.
He then set down to hear Wes's performance.
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.
Shane wasn't thrilled by the performance. "We have to work on it boy. If you want to win this week we need to concentrate on this"
Wes nodded and set down with Shane to study a better way to do it. Shane really wanted to win the bet. He never won one with the guys…
RIRIRI
Mark Feehily's group
Bridge was listening to Sky a he was singing for Mark. As always he was lost in his words. Every time he sang or spoke he felt something strange inside him that made him feel very good.
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am…
When Sky finished singing, Bridge stood up and clapped his hand madly. That made Sky and Mark looking at him and, as always, he became red as a tomato.
Both guys laughed at that "he summered it up for me Sky. And if you decide to play your guitar with it, you will sure be the top one this week"
Sky's eyes widened with surprise "thank you very much!" they then turned to Bridge "it's your turn Bridge come here…"
He stood up and walked toward Mark slowly "h-h-h-h-I" he tried to say extending his hand, but he failed.
"Don't be shy! I'm not going to bite you! Relax, breath in, breath out…" the man tried to calm the boy down. When Bridge seemed to be relaxed, Mark talked again "what are you singing?"
Bridge was embarrassed to say it. He wanted to change his song, but now it was too late "-I want to know what love is- by the Foraigner…"
Mark smiled. He could see himself in Bridge at the same age. He also already figured out one side of Bridge that the boy didn't know he had. He had passed through it.
He just nodded at the boy, making him understand he could start sing.
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm older
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is…
He finished and looked at Mark. The man smiled happily "I'm so proud of you guys. We are so going to win the bet!"
Bridge felt relieved. His Idol loved his song. And that what was important at the moment…
RIRIRI
It was almost midnight when they said goodbye to the Westlife's gang. During the trip back home, Bridge fell asleep on Sky shoulder and didn't want to wake up.
Sighing, Sky picked him up and carried him to their room. He placed the boy gently on the bed. Then, he did something he shouldn't have: he kissed the boy lips.
He regretted it immediately, trying to forget what he's done. Little thing he didn't know, Bridge was awake, and he felt the kiss…
RIRIRI
What do you think about this? Witch Westlife's member will win the bet? Who will leave the competition? But most important, how will Bridge react to the kiss?
Stay tune to find out!!