PREVIOUSLY: The New Directions found out who they were competing against at Regionals, and then they had to sit through a very tough television interview, which they survived but only just.
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And now the continuation:
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CHAPTER 57 - PERFORMING AND FINDING OUT REGIONAL ORDER
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"And we're clear," said the floor manager
"Thanks guys," said Julie smiling "That was a great interview."
"Maybe it was for you," said Quinn standing up "You interviewers seem to take great pride in picking up on irrelevant stuff that's not a big deal, and turn it into a bigger deal."
"Woah," said Puck quickly standing up "I think it's time to walk away."
"No," said Quinn looking at Puck "She needs to know this."
Puck walked past Quinn, and then calmly and gently grabbed her arm and guided her away.
"It's best to just walk away," said Puck calmly
"I guess that's the lawyer coming out in her," replied Julie
Artie had wheeled past Kitty and Kitty was about to open her mouth again, but Artie did the same as Puck did to Quinn.
"Now's not the time babe," said Artie "Let's just walk away."
Kitty had no choice but to walk away as she was pulled in the opposite direction.
Julie looked at Sam and smiled "Was it something I said?"
Sam shook his head in disgust and turned, and walked away without saying a word.
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Quinn walked into the Waiting Room fuming "That's the 2nd Interview in a row that we've had bitches trying to unsettle us."
"Calm down babe," said Puck trying to give Quinn a hug
"I can't," fumed Quinn "Why do people want to unsettle us? What have we done to them?"
"Nothing," said Michael walking up "It's their jobs to try and unsettle the team. It's learning to deal with people like that."
Artie wheeled into the Waiting Room with Kitty in tow, he then let her go, before trying to wheel to the other side of the room.
"Oi Abrams," came Santana's harsh voice
Artie stopped and bowed his head. He knew what was coming.
"Did you know about 'Unique' joining Vocal Adrenaline?" ordered Santana
Artie turned himself around, and was about to answer when Rachel walked in between him and Santana.
"I don't think this is the place nor the time to talk about this."
"It's not," said Will
"I agree," replied Michael
"This topic is off topic until we get back to the Training Center," said Will "I don't want to hear anything more about it until then,"
Santana looked towards Artie, and shook her head.
Their liaison person walked back into the room.
"It's time to join the other teams, follow me please."
"Let's go guys," said Michael
Everyone was silent as they were lead towards the room where they were to meet the other 5 groups, and also perform a song each then find out the main order at Regionals.
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They were shown into the performance room, or what felt like a performance room. They walked past all 5 teams including Vocal Adrenaline, and were shown to their spot.
"Please wait here," said their liaison person "Mr Nigel Hanham is once again the M.C. He'll be along shortly."
The liaison person walked off. Will looked around and saw Vocal Adrenaline, and saw a few members who use to be in the group in the short time he had been their manager before returning to the New Directions. He then saw Wade. Wade seemed to be embarrassed to be seen, he was trying to hide in the middle of his team.
Kurt and Mercedes, who had been quite close with Wade when he first came on the scene, walked to the center of the room, and waved to Wade. At first Wade tried to act stand offish, but knew he had no other choice. He made his way out of the scrum that was Vocal Adrenaline.
"Hi Wade," said Kurt noticing he was not in his 'Unique' character
"Hey Kurt, hey Mercedes, long time no see."
"Hey Wade," smiled Mercedes "You okay?"
"I'm fine,"
"So Vocal Adrenaline huh?" asked Kurt
"It wasn't my first choice," said Wade quietly
"Did you ever get an interest from a Mr Michael Baxter?" asked Mercedes
Wade shook his head.
"You would have been awesome if you joined us," said Mercedes "Maybe unstoppable,"
"There is maybe a reason for that," replied Wade
"Oh, how so?" asked Kurt
Wade was about to answer when Nigel Hanham spoke from the stage.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, please would all team captains please come to the stage. We will be starting in a few minutes."
"Sorry gotta go," It's good to see you both again,"
"Likewise," said Kurt
Kurt and Mercedes walked back to their team while Wade went back to his.
"You did well last time," said Rachel looking up at Finn "You go,"
"Okay," smiled Finn
Finn went to walk towards the stage, when Wade walked past.
"Hey Wade," smiled Finn
"Hey Finn," smiled Wade back
"So you're the captain then of Vocal Adrenaline?"
"Yea... It wasn't my choice," smiled Wade
Finn, Wade, and the 4 other captains, The High Toners, Rumpa Stumpers, The Villagers, and Whatsit2U's went to the stage and waited. Nigel Hanham came back out and walked to the front of the stage.
He was counted in, as the camera rolled.
"Hi... Good afternoon, and welcome, I'm your host Nigel Hanham, and today we will see 6 teams that are involved in the World Championships of Show Choirs competition perform a song each, and then the draw will be the order of performance at Regionals in two weeks time.
"The teams competing, in no particular order are: Vocal Adrenaline, Whatsit2U's, the New Directions, the High Toners, The Villagers, and Rumpa Stumpers. So without further a due, we'll find out the order of appearance for today.
"The Captains of those 6 teams are on stage, so one at a time, please come forward and choose your order. Who would like to go first?"
Finn was about to put his hand up, when the Captain of Whatsit2U's stepped forward. He placed his hand in the bowl and took out a number, and gave it to Nigel.
"Whatsit2U's are going to go 5th," said Nigel "Who's next?"
Once again Finn was about to put his hand up, when Wade stepped forward. He was given the bowl, and he placed his hand in it, and grabbed a ball, and took it out and gave it to Nigel.
"Vocal Adrenaline are going to go 6th... They will be the last today."
Wade seemed to smile, as he walked back to the others, the rest of Vocal Adrenaline cheered out loud.
"It seems that group is living up to their names," laughed Nigel "Who's next?"
Finn made eye contact with Rachel, who mouthed 'Just be forceful'. Just then the captain of the Villagers moved forward.
He went to where the bowl was, put his hand in it, grabbed a ball, and took it out and gave it to Nigel.
"The Villagers are going to go 4th," replied Nigel "Which means we have the New Directions, Rumpa Stumpers, and the High Toners, left to choose. Who's next?"
Finn made the decision to go next, and he walked up to the bowl, stuck his hand in it, grabbed a ball, took it out and gave it to Nigel.
"The New Directions are going to go... first... Wow, that's big for them, luck it's just performing for today."
Finn was shocked. He looked down at his team to see shocked faces, and Vocal Adrenaline were cheering. Finn turned around and walked back to his place. Wade leaned in.
"Sorry about the cheers Finn. That's bad sportsmanship."
"It's okay," replied Finn "It is what it is."
Rumpa Stumpers were next and they chose position number 3, which meant the High Toners would go 2nd.
"We'll take a short break and start the performances. Which means the New Directions will be the first to perform. We'll be back after this break."
Finn made his way off of the stage, and went back to his team
"I'm sorry guys."
"Hey," said Will "It's fine. It is what it is. I don't care where we perform, it's just a one off for the day. It's not even for competition points. Don't let them put you off. We are the New Directions. We can do this. 1st position, last position, middle position, whatever position. Bring it in."
Will stuck out his hand, and everyone put their hands on top of his.
"On 3. 1... 2... 3..."
"Amazing," yelled everyone
"Just have a great performance," said Michael
"Let's go guys," said Finn
The New Directions walked towards the stage, and got into position.
Nigel returned to the stage, and got counted in.
"Welcome back. So here we go. All 6 teams are going to perform one song each, before they find out their Regional order. So first group to perform, please welcome the New Directions."
Nigel walked to the side of the stage.
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1: NEW DIRECTIONS
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RACHEL: "I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything."
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MERCEDES: "You held me down, but I got up (hey!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, your hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake your ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now."
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NEW DIRECTIONS: "I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am the champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!
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"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!."
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RACHEL: "Now I'm floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero."
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SANTANA: "You held me down, but I got up (hey!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, your hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now."
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MERCEDES: "I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
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NEW DIRECTIONS "'Cause I am the champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!
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"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!
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"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!
Roar, roar, roar, roar, roar!
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RACHEL "I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire.
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NEW DIRECTIONS "'Cause I am the champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!
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"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!
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"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar!"
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The New Directions finished performing and 4 out of the 5 groups applauded them, as well as Wade, but his team didn't. They just stood in a serious pose. Nigel returned to the stage.
"Wow, the New Directions have come out firing, and have set the bar high. We'll take a short break and up next are the High Toners, back soon."
The New Directions left the stage and returned to their area, while The High Toners headed to the stage.
"You guys did very well," said Will "Well done, I'm very proud of you all."
"Let's just relax and wait for the order," said Michael
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Nigel returned to the stage and got counted in.
"Welcome back, and now it's time to see the 2nd group of the afternoon. Please welcome The High Toners."
Nigel left the stage.
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2: THE HIGH TONERS
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THE HIGH TONERS: "I'm clumsy, you my head's a mess
Cause you got me growing taller everyday
We're giants in a little man's world
My heart is pumping up so big that it could burst
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"Been trying so hard not to let it show
But you got me feeling like
I'm stepping on buildings, cars and boats
I swear I could touch the sky
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"Ohhh ohh ohhh
I'm ten feet tall
Ohhh oh ohhhh
I'm ten feet tall
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"I'll be careful, so don't be afraid
You're safe here, no, these arms won't let you break
I'll put up a sign in the clouds
So they all know that we ain't ever coming down
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"Been trying so hard not to let it show
But you got me feeling like
I'm stepping on buildings, cars and boats
I swear I could touch the sky
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"Ohhh oh ohhh
I'm ten feet tall
Ohhh oh ohhhh
I'm ten feet tall
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"You build me up
Make me what I never was
You build me up
From nothing into something
Yeah, something from the dust
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"Been trying so hard not to let it show
But you got me feeling like
I'm stepping on buildings, cars and boats
I swear I could touch the sky
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"Ohhh oh ohhh
I'm ten feet tall
Ohhh oh ohhhh
I'm ten feet tall."
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The High Toners finished their one song. Everyone including the New Directions and Wade applauded them, but not the rest of Vocal Adrenaline. They just stood there staunchly.
Nigel returned to the stage.
"The High Toners, ladies and gentlemen. Were they quite something? We'll be back shortly with Rumpa Stumpers."
The High Toners left the stage to be replaced by Rumpa Stumpas. Then Nigel came back on and got counted in.
"Welcome back, and now it's time to see group #3. Please welcome Rumpa Stumpas."
Nigel walked off of the stage.
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3: RUMPA STUMPERS
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RUMPA STUMPAS "You wake up late for school, man you don't want to go
You ask you mom, please?, but she still says, no!
You missed two classes, and no homework
But your teacher preaches class like you're some kind of jerk
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"You gotta fight for your right to party
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"Your pop caught you smoking, and he said, no way!
That hypocrite smokes two packs a day
Man, living at home is such a drag
Now your mom threw away your best porno mag (bust it!)
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"You gotta fight for your right to party
You gotta fight
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"Don't step out of this house if that's the clothes you're gonna wear
I'll kick you out of my home is you don't cut that hair
Your mom busted in and said, what's that noise?
Aw, mom you're just jealous it's the Beastie Boys!
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"You gotta fight for your right to party
You gotta fight for your right to party.
Party
Party."
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Rumpa Stumpers finished their song, and walked off the stage to applause. Everyone bar Vocal Adrenaline applauded them. Nigel returned.
"Wow ladies and gentlemen, Rumpa Stumpers. They were quite, how can I put this? Something. We'll take a quick break and be back with the Villagers."
Nigel walked off stage, as the Villagers got ready.
"I liked the Rumpa Stumpers," said Brittany to Santana "They seem to click well."
"They were okay," smiled Santana "I could think of better things to do instead of standing here."
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
Santana whispered into Brittany's ear, and she giggled.
"Rain check until later, okay?"
Santana smiled and nodded.
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Nigel returned to the stage and got counted in.
"The 4th group of the afternoon, ladies and gentlemen please welcome The Villagers."
Nigel left the stage.
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4: THE VILLAGERS
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THE VILLAGERS: "Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
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"Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
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"It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
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"They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys...
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"It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
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"You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel...
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"Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!
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"No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the Y.M.C.A.
I'm sure they can help you today.
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"It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
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"They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys...
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"It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
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"You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel...
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"Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so jive...
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"That's when someone came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there called the Y.M.C.A.
They can start you back on your way.
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"It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
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"They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys...
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"Y.M.C.A...you'll find it at the Y.M.C.A.
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"Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
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"Y.M.C.A...you'll find it at the Y.M.C.A.
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"Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
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"Y.M.C.A...just go to the Y.M.C.A.
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"Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?"
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The Villagers finished their one song before leaving the stage, they were applauded but once again Vocal Adrenaline just stood staunchly, except for Wade. Nigel returned to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the very interesting Villagers. After the break, we'll see the quaintly named Whatsit2U's. Back soon."
Nigel left the stage as the Whatsit2U's got ready. He then returned.
"Welcome back. We only have two more groups to go before we find out the official performance order at Regionals. Next up. Please welcome Whatsit2U's."
Nigel left the stage.
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5: WHATSIT2U'S
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WHATSIT2U'S: "Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
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"Preacher man don't tell me heaven is under the earth
I know you don't know what life is really worth
Is not all that glitters in gold and
Half the story has never been told
So now you see the light, aay
Stand up for your right. Come on
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"Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
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"Most people think great God will come from the sky
Take away everything, and make everybody feel high
But if you know what life is worth
You would look for yours on earth
And now you see the light
You stand up for your right, yeah!
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"Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Get up, stand up. Life is your right
So we can't give up the fight
Stand up for your right, Lord, Lord
Get up, stand up. Keep on struggling on
Don't give up the fight
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"We're sick and tired of your ism and skism game
Die and go to heaven in Jesus' name, Lord
We know when we understand
Almighty God is a living man
You can fool some people sometimes
But you can't fool all the people all the time
So now we see the light
We gonna stand up for our right
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"So you'd better get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight."
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Whatsit2U's finished their song, and they had been better than the Villagers, The High Toners, and the Rumpa Stumpers. Everyone applauded them bar Vocal Adrenaline again. Nigel returned to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what a great performance by Whatsit2U's. Coming up next the final group performance by a team who has to be a favorite to head into Nationals. Vocal Adrenaline. Back soon."
Nigel left the stage, as most of Vocal Adrenaline headed towards the stage. A couple of them headed past the New Directions and made a comment to each other but also so that the New Directions could hear it as well.
"It's time to show these amateurs how the professionals do it."
"This should be a stroll in the park."
"Don't listen to them," said Rachel "They're just trying to play mind games."
"I'm sorry," said Wade as he walked past.
Vocal Adrenaline set up on stage, before Nigel returned to the stage.
"Welcome back. Well the last group to perform today is one of my favorites to win in 2 weeks. Please make welcome Vocal Adrenaline."
Nigel left the stage.
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6: VOCAL ADRENALINE
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WADE: "Ever since I was a young boy
I've played the silver ball
From Soho down to Brighton
I must have played them all.
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"But I ain't seen nothing like him
In any amusement hall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball."
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VOCAL ADRENALINE: "He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the machine
Feeling all the bumpers
Always playing clean
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"Plays by intuition
The digit counters fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball."
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WADE: "He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist
A pinball wizard's
Got such a supple wrist
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"How do you think he does it?
I don't know
What makes him so good?"
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VOCAL ADRENALINE: "Ain't got no distractions
Can't hear no buzzers and bells
Don't see no lights a flashing
Plays by sense of smell
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"Always gets a replay
Never seen him fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
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WADE: "I thought I was the Bally Table king
But I just handed my pinball crown to him
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"Even on my favorite table
He can beat my best
His disciples lead him in
And he just does the rest."
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VOCAL ADRENALINE: "He's got crazy flipper fingers
Never seen him fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball."
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Vocal Adrenaline finished their song. They were very strong. Especially Wade. He took full control of the song, and it indeed looked like they had the advantage going into Regionals.
New Directions applauded as they always did, which made the other groups also have to.
Nigel returned to the stage.
"Wow, what a performance ladies and gentlemen from Vocal Adrenaline. That is why they'll be heading into Regionals as clear favorites. We'll take a quick break and be back with the draw. Be back soon."
Nigel walked to the side of the stage.
The overall liaison person walked up to the microphone.
"Will all team captains please come to the stage."
Rachel gave Finn a hug "Don't let the last draw get you down. Whatever position we get we'll be fine."
"Thanks," smiled Finn giving Rachel a kiss before heading to the stage.
Kitty walked up to Michael "Tell me Baxter, did you try to contact Adams before contacting most of us? And he said no?"
"I did try contacting him Miss Wilde, but I didn't get a response, so was waiting for him to call back but as you can see there was a reason for that."
"I heard he wasn't wanting to participate this time around," said Kitty "I wonder, what changed his mind?"
"Let's just talk about this alter," said Will
All the 6 team captains made their way up to the stage, and then Nigel returned.
"Welcome back, and now it's time to find the official performance order for Regionals."
Another bowl was brought out, and placed on a table near Nigel. It had all 6 balls in it, with names of the 6 groups.
"So here we go. Once you heard your names, please stand in a line across the stage. So here we go, the team going first are:"
Nigel placed his hand in the bowl and took out a ball, and looked at it.
"The Villagers."
The Captain of the Villagers, stepped forward onto the spot that was provided for them.
"The team going second are..."
Nigel placed his hand back in the bowl, and grabbed a ball and took it out. He read the name.
"Rumpa Stumpers."
The Captain of the Rumpa Stumpers walked over to where the Villagers Captain was and stood beside him.
"The team going 3rd will be..."
Nigel placed his hand back in the bowl and grabbed a ball. He took it out and read it.
"Whatsit2U's."
The Captain of Whatsit2U's walked to the other two and stood beside the Captain of Rumpa Stumpers."
"The team going 4th will be..."
"The High Toners."
The High Toners Captain walked towards the other Captains and stood beside the Captain of Rumpa Stumpers.
"We only have Vocal Adrenaline and the New Directions left," said Nigel "So the teams going 5th and 6th are..."
Nigel placed his hand in the bowl and took out one of the 2 remaining balls. He read it.
"The team going 5th will be... The New Directions which means Vocal Adrenaline will go last."
Finn and Wade walked up to the others and lined up.
"There we have it ladies and gentlemen, the placings have been decided for Regionals. 1st will be the Villagers, followed by Rumpa Stumpers, followed by Whatsit2U's, followed by the High Toners, who are then followed by the New Directions, and Vocal Adrenaline will be the 6th and final team to perform. This is Nigel Hanham signing off."
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So the New Directions will be performing 5th. Coming up next is REGIONALS.
Stay tuned.
NOTE: I do not own the copyrights or the songs to: ROAR, TEN FEET TALL, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT, YMCA, GET UP STAND UP, AND PINBALL WIZARD