The Voice

“Thanks for tuning in to this season of The Voice!” Carson exclaimed as the audience began cheering and clapping. “I’m Carson Daly, and I’m so excited to be here for the first round of live performances of Team Adam and Team Niall. This two hour long episode will be filled with contestants singing their heart outs to stay in this competition. You and the coaches will decide who moves on to round two. Speaking of coaches, let’s bring them all out! With his team performing tonight, we’ll start with Adam Levine of Maroon 5.”

The audience was, of course, cheering, girls the loudest, and Adam was just smiling warmly at them as he came out, dressed in a black v-neck shirt and dark jeans. He was quick to make his way to his seat, where he did an eloquent bow before sitting down.

Carson was laughing at him. “Also watching his team perform tonight, we have our newest judge, Niall Horan of One Direction!”

And I thought the girls were screaming loudly for Adam? No. It was nothing like Niall, who had girls screaming so loud it hurt my ears. He, however, was smiling that gorgeous smile of his as he stepped out dressed in a pair of dark blue pants, a red shirt, and a grey sweater-like thing over the red. He just walked casually to his seat, but he didn’t sit before sharing a secret handshake he and Adam made up and decided they must do every time they saw each other after that.

He introduced Christina next, and as per usual, she wasn’t wearing enough. The dress was short and tight, and her boobs were practically falling out. She didn’t look good in it, but she thought she did.

She blew Niall a kiss after sitting down, and instead of responding with a kiss back or something, he just laughed and turned his attention back to Carson.

“And finally, please welcome Blake Shelton, everyone!”

Blake was actually dancing a bit as the doors opened and he came out, dressed in a dark button-up, a dark blazer, and dark pants. He, of course, laughed and smiled as he walked to his seat, but Adam wasn’t going to let him get away with that.

“I told you not to try dancing like Niall showed you,” he reminded him. “I can’t even dance like that.”

Blake snorted. “Well, I happen to be a fantastic dancer.”

Christina laughed. “Sorry, guys. Niall’s just got it going for him. You don’t.”

Niall laughed awkwardly while the teenage girls in the room screamed at the top of their lungs.
“What can I say? It’s the luck of the Irish.”

“I hate you,” Adam said. “We’re not friends anymore, Niall.” And he buried his head in his hands to hide from the world.

Carson just laughed and began speaking again. “Alright, well, there are your judges. How about we bring out the first contestant? From Team Adam, please welcome Hayley Pickett singing Be Without You. A Mary J. Blige classic.”

Like they told us, as soon as Carson announced us, the music would start, and we would start.
Just like that. That’s why there was a tiny piano part at the beginning of mine, just to get into it so I didn’t overcrowd Carson’s talking.

Hayley was pretty good. That song was one I knew well, so I was backstage with Kiley and Madi lip singing dramatically and enjoying ourselves. Luckily, we didn’t have to stick around our team, so we were standing with Noah and each other in our little group far away from Brinley.
Before I knew it, she was done, and another person from Team Adam was up. Like Hayley, he was an older person—mid thirties, I think they both were. He seemed nice.

“Singing Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy, please welcome Keante Bright!”

The night went along just like that. After Keante was, in fact, Kiley. When Keante went on, Kiley disappeared to get her makeup touched up and her earpiece put in. Madi, Noah, and I were nervous, until her music started.

It started out just like the actual song did, but at the part where she came in, it mixed up into a pretty incredible rock song. We knew it was coming because of the rehearsal, but it was still really awesome listening to. Of course, we were backstage cheering for her and singing along.

The judges had commented on everyone, but I wasn’t paying attention because I didn’t really know the people. She was one of my best friends, so I found their opinions on her amazing performance something I needed to tune into.

Christina had a wide smile. “Wow, Kiley. Wow. That’s all I can say. When the song started, I was a little worried. Anything I’ve heard you sing has drifted away from high notes, though you can do well with them. Still, they’re not your strong point, but that was incredible. I love that song, and you just took it and made it your own. It was fantastic.”

Blake was nodding. “You know, she was right about all of it. But let me just warn you. You hit some higher notes because in that song, it’s unavoidable. That’s something I think you need to work on is getting those notes. I think you did a fantastic job, and I think you’ll do really well in this competition.”

She beamed. “Thank you, both of you.”

It was Niall’s turn next. “I know more than some people like to think I do, but that, Kiley, was all you. Like Christina said, you took that song and made it your own. It was awesome, probably the best you’ve done with it yet. We have work to do with the high notes, but that’s what this competition is for—to learn and grow as a musician, and I think you did a marvelous job. Well done.”

Carson dismissed her off the stage, and she left out the stage room entrance doors. We weren’t supposed to just go backstage again. Instead, we had to go out the doors and all the way back around for the end of the show, when we all came back out again.

As another Team Adam member, a mid-twenty year old woman named Elli Hatchley, went on, Kiley got back, and we all very happily applauded her and told her how wonderful she did. She was super excited with all of the positive feedback she got, but then she brought up the high notes. Her mood dropped, but of course, we didn’t let her mood stay down.

All we had to do was say, “Positive feedback from all of them,” and she cheered back up.

After Elli was Zane, in fact, and he did so well with Fall For You. Honestly, out of the Team Niall members so far—only two, sure, but still—it was going to be hard for America to decide.

That’s why I had to be the best I could be, which needed to be as close to perfect as I could possibly manage.

One more Team Adam member came after Zane before Noah had to come out and absolutely kill Cry Me a River.

Blake was glowing. “You know, I’m actually good friends with Michael Bublé, and hearing you do that song so well makes me so happy. That was amazing, Noah. You showed off your range perfectly. Honestly, I’ve underestimated you. You proved to me tonight that you have just as much of a shot as anyone at winning this.”

Noah looked breathless as he smiled at Blake’s response. “Thank you.”

Adam smiled at him. “I like you. You’re really cool and fun, and you have an incredible voice. To be completely honest with you, it’s something special. I think you could be given any song and make it really good, which is something a lot of people, including myself, can’t really say. No offense, Blake, but you give me a country song, it’s gonna sound terrible.”

Niall was laughing his usual Niall laugh when he looked at Noah—the genuine and carefree laugh he used more times than not that made you smile no matter your mood. “I have to agree with that, all of it. You were nervous when I suggested this, but like I knew you could, you absolutely killed it. That was incredible, Noah. Truly.”

Noah’s smile was as big as Kiley’s had been when he walked out the doors to come backstage. Almost as soon as he was out, Carson introduced the next person—a guy from Team Adam named Seth Griffin, who was singing Mr. Brightside by the Killers.

He nailed it. I didn’t usually pay much attention to people who weren’t at least on my team, but I loved the song, and it was hard to not listen to how well he did with it.

The judges all agreed.

Another girl, early twenties, from Team Adam with bright pink and yellow short hair was up next. She sang Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, but I didn’t really pay much attention because that song really got on my nerves. After her, though, were three from Team Niall—Caleb, Eleanor, and then Madi.

Caleb did pretty good with Every Lie, but compared to some of the other stuff I had heard, I doubted it would be enough. Eleanor did really well with The Story of Us, too, better than Caleb, so she had a shot at advancing as well. It was really fun to dance to, also.

And then there was Madi. Her first country song she had ever sung on this show was Blown Away by Carrie Underwood, and she did so good that I was practically in tears. While the crowd screamed for her, so did we. We were blown away by her performance.

Ha. Ha. Get it? I’m so punny.

Blake’s eyes were wide. “I definitely didn’t have you pegged for a country artist, but I have to say, I think you would do well in country. I’ve heard you do different things, but that was by far your best. That song is incredible. Carrie’s incredible, and I’m sure she’s loving what you did with it. Wow, Madi. That was amazing.”

“It was really good,” Christina agreed. “My only problem was that it was a little pitchy, and I think you were in over your head.”

The crowd immediately began booing while I just gaped at her. Really?! That was incredible! She could definitely handle that.

“You could definitely go the country route, but that’s a powerful song that you shouldn’t have started with,” she insisted. “It was good. Just good, though. I don’t know if it’ll be enough.”

Niall snorted. “Because my team’s just so awesome, America can’t choose between them. I disagree with most of what she said. Obviously I agree with the fact that you would be a great country singer, but you did amazing, Madi! Where was that in rehearsals? Damn! Yes, there were a few pitch problems, but you came alive on that stage, and you did so well. If for any reason you don’t get through, it won’t be for lack of an incredible performance.”

Madi felt a lot better after hearing Niall say that, enough so that she had tears in her eyes as she smiled and went off stage.

And once again, I really didn’t pay much attention to who was next because I didn’t know them.
When I heard what she was singing, though, I immediately tuned in and actually smiled.

Gravity by Sara Barellies was definitely a song I could relate to . . . and it was such a powerful song. She did pretty good singing it, but I don’t think she was strong enough vocally to handle it.
The judges actually agreed with me, except Adam, who kept saying she had done better with it.

Then there was Emma Nelson, probably the best person on Team Adam. She was singing I Told You So by Karmin, and she did magnificent! Not only did she hit every note perfectly, but she danced and did all kinds of performing with it.

That’s why the judges all told her that she was definitely a contender for the title, though Niall said he wanted to hear something stronger from her, something powerful.

Oh dear. After Emma came Brinley. Then . . . .

To my delight, as much as it shames me to say, Brinley had a few pitch problems. She did very well, but it wasn’t as good as I had seen it that one time at rehearsals on this stage.

Niall told her that, too, though the other judges said it was awesome. Brinley seemed to only listen to them, however, and completely ignore Niall’s commentary since it was negative. That’s why she walked out with a bright cocky smile.

As she brushed by me, purposely knocking me in my shoulder with hers, my heart sank to the ends of my toes.

“The final performance of the night is someone from Team Niall,” Carson announced. That was my cue to come on stage, and when I did, the lights nearly blinded me. Still, I wore a bright smile and began scanning the crowd, hoping to find a face I recognized.

And then I saw my dad and Max on the back row, cheering loudly and yelling my name before Carson even said it.

“Please welcome Miss Everit Eberly singing Dirty Love!”

The audience was cheering in excitement, hoping I didn’t screw it up, and while the first few soft strange notes played, I got a . . . sexy smile.

“I see you walking with a halo,” I sang, and to start, I kept my eyes focused on Max. “Cover it up, yeah, cover it up, my baby.”

And then I went with the flow. When I leaned on the guitarist, the crowd went wild, for whatever reason, and I took that energy and ran with it.

“No need to try and be a hero
I’ve had enough, yeah, I’ve had enough, my baby
You got a little bit of Tarzan
Let it all out, yeah, let it all out, my baby
You see the thrill is in the chase
I wanna find out, I wanna find out, my baby.”

The next part, for whatever reason, made me want to play with the microphone stand. I spun it around a little and played with it until the chorus.

“You’re always so nice, I’m getting bored
You say the right things, I’m getting bored
And you always call first, I’m getting bored
Yeah, I’m getting bored.”

This was when I actually threw it down on the ground.

“I’m so sick of the good boys
I need a wild boy, something unpredictable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love
I’ve no time for the right one
I need the wrong one, something unreliable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love

You wanna treat me like a lady
Don’t even try, no, don’t even try, my baby
Ain’t gotta say that you need me
Keep it inside, yeah, keep it inside, my baby

I know I sound a little twisted
And maybe I am, or maybe I’m not, but baby
Playing the game is so addictive
Don’t want it to stop, don’t want it to stop, my baby

You’re always so nice, I’m getting bored
You say the right things, I’m getting bored
And you always call first, I’m getting bored
Yeah, I’m getting bored

I’m so sick of the good boys
I need a wild boy, something unpredictable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love
I’ve no time for the right one
I need the wrong one, something unreliable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love.”

I’m not sure what got me this way, but I was watching Niall the entire time I was singing this part. I was also being provocative, I believe, because he was looking at me through wide eyes.

“Yeah
When you put your clothes back on
Something always feels so wrong
Baby, all I’m thinking of
Is I want your dirty love

I’m so sick of the good boys
I need a wild boy, something unpredictable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love
I’ve no time for the right one
I need the wrong one, something unreliable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love

I’m so sick of the good boys
I need a wild boy, something unpredictable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love
I’ve no time for the right one
I need the wrong one, something unreliable
Go ahead and be a caveman
Give me all your dirty love.”

I was sweaty and breathless as the audience began cheering, as well as the judges. They had been doing that all night, though, so that wasn’t anything special. It was a bit special when I noticed they were all on their feet because that was something they only did a couple of times during the night.

Christina was laughing as the audience died down and she got her turn to speak. “Everit, you are just a sexy human being. I’m serious! You take sexy songs and make them seem so innocent, but you bring the sexy back with the way you perform. It’s insane! I don’t see how you don’t have guys following you around like lost puppies. Honestly, you could turn me. Damn.
Your performance was great, and you nailed that song. I’ve never heard it before, and it wasn’t what I expected from you, but you made it sexy. Made it incredible. In my opinion, that was the best performance of the night. What a way to end the show.”

My eyes were wide as I breathlessly laughed. “Thank you.”

Adam had a huge grin on his face. “You are so full of surprises, Everit. I’ve seen you do that song before, on this stage, but that . . . wow. It was hot and spicy, and I really hate Niall. So much.”

Niall got this rather devious—not to mention sexy—smirk on his lips as he wiggled his eyebrows at Adam. “It’s because I’m cute and Irish.”

“Damn you, Irishman!” Adam exclaimed before burying his head again. “We’re so not friends anymore, Niall.”

Still laughing, Niall looked at me with shining eyes. “Much better than what I heard today. Like I hoped you would, you reminded everyone who you are and surprised them with that. Honestly, I can’t think of a way to make that performance better. You’re just amazing, Everit, and that was definitely one of the top performances of the night. You can sleep knowing you did absolutely incredible.”

I heard Max and Dad screaming my name while the audience cheered loudly, and with tears in my eyes and bright smile on my face, I managed to get, “Thank you,” out before Carson was bringing everyone else out on the stage.

“Now, don’t forget to tune in tomorrow night to watch the first round of live performances from Team Blake and Team Christina,” he said in his usual host-like way as Kiley bounced over to tightly hug me. “And don’t forget to vote for your favorite. You can vote more than once. Text or call, or vote online. Buy the song in iTunes to cast your vote as well. Here’s a recap of the night.”

And on the screen behind us, a short clip of the best part of each performance began playing. When it got to mine, my eyes were wide as I saw myself on fire. Figuratively, of course.
When I looked to the judges, I saw Niall smiling widely at me, and Adam was still pouting. Christina was talking to Blake about something while Carson closed out the episode and bid everyone a good night.

“That’s a rap!” I heard the head cameraman call, and that was when Madi hugged me so tightly as she began squealing.

“We made it through the night without dying!” she exclaimed. “I swear. I thought I was about to keel over.”

I laughed. “Oh, believe me. I did, too.”

When I felt someone poke me from behind, someone that confused Kiley, Noah, and Madi, I knew exactly who was standing behind me, and I didn’t hesitate to begin squealing as I turned and hugged Dad as tightly as I could without hurting him.

“What are you two doing here?” I asked, but I think I was talking much too loud. “You said you weren’t coming ‘til next week!”

Max laughed. “What good is a surprise if you know about it? Now do I not get a hug, Ev?”

Of course, I smiled sheepishly and actually tackled him because I tried to hug him so hard. He
laughed about it, though I knew I hurt him, and I quickly stood back up so I could introduce him to the people around me.

“Max, Dad, I want you to meet my friends,” I said, smiling as happily as I felt inside as I looked to a confused Kiley, Madi, and Noah. “This is Madi, that’s Noah, and this is Kiley.”

Dad smiled at them while Max just goofily grinned, as per Max usual. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Noah laughed. “Sir, you raised one hell of a daughter. She keeps things interesting.”

“Interesting indeed,” Kiley chimed in as she laced her arm with mine. “And this must be the guy Max we’ve heard so much about.”

“That would be me,” he agreed. “I’ve heard about you, too. All of you, in fact.”

Kiley’s smile grew devious, and I knew exactly why. “All of us?”

He matched her smile and added a nod. “All of you.”

Notes

The song is Fuel to the Fire by the Maine. :) Love that band. :D

Anyways, I'm not gonna be avaliable to update this weekend, so I hope you guys enjoy! Have a great weekend! If I get a chance, I'll update, but for now, here ya go. :)

I hope you enjoy this. Lemme know what you think. :)