Amelia Quinn and Frank Castle had known each other for seven years, dated for three, and were married for three. Back in college, Frank was a renowned talent, able to write songs independently by his sophomore year. After they married, Frank wrote many songs for Amelia, but none of them ever hit it big. At the time, some classmates said it was Amelia's singing that wasn't up to par, but Amelia disagreed. She believed it was Frank's songs that simply weren't good enough.
Later, when Amelia rose to fame, Frank was still diligently writing songs for her. But by then, she no longer thought much of Frank's music. Then, two years ago, Frank completely stopped being able to write any songs. Amelia completely dismissed Frank. She had concluded that Frank would never have a future in the entertainment industry and couldn't offer her any further help, so she cast him aside like a worn-out shoe.
But she never expected that just one month after their divorce, Frank would consecutively produce two golden-tier hit songs! Especially this one, "The Balladeer"—if she had sung it, it would have been even more impactful than Frank's version!
Amelia Quinn looked at Frank, who stood calmly on stage. Frank happened to be looking in her direction too, his gaze seemingly the same as before. Amelia's heart stirred. She understood! Frank was trying to win her back this way! One of the reasons for her divorce from Frank was that he had run out of talent and could no longer help her. Now, Frank had desperately written two great songs, and even specifically followed her to American Voice. Wasn't he trying to tell her:
I can write good songs now, Amelia. I can help you! Please, come back to me!
Amelia could almost picture Frank pleading with her. This rapidly improved her mood, and the smile on her face brightened. After the show, Frank would definitely come looking for her. When he did, she absolutely couldn't be soft-hearted. Why had he been so nasty to her lately, and even written a song to insult her? Amelia was definitely not going to remarry Frank, but if Frank could continue to write songs of the same caliber as "The Balladeer," she might give him a little goodwill, as a reward.
"Waaah!"
Amelia Quinn was deep in thought when a loud cry suddenly startled her. She turned to see Cecilia Rhodes, her eyes red from crying, sobbing: "Waaah... I'm so sorry, I'm just so moved! Waaah... 'Humble yet daring not to forget my homeland,' that line just pierced me! Elias was a true hero! I'm going to cry myself to death! Waaah... 95 points!"
Cecilia Rhodes, still crying, gave the highest score of the show so far.
"Wow! 95 points!"
"This song deserves it!"
"Sweet Ceci, cry a little quieter, we fans are too embarrassed!"
"Hahaha, Cecilia Rhodes crying is too cute!"
"Waaah, I just wiped my tears, and now Cecilia Rhodes is making me cry again!"
Exclamations, laughter, and tears erupted simultaneously in the audience. The close-up shot on the big screen immediately shifted from Amelia Quinn to Cecilia Rhodes. The petite and adorable UK Pop Princess, crying prettily, was both endearing and amusing—truly captivating. The entire focus of the venue shifted to Cecilia Rhodes.
Amelia Quinn's expression darkened again. That Cecilia Rhodes really knows how to steal the spotlight. Amelia recalled Cecilia Rhodes's duet of "Plain Face" with Frank, and her resentment intensified. Britain, after all, was too small. Cecilia Rhodes wanted to expand into the mainland, and someone of similar standing like herself was naturally her biggest rival. Using her ex-husband to step on her, and then stealing attention in the same show. This woman is too scheming!
Cecilia Rhodes had no idea what Amelia Quinn was thinking; she was genuinely moved. Though the young lady was a bit ditzy, she had excellent upbringing and a patriotic heart from a young age. She knew a lot about that conflict from over eighty years ago and deeply revered the brave pioneers. The moment "The Balladeer"'s background story appeared, Cecilia Rhodes's eyes had already turned red. Two lines into Frank's song, she was already pulling out tissues. By the line, "Humble yet daring not to forget my homeland, even if no one knows my name," Cecilia Rhodes's tears flowed freely, and she couldn't stop them even now.
In truth, Frank's performance had quite a few flaws. With the song's power, 90 points was fine, but 95 points was perhaps a bit inflated. But Cecilia Rhodes couldn't care less about objectivity; this song simply deserved it!
Just as unobjective as Cecilia Rhodes was Arthur Zheng. The rock king, in his thirties, directly stood up.
"My biggest regret is not being born in that era, not being able to personally take down a few of those rascals!"
"Frank's song made me feel like I was back in that tragic and passionate time!"
"I don't know if a figure like Elias truly existed in history!"
"But I believe every one of us American children is an Elias. Every American has a heart determined to defend our homeland to the death!"
"The fire in the saloon never extinguished; it burns forever in our hearts!"
"This song, I give 95 points!"
Arthur Zheng's impassioned words once again ignited the entire recording hall. The audience all rose to their feet, applauding thunderously.
"Well said!"
"We are all Elias!"
"America cannot be humiliated!"
Loud applause also erupted backstage among the contestants. Everyone was fired up, except for Alex Stone. He was still wondering what he should do when it was his turn to go on stage. Frank's vocal riff was so stunning; should he still sing his own half-baked riff? But if he didn't, the entire song would have to change, and the accompaniment track was already submitted. It was too late to change! Argh! I wish I hadn't added that vocal riff!
After Arthur Zheng's impassioned review, it was Celeste Monroe's turn for the final critique. The excited audience gradually quieted down. Everyone was eager to hear how the usually strict Untouchable Diva would evaluate such a song. Frank, who had been as calm as a gentle breeze, subtly straightened his posture, feeling a bit nervous. It was a bit like a student submitting a test, awaiting the teacher's grading.
Celeste Monroe sat elegantly, her stunning, cold face attracting all eyes even without any expression. Under the gaze of thousands, Celeste Monroe spoke calmly:
"The first vocal riff was too airy. A song like this should be heavier, to match the meaning of the lyrics."
"The second line of the chorus had a slight vocal break. Your voice still needs more practice."
"The last line was too flat; it lacked depth."
"The transitions and the details of the vocal riffs weren't perfect enough..."
After listing a barrage of issues, the entire hall was silent. The audience exchanged glances. Could it be that even a song like this wouldn't get a high score from Diva Queen Celeste? Even Frank on stage felt a little anxious. He knew his singing still needed improvement, but he hadn't expected so many issues to arise when singing a slightly challenging song like "The Balladeer" on stage. It seems he needs to work even harder!
Amelia Quinn, meanwhile, smiled with relief. Sure enough, Aunt Celeste was still on her side. Belittling Frank like this was just to vent her anger for her, wasn't it?
The next moment, Celeste Monroe looked at Frank's receptive expression, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes. Her voice suddenly softened:
"However, I really like this song, and I really like the emotion in your performance. Technique can be practiced, but a pure heart like yours is much rarer. I give you... 85 points."