Interest & Potential
"Thank you for your kind words and advice, Director," Eleanor said, her voice soft but clear. "I appreciate your suggestion about collaboration."
She paused, choosing her words carefully.
"To answer your question, I have indeed spoken with several songwriters under my employ at Windsor Records. However..."
Eleanor's brow furrowed slightly, a touch of frustration breaking through her composed exterior.
"I'm afraid none of them seem to be able to meet my standards. The songs they've presented lack... something. A certain depth or authenticity that I'm searching for."
She clasped her hands in front of her, her poise never wavering.
"I believe music should touch the soul, convey emotions that words alone cannot express. So far, I haven't found a songwriter who can capture that essence in a way that complements my vocal style."
She smiled warmly at the judges, her innocence and enthusiasm shining through.
"I'm grateful for this experience and the feedback I've received. It only strengthens my resolve to continue improving and expanding my abilities."
"My dear princess," Annabelle said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, "perhaps you might consider approaching Brandon Blackstone of BMG to have some songs written for you. His talent for composition, combined with your extraordinary vocal abilities, could produce something truly remarkable."
Gerald let out an audible "hmph" of annoyance, his brow furrowing as he observed the interaction.
It was clear to him that Annabelle was extending an olive branch to Brandon, and he didn't like it one bit.
His eyes narrowed, darting between the two as he felt a surge of irritation bubbling up inside him. The last thing he wanted was for Brandon to gain any sort of advantage or support, especially from someone as influential as Annabelle.
Gerald clenched his jaw, his mind already racing with ways to counteract this unexpected development.
Eleanor, who had been looking dejected moments before, suddenly perked up. Her eyes widened, a spark of hope igniting within them.
She knew her classical training might not be as broadly accepted in the modern music industry.
It was a fear that had gnawed at her since she'd decided to pursue her dreams. But now, remembering Brandon's performance earlier and his other viral video she'd seen, she suddenly saw a path to her own success opening up before her.
'Brandon Blackstone, 13…' Eleanor thought, her heart racing with excitement.
'He could be the key to bridging the gap between my classical background and the contemporary music scene.'
She imagined the possibilities - her voice soaring over Brandon's expertly crafted melodies, lyrics that could give meaning to her wordless emotions. It was as if a fog had lifted, revealing a clear road ahead.
Eleanor's face lit up with a radiant smile, her earlier disappointment forgotten. She nodded eagerly at Annabelle, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.
"Thank you, Director Annabelle," she said, her voice filled with newfound determination.
The audience's applause faded as the Master of Ceremony took center stage once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the results are in for the face-off between Vanderbilt Records and Windsor Records."
"The judges' votes are as follows: four votes for Vanderbilt Records, one vote for Windsor Records."
Eleanor's heart sank.
Only one vote in her favor.
She closed her eyes, fighting back tears.
"And now, for the audience vote..." The MC paused dramatically.
"It's close, but Vanderbilt Records takes it with 58% of the vote!"
A mix of cheers and boos erupted from the crowd. Eleanor's eyes flew open, a spark of hope igniting in her chest.
"However, with the combined scores, I'm afraid the overall victory goes to Vanderbilt Records."
Eleanor took a deep breath as she took a last look at the holographic voting bar hovering above her before leaving the stage.
As she walked across the stage, she heard scattered applause and encouraging shouts from the audience.
"We love you, Eleanor!"
"Don't give up, Princess!"
She paused at the edge of the stage, looking out at the sea of faces.
Despite the loss, she felt a warmth spreading through her chest. The audience had connected with her music, even if the judges hadn't.
As she disappeared into the wings, Eleanor's mind raced with possibilities.
The audience's support had given her renewed determination. Perhaps there was a place for her classical style in this modern world after all.
With her head held high, Eleanor made her way backstage, a small smile playing on her lips.
Eleanor found a quiet corner backstage, her heart still racing from the emotional rollercoaster of her performance and the results. She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths to calm herself.
'I can't believe it,' she thought.
'The audience liked me, even if the judges didn't.'
A small smile played on her lips as she remembered the cheers and encouragement from the crowd.
But then, unbidden, an image of Brandon Blackstone flashed through her mind.
'His performance was... incredible,' Eleanor mused, feeling a flutter in her chest.
'The way he commanded the stage, the depth of his lyrics...'
She bit her lip, recalling the intensity in Brandon's eyes as he sang.
There was something magnetic about him, something that drew her in despite her usual reserve.
'Director Annabelle suggested I work with him,' she thought, her pulse quickening at the idea.
'What would it be like to sing one of his songs? To stand beside him on stage?'
Eleanor felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She shook her head, trying to focus on the professional aspects of a potential collaboration.
'This could be my chance to break into the modern music scene,' she reasoned.
But even as she tried to keep her thoughts practical, Eleanor couldn't ignore the spark of excitement that ignited when she imagined working closely with Brandon. There was something about him that intrigued her, beyond just his musical abilities.
'I wonder if he'd be interested,' she mused, her ambition growing alongside a flicker of something more personal.
'Maybe I should approach him myself...'
Eleanor straightened up, smoothing down her dress. She felt a new determination coursing through her veins, fueled by a mix of professional ambition and a hint of something warmer, something she wasn't quite ready to understand.