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!
Disclaimer: nothing is mine, just the idea of mixing American Idol with Power Rangers!
Chapter 27
Another Wednesday had come: that meant the remaining contestants were about to face another live show and, this time, things weren't going to be great. They had to do the Beatles and, although they were perfectly ready, all of them were nervous like the first time.
They were divided into two groups to perform. Bridge and Sky were put together in the first one. While they were walking to the stage, Bridge couldn't help but stare at the man walking in front of him: he thought about the first time they've met and their growing relationship starting as brothers and then… and then what?
The boy didn't even know how to define what they were. But he actually didn't care: he liked it.
Sky felt someone staring at him and turned around quickly, and caught the younger stare "hey are you ok?" he said messing with his hairs
Bridge flushed crimson at the feeling of Sky's hand in his short hair. He only see now that the man's hairs were grown a little longer, but his eyes were shining as always "yeah… just thinking about the performance… I'm a little worried after last time with the piano"
Sky only nodded "that was your first time… you will do great don't worry"
Bridge smiled at him. He hoped he was right.
They didn't notice someone taking pictures of them while they were talking. And that someone was grinning evilly as he thought about the consequences…
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Ryan entered the stage smiling at the audience in front of him "welcome to American idol! My name is Ryan Seacrest and what you're about to see this evening are 9 great performances. And tonight we have a very special theme: the Beatles!"
The crowd cheered at that "First let's say hi to our fantastic judges Randy, Paula and Simon ladies and gentleman"
The three smiled at the people around them "we asked the contestants what is the best moment so far since they've started the competition. Up first, ladies, is Sky"
As the ladies in the crowd cheered madly, Sky's face appeared on the big screen "I really have many memorable moments but, if I have to pick one, I'd say the first time I stepped on the stage for the first live show. It summarized what I want to do for the rest of my life. It really gave me that rock-concert feeling. It was really intense! I felt like nothing was going to hurt me. When I found out we were going to do the Beatles I was a little shocked because they really are the greatest band that ever crossed this World. I find a great version of – Day Tripper – by White Snake made in the late 70s. it really have a great rock-funk vibe that I thought the song missed. I also added a special things to it that I'm sure it will make this the coolest thing that ever happen on that stage"
The camera then turned its attention on Ryan in the middle of the crowd "with White Snake's version of – Day Tripper – here's Sky"
Sky started playing his guitar and the power of it rang into the auditorium. The man grinned at the girls in front of him and started singing
Got a good reason for taking the easy way out
Got a good reason for taking the easy way out, now
She was a day tripper, one way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out, and I found out
She's a prick teaser, she took me half the way there
She's a prick teaser, she took me half the way there, now
She was a day tripper, one way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out, and I found out
With that, Sky turned to the talk box near him and started playing a small solo part with it, mesmerizing the entire studio with his performance
She was a day tripper, one way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out, and I found out
He held the last note as long as he could then he finished with a last jam with the guitar. The crowd stood up screaming for him as Randy was trying to talk with the man "Yo, Mister Tate! Ever week it's like going to another song at a Sky Tate's concert. You do everything to impress us every single week and you even add a small part with the talk box. I don't know if it was your best performance, but it was another sally great look for Sky Tate. I've loved it!"
"Thank you Randy!" Sky said smiling
Paula nodded smiling "There's really not much more I can say. You're ready to go to sell records, lots of them! And you know what? You've chosen using the talk box in a very cool way. Good job!"
Sky smiled "I just learned to use that yesterday I still have a lot to learn with that… but thank you Paula"
Simon wasn't happy with the performance "Sky I don't think it was as good as you thought actually. You looked like you were really uncomfortable up there tonight and, I hate to say this, but I thought what you did with that thing was absolutely stupid. Tonight you lost your surprise factor you give us every week. It was a little bit predictable. I didn't like this version at all"
Sky nodded at the man and turned to Ryan, who was approaching him "what you think about their comments?" "I'm really ok with that! I mean, they have their opinions and that's cool. You can't be perfect every single week. I hope to come back next time however"
Ryan laughed with him "I'm sure you will. To vote for Sky you have to dial 1-866-IDOL-01 or text a message with VOTE at 5701. Thank you sky for being with us tonight"
"It was a pleasure" he answered grinning at the audience
Ryan turned to the camera "up next is Veronica. Let's see what she has to say for us"
Another video started, and this time Ronny appeared on the screen smiling "the most memorable moment so far is absolutely my audition in San Francisco. Simon was shocked when I stopped singing and he even compared me with Kelly Clarkson. How cool is that??" everyone laughed at that comment "when I found out we were doing Beatles I felt honored to have the pleasure to take on one of their songs. Since I've tried last week to do an up-tempo song and it didn't went well, I've gone back with a ballad. I've chosen – Blackbird -. My brother use to sing it all the time when I was young and it was the first song that I've tried to learn during that time. I hope that this song will make me come back in the competition…"
Ryan appeared on millions of TV screens once again "did she make the right choice? It's your call America. With – Blackbird – here's Veronica Robinson"
The girl was waiting in the middle of the stage for the song to start. When the moment came, she started singing softly.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Then she hit some high notes for the second part, and the crowd cheered in front of her
Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free
She went back to sing softly to end the song
Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
When it ended, she smiled at the people around her and went in front of the judges to hear their verdict. The first one was Randy "another great performance from Veronica Robinson. Very nice, very controlled, very emotional. I've loved that!"
"Thanks dowg!" the girl said happily
Then Paula spoke "you have an amazing tone in your voice Ronny. The inflection that you do in all you song is really something unique. The arrangement was really beautiful. I really love this season of American Idol so much because all of you are challenging each other to be great and fantastic and, tonight with that performance, you just have your shining moment. This was your best performance by a mile"
"Oh my Gosh! Thank you so much!" Ronny said jumping up and down
Simon ended the discussion "So. Beatles' song, hundreds of fantastic choices, and you choose a song about a blackbird" that made everyone laugh in the audience, even Ronny "I don't really think that was a smart thing to do sorry. Because I thought the song was a big indulgent and I didn't like what you did at all"
Ronny only nodded and waited for the host to come near her "why did you choose that song?" "Well, because the lyric means a lot and we all can relate to it very well. - Blackbird flies with a broken wing – it's like we're all been trying to break this industry for a long time that you're in it almost feeling broken. I know it's really corny but I feel like this"
Everyone in the audience applauded the woman and Paula gave her a standing ovation for her word "it was really nice and I'm sure America will love it. To vote for Ronny you have to call 1-866-IDOL-02 or text a message with VOTE at 5702. Thanks darling for being with us tonight"
"Thank you Ryan"
"Up next America is the youngest of the group. Bridge is next" like for Sky and Ronny, a video started and Bridge popped out on the screen "When I found out we were doing the Beatles I was very overwhelmed because my tribute at John Lennon last week went so well that I really think that made me come back in the competition. Even Simon said with that performance I could probably win the competition… oh gosh…" with that word he became red as always for the embarrassment "this week I've decided to go back playing with the piano and I've chosen – Let it be -. I really connect with the story of the song because, well, no matter what happen in your life, you just have to let it be…"
Ryan smiled at the boy kindness and then he turned to the camera "released in 1970, this was the last single from the Beatles. With – Let it be – here's Bridge"
The camera turned to the centre of the stage, where Bridge was set at the piano focused on what he had to play, hoping that this time nothing was going to be wrong
When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
When he finished playing, Bridge's eyes were starting watering at the sight of the crown giving him a standing ovation. Randy smiled at the boy in front of him "Listen Bridge. I don't know if it was your strongest performance, but I tell you what I've liked about it. I was sitting here imagining you at home practicing in front f your piano saying that one day you'll be on a stage performing that song and I feel it was a dream coming true for you. I love that you have this big conviction to come out every single week and sing this soft kind of song while everyone around you play strong ones like Sky did early tonight. I'm a real fan of you boy!"
Bridge just nodded smiling at the big man cheering in front of him then he turned to Paula "this is your Strength Bridge, picking song in which we can feel your heart, and that emotional connection that you have with the song is what make people fell in love with you"
"Thank you Paula" the boy said almost crying making the woman smile. Then he finished turning to Simon "I thought Bridge that it was totally the best performance of the night so far. It was a brilliant choice of song. You've done a two weeks running now. It was really believable and it's really different between the two karaoke performances we have already seen tonight. And I will repeat what I've said last week. You can really be the one who will break what everyone predicted will be the finale of this season"
With that, Bridge broke down in tears at his words. Ryan went near him and handed him a tissue "thank you Ryan" "don't mention it. Randy said about you playing as a young child at home, not that you're old, what it feels like to you?"
The boy sighed smiling "I don't really know how to put this into word. This… this is it! I'm really having the time of my life here. It was a brilliant song full of meaning, this is a beautiful piano to play with, the band is great and the audience is fantastic! This is really a dream coming true…"
"You're I think one of the nicest people that ever step on this stage. If you want to vote for Bridge call 1-866-IDOL-03 or text VOTE at 5703. Thank you Bridge!"
The boy just nodded shyly as the crowd went mad for him "why still have two contestants to see before the commercial. Next is Sydney.
Sid's video started and the blond appeared on the screen "I really think the most memorable moment I've had since now was at the top 11 result show when I was standing there with Wes on the stage waiting for a verdict. It's really stressful waiting there and not knowing what people have decided what your faith will be. It's really scary. Last week I did a new kind of song and it went quite good actually I'm still shocked about that. This week for Beatles theme I've chosen one of my favorite songs so far. It's called – You've got to hide Your Love Away – written by John Lennon. I think this week I will just stand there and sing with my heart and, hopefully, America will like it…"
Ryan smiled as he took position to introduce the next performance "with the beautiful – you've got to hide your love away – here's Sydney Drew"
The song started and, as everyone noticed immediately, the band had changed the arrangement making it more powerful as it was before. Sid appeared in the centre of the stage with her dress sparkling at the light
Here I stand head in hand
Turn my face to the wall
If she's gone I can't go on
Feelin' two-foot small
Everywhere people stare
Each and every day
I can see them laugh at me
And I hear them say
Hey you've got to hide your love away
Hey you've got to hide your love away
She started walking around the stage smiling at the people at her feet who was waving their arms left and right for her as she walked to the stairs
How could he say to me
Love will find a way
Gather round all you clowns
Let me hear you say
Hey you've got to hide your love away
Hey you've got to hide your love away
Hey you've got to hide your love away
Hey you've got to hide your love away
She finished the song hitting a high noted and smiled at the judges. Randy spoke first "listen Sydney. That was one of my favorite Beatles' songs. It really was a strange arrangement for it and when you hit the last note I thought that that was the emotion you should have put in the entire performance. I'm not even sure that you've sing it right. It was just really safe and boring for me sorry."
"Ok" Sid just said as the crowd bowed for Randy. Paula then explained her point of view "first off all I've got to tell you, this is the best I ever saw you looking you're really gorgeous tonight Sydney. It was just really safe but very good. However, I agree with Randy about the high note. Just take all the liberty you want with your performance and you'll be amazing like you were last week darling"
"Thank you Paula. You look gorgeous too tonight" Sid said smiling and them she turned to Simon. The look on his face didn't predict anything good "Sydney the problem with you is not about the way of singing, because you're a really great singer and you know we knew that, but it's about the way you perform your song. Last week was really good because you've had your guitar with you but tonight you look like you were lost up there. It was like wallpaper, you notice it but you can remember what it looked like"
The crowd started bowing the man as Ryan went near the girl to comfort her "do you find this time the urge of being more careful with this song?" "Yeah you know, I love these songs but I've really never sung of it. All I wanted to do was having some fun with it and trying to do my best with the performance and I hope something good came out of this and I hope I will be here next week because" she tuned to Simon and pointed a finger at him "I can blow you out of your socks and you know it!"
Everyone laughed at that, even the British man "it's a challenge Simon! If you want to vote for Sydney you have to dial 1-866-IDOL-04 or text a message with VOTE at 5704. Thank you Sid. It's always good to see you"
"Thank you Ryan"
"We still have another contestant before the break. The last one up is Cole" another video started and Cole came on the screen "my most memorable moment has to be the first round of Hollywood week were I've got for the first time good reviews from all the three judges. Simon didn't like at my audition but I'm glad he changed his mind. When I found out we were doing the Beatles I was thrilled by it because it's my favorite band of all time. They have an amazing songbook to choose from. I've selected 5 songs from that, but at the end I've decided to go with – The long and winding road – written by Paul McCartney. I hope I get all the words right this week because I've got a little problem studying it…"
Ryan was set on the stairs as the camera turned to him "let see if he can overcome the problem of forgetting the words. With – the long and winding road – here's Cole Evans."
Cole was waiting in the middle of the stage set on a stool waiting for the song to start. After a small intro, he started dinging softly
The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to your door
Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried
Any way you'll never know
The many ways I've tried
He the stood up and looked around as he sang the last part of the song with all the power in his voice
But still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
When the song ended he bowed his head as thank you and looked at Randy "check it out Cole. They are right to clap their hands because Cole Evans has brought the house down tonight! I only want to give you a piece of advice. You've sang it very good but you should have made a couple of runs in there to make it more your own. It was a little safe but again it was the best performance of the night with Bridge's one. Very nice man!"
"Thank you man!" Cole said grinning happily at his words. Paula smiled at him "this was probably for me the most exciting and powerful performance because the purity that you put in it it's really your sign. And I know that you overcome your fear of forgetting the words tonight so I applaud you for that. You're wonderful Cole"
He nodded smiling at the woman and turned to Simon "Ok. Since now I thought you were brilliant with your performances and you know I've put you with the ones who can win the competition. But tonight you were just… amazingly good. A real master class if I can say it"
"yeah! You've scared me Simon!" Cole screamed laughing as he gave a high five to Ryan "You look stunned. I just want to ask you a question from all the fans you have"
"sure"
"you've amazed us with beautiful ballads every week and you've been in the top every result show. Will you ever show us your dancing side?"
At that, the women in the crowd started screaming, making the man blush for the first time "yeah… I mean… I don't know I will see"
Ryan laughed at his words and turned again at the camera "If you want to vote for Cole you have to dial 1-866-IDOL-05 or text a message with VOTE at 5705. We take a quick break just to calm down the women's hormones out here and when we came back Adele, Mack, Z and Ty will close the show"
The four of them smiled at the camera as the commercial started, and then everyone went back to the red room to congratulate with the first five contestants. Adele screamed at them as they entered the room "you've rocked guys! Sky the thing that you've done with that thing was incredible. Don't listen to that jackass of Simon"
Everyone laughed at her "thanks Adele. I don't really mind what he's said."
As they continue chatting, a stuff member called the last four of them on the stage to perform. The five remaining people gathered around the TV as Bridge fell asleep between Sky and Cole, exhausted for the day they've passed, but happy that his performance went well this time…
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Oh man!. This is the most I've written for this story! Running a cold seems to help you a lot with your creativity. Anyway, the first part is done! How will the others four will do? And who will leave this time? But most important, will Tyzonn unleash the evilest plan he's ever come up with? Or will he be tortured with his sense of guilty? Stay tune to find out!