Always
The Audition
Kaylie’s POV
Sunday, 1st May
I was so nervous. I felt like my heart was about to explode out of my chest. There were so many people, talking and standing behind metal barriers that were printed with the large X Factor logo. I tried to focus on the brilliantly-coloured hair of the young man in front of me or repeat the lyrics of the song in my head but it was so difficult. I took deep breaths as an arm circled my shoulders.
“It’s OK, Kay. You’ll do great.” My older brother, Connor, said with a smile. I managed to give him a weak smile back. I was thankful to have the support from my family who all came with me today. My two other brothers, Michael, who was also older than me, and Reece, who was younger than me, were with me and so were my wonderful parents, Hilda and Deacon Walker. Yep, I only had brothers. I wish I had a sister but don’t get me wrong, I loved my brothers to death. Because I was the only girl, I was definitely spoilt and that’s something I couldn’t complain about.
It was my family who encouraged me to audition. I didn’t understand why. I was perfectly happy with singing at home or in school competitions but the stage called to me. Nerves always held me back though. I couldn’t be a performer if I stumbled on my words or forgot them. Shit, what if I forget the lyrics?! Crap! The line moved up slowly, each contestant getting their number tag and walking into the venue. There’s going to be so many people in there. How am I going to sing in front of thousands of people? I truly didn’t know but I would try my best.
Finally, I was next in line so I stepped up to the table to be greeted by a lovely middle-aged woman with brown hair and friendly brown eyes.
“Name, please?” She asked.
“Kaylie Walker.” I said. The woman flipped through the pages until she got to the ‘W’ section. She ran her forefinger down the list of names before tapping one, looking up at me with a smile.
“There you are. Good luck.” She said kindly, handing me my number tag. I taped it to my jacket and thanked her before walking in with my family.
I knew I had to wait until it was my turn to audition. I managed to find vacant seats in the waiting area and sat down in one while my family took their seats as well. My flat boots tapped the floor continuously and I fiddled with my fingers, adjusting the gold ring on my right hand. It was my good luck charm. My grandmother gave it to me before she died a year ago. I still miss her terribly. She was everything to me. Maybe in doing this audition, I would make her proud.
“How are you feeling, sweetie?” My mum asked from opposite me.
“Nervous.”
“You’ll do fantastic, darling. Take deep breaths, OK?” My father smiled and proceeded to breathe with me. I closed my eyes momentarily and took a deep breath. In and out. In and out. In and out. I repeated to myself, hoping my heart would slow down a little bit.
I looked around at the other people were auditioning. Girls and boys of all ages. I saw a man who was covered in tattoos, strumming his guitar. I saw a girl who looked about 25, smiling at what looked like her sisters. I heard people singing to themselves and many of them had great voices. It didn’t help me at all. Just when I was trying to repeat the lyrics of the song I was going to sing in my head, I heard squeals coming from behind me.
“Can you believe we’re going to be performing in front of Harry Styles?”
“I know! He’s such a hottie!”
I looked over my shoulders and saw four girls who definitely looked like they were in a group. They were smiling, laughing and playing with their gorgeous hair. They looked a little older than me, maybe 20 or 21, and they were far more beautiful than I was. They looked like they were born to perform, from what they were wearing. Perfect skirts and tops with stunning make-up and shoes. I hadn’t put much thought into my clothes at all. Denim skinny jeans, a black blouse with white spots and a navy blue bomber jacket. I had left my caramel-coloured hair loose and my make-up was very simple. I wasn’t a huge make-up girl anyway but seeing what the other girls were wearing, it made me feel very insecure about my looks.
Going back to what they were talking about: Harry Styles. I was a fan. I was a Directioner. I hadn’t followed them from the start. It was in late 2014 when I became a fan. I wasn’t completely obsessed with them though. I was lucky enough to see them on their On The Road Again tour last year on the 24th of September. To see them live was one of the best experiences of my life. To see them so close was a privilege. I won’t lie, I had a soft spot for Harry. I didn’t know what it was about him. He just seemed like a really sweet guy. Seeing him perform live was one thing but performing in front of him was a completely different thing altogether.
“Hello, there.”
I turned back around to see the host for this series of the show, Dermot O'Leary, standing before us with a smile. There was a camera crew behind him and I instantly remembered this is a reality show that is going to be aired on national television. My family all chorused “hello” back to him.
“So who’s auditioning today?” Dermot asked. Reece pointed at me and I gulped. I tried my best to not look nervous as the host sat down beside me.
“What’s your name?”
“Kaylie. Kaylie Walker.” I answered.
“And what has brought you to The X Factor?”
Right, I’ve got to answer this. People are going to watching this on their TVs soon. I reminded myself. I looked Dermot straight in the eye and took a breath before stating the best answer I could give.
“I’ve been singing for most of my life but I didn’t think I was very good. I plucked up the courage to enter a few competitions at school and when I did well, my family encouraged me to audition. So here I am.” I smiled.
“Good for you. And which judge are you looking to impress the most?”
Well, obviously Harry, but I couldn’t say that. I would blush like a fool if I said his name. But I really hoped Harry would like me. He was someone I looked up to so if I got a yes from him, I would be so ecstatic.
“To be honest, all of them.” I said and Dermot gave me a comforting smile.
“Well, good luck out there, Kaylie.”
“Thank you.” I said as the host got up and said goodbye to us before searching for another contestant to interview, the camera crew following him.
I breathed deeply and locked my hands underneath my thighs, trying to calm my racing heart. I was so nervous to perform in front of the judges, especially Harry. But he was in my position once. Hopefully, he would understand how I feel.
0*0
“Good luck, sweetie. Make us proud.” My mother said, hugging me.
“I’ll try.”
“Relax, Kay. Concentrate on the lyrics.” Michael told me and I nodded.
“And don’t faint in front of Harry.” Reece smirked and I glared at him. I didn’t need his sarcastic shit from him right now, when I was so bloody nervous. I received hugs and kisses from my whole family before walking up the steps and being handed a microphone by one of the volunteers. I stood by the wings and looked out into the crowd. There were so many people. Fuck…! How am I going to do this? No, I can do this! I was having a little war with myself than I needed to end quickly.
I saw the judges’ desk. Simon Cowell sat on one end, fixing the papers before him, a black pen in his hand. Dannii Minogue and Mel B sat next to each other, talking about something. Both women looked absolutely beautiful and my knees began to wobble. Then, I laid eyes on him. He looked…amazing. His hair was long, reaching just past his shoulders, and I could tell his chocolate curls had gotten a bit of a trim. He was dressed in a light blue shirt that had small white stars on it, the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows, leaving the buttons open to show off his swallow tattoos. I assumed he was wearing black skinny jeans because that was literally what he wore 95% of the time. He was seated next to Simon and the two of them were in conversation. I couldn’t believe Harry Styles was sitting right there. It was ridiculous. A dream of mine had been fulfilled already.
“Right, on you go.” The female volunteer smiled at him. I took one last deep breath, gripping the microphone in my hands, as I walked out onto the stage, welcomed by cheers and screams. I could feel my cheeks heating up as all the judges looked at me when I stopped on the small X. I knew I was on many cameras now and I looked at the judges confidently.
“Hello.” Simon said.
“Hello.” I spoke into the microphone.
“And what’s your name?”
That is the third time I’ve been asked that today. But I said my name again anyway.
“I’m Kaylie Walker.”
“And how old are you?”
“18.” I answered and found Harry staring right at me. God, did he look gorgeous! I mean, I could see the sparkle in his green eyes from where I was standing. I swallowed deeply just before Simon asked me another question.
“And what do you hope to achieve while being here today?”
“Uh, well…I am quite ordinary and I guess I want to show people that if you have a dream, you always have a chance so grab it while you can.” I said. I made it up on the spot but I actually got some cheers from the audience. It made me feel a little better. I could’ve sworn I saw Harry smirk a little, his dimples showing in his cheeks.
“OK, what are you going to sing?” Simon wanted to know.
“I’m going to sing Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart by Ariana Grande.” I said. I saw Harry’s eyes widen as Simon glanced at him briefly. I knew Harry had written the song but it wasn’t the reason I chose it. I just found it to be a very beautiful song and lyrically, it was very emotional. I knew I wasn’t as good as Ariana but I would give it my best shot.
“Off you go then, Kaylie.” Simon said and right on cue, the slow music started. I looked at the shiny floor as the first few beats of the song played. When it was time for the first verse to begin, I raised the microphone to my lips and began to sing.
“I don't ever ask you where you've been.
And I don't feel the need to
Know who you're with.
I can't even think straight but I can tell
You were just with her.
And I'll still be a fool, I'm a fool for you.”
I closed my eyes when it was time for me to sing the chorus.
“Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart is all I want.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit is all I'm asking for.”
I opened my eyes to see the audience was completely quiet, thousands of pairs of eyes on me. But for some reason, I wasn’t nervous. I concentrated on the song, slowly swaying my head to the side to the beat of the music. Simon stared at me intently, Dannii’s eyes were sparkling and Mel B had a smile playing on her lips. Harry’s eyes were right on me and he never looked away. He had the fingers of his left hand on his mouth, watching me perform a song that he wrote.
“I know I'm not you're only
But at least I'm one
I heard a little love is better than none.”
I hit Ariana’s high note and I heard screams and applause from the audience. I lost myself in the song as I sung the chorus again, placing my hand over my heart.
“Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart is all I want.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit is all I'm asking for.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart is all I want.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit is all I'm asking for.”
I finished the song and let the microphone fall away from my mouth. I waited a couple of seconds and suddenly, the entire venue was filled with screams and cheering and applause. But that wasn’t the thing that surprised me. All four judges were on their feet, clapping and smiling. I covered my mouth with my free hand as I stared around with shining eyes. I can’t cry! Don’t cry, Kaylie. You must not cry. I told myself. I wiped my eyes and cleared my throat, my hand pressed against my chest. The applause died down and the judges sat back down. Harry ruffled up his hair the way I loved it and smiled at Simon before returning his eyes to me. He stood up for me. Harry Styles applauded and stood up for an ordinary girl like me. I was so shocked.
“Kaylie…” Dannii spoke. I looked at her, holding the microphone tightly in my hands. I was pretty sure my fingers were white by this point. Her blue eyes were friendly, enhanced by eyeliner and mascara, making them shine like crystals.
“That was an incredible performance. For an 18-year-old, you have a great voice. I could sense you were nervous but you powered through that to sing very well. Well done.”
“Thank you so much.” I said into the microphone quietly and there were more cheers. The audience knew nothing about me but they liked me. I was so happy and I couldn’t stop the small smile from appearing on my face.
“Yes, I agree with Dannii. You sung that song incredibly well. It’s not an easy song to sing because of the power of the lyrics but you really taped into the lyrics and that worked in your favour. I think you’re one to watch out for, Kaylie.” Mel B pointed at me and smiled. Wow, really! My smile got wider and I thanked her. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and looked at the two remaining judges. Simon looked at Harry and gestured for him to speak. The green-eyed curly-haired young man cleared his throat and looked at me kindly.
“Well, Kaylie…I loved that.”
Screams came from the audience and I gasped a little as tears welled up in my eyes. My name rolling off his tongue made my heart tingle. He was my inspiration and my idol and to hear him say he loved my performance was the best thing.
“I had a lot of fun writing that song and the lyrics, as Mel said, are very powerful and you got the power of them. What I loved about it was that you didn’t copy Ariana. You made it your own. I can see your originality and I think Ariana would be very proud of that performance. You really don’t realise how amazing you are, Kaylie. I can’t wait to see where you go from here.”
I listened to his words like it was the most important thing I would ever listen to. I managed to say “thank you” into the microphone over the cheers from the audience. Harry gave me a smile and leaned back in his chair, looking at Simon Cowell. I bit my lip while I awaited his opinion. Simon had a reputation for being very harsh so I hoped I had done enough to get good feedback.
“Kaylie, honestly, I think you’re going to make it to the live shows.”
My hand returned to my mouth again. What?! Tears were definitely in my eyes now. The judges smiled and the audience screamed in approval. This was only the auditions and Simon already thought I was going to be in the live shows? I hadn’t performed to thousands of people before. This was my first time and he believed I was that good. I was in shock, to say the least.
“I mean, everything about that performance was spot-on. Sure, you were nervous, but that will disappear as you grow into an artist. You’re definitely a contender to make it far in this show. And now, we’re going to vote.”
I knew my family were probably going crazy backstage. I prepared myself for a huge bear hug from all of them after I got off the stage. I stared at the judges as they all gave their verdict. Both Dannii and Mel said yes. Then, it was Harry’s turn. He looked at me and grinned widely, showing off his pearly white teeth.
“Kaylie, it’s a massive yes from me.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much.” I smiled back at him. My eyes darted to Simon who nodded his head.
“And it’s a yes from me. Well done, you got four yeses. We’ll see you at Bootcamp, Kaylie.”
I got in! Holy crap, I got in! I was elated. I couldn’t believe it. I was through to the next stage of the competition. I walked off the stage, saying “thank you” one more time, as the judges watched me leave to a massive cheer. I glanced at Harry, who was still smiling, one last time before reaching the safety of the wings.
I handed the microphone back to the female volunteer who congratulated me. I rushed down the steps to be welcomed into hugs and kisses from my family.
“I knew you could do it!” Michael cried.
“Well done, baby sis!” Connor wrapped his arms around my petite body, swaying us from side-to-side.
“My little girl, you did it!” My mum squealed, pulling me into an embrace and my father joined in, his arms circling my back. After all the congratulations from my parents and my brothers, I was back on camera with Dermot, who also gave me a hug.
“You did great, Kaylie.” He said.
“Thank you.”
“What was the highlight of that?” He asked. I placed my hand over my father’s one, which was on my shoulder, as I answered the question.
“Probably getting a compliment from Harry. I knew he wrote the song so for him to say I sang it well was incredible.” I smiled. I was just so happy that my idol had faith in me. This was honestly one of the best days of my life. Dermot farewelled us and told me that we’d see each other again at Bootcamp.
I was pulled into another family hug, my brothers surrounding me and my mother kissing me on the forehead. I was happy I made them proud. I was a huge family-orientated person and I don’t know where I would be without their love and support. And on this day, I knew I had made my grandmother proud. Wherever she was, up in heaven, I knew she was looking down at me with a smile, saying “Well done, pumpkin.”
Sunday, 1st May
I was so nervous. I felt like my heart was about to explode out of my chest. There were so many people, talking and standing behind metal barriers that were printed with the large X Factor logo. I tried to focus on the brilliantly-coloured hair of the young man in front of me or repeat the lyrics of the song in my head but it was so difficult. I took deep breaths as an arm circled my shoulders.
“It’s OK, Kay. You’ll do great.” My older brother, Connor, said with a smile. I managed to give him a weak smile back. I was thankful to have the support from my family who all came with me today. My two other brothers, Michael, who was also older than me, and Reece, who was younger than me, were with me and so were my wonderful parents, Hilda and Deacon Walker. Yep, I only had brothers. I wish I had a sister but don’t get me wrong, I loved my brothers to death. Because I was the only girl, I was definitely spoilt and that’s something I couldn’t complain about.
It was my family who encouraged me to audition. I didn’t understand why. I was perfectly happy with singing at home or in school competitions but the stage called to me. Nerves always held me back though. I couldn’t be a performer if I stumbled on my words or forgot them. Shit, what if I forget the lyrics?! Crap! The line moved up slowly, each contestant getting their number tag and walking into the venue. There’s going to be so many people in there. How am I going to sing in front of thousands of people? I truly didn’t know but I would try my best.
Finally, I was next in line so I stepped up to the table to be greeted by a lovely middle-aged woman with brown hair and friendly brown eyes.
“Name, please?” She asked.
“Kaylie Walker.” I said. The woman flipped through the pages until she got to the ‘W’ section. She ran her forefinger down the list of names before tapping one, looking up at me with a smile.
“There you are. Good luck.” She said kindly, handing me my number tag. I taped it to my jacket and thanked her before walking in with my family.
I knew I had to wait until it was my turn to audition. I managed to find vacant seats in the waiting area and sat down in one while my family took their seats as well. My flat boots tapped the floor continuously and I fiddled with my fingers, adjusting the gold ring on my right hand. It was my good luck charm. My grandmother gave it to me before she died a year ago. I still miss her terribly. She was everything to me. Maybe in doing this audition, I would make her proud.
“How are you feeling, sweetie?” My mum asked from opposite me.
“Nervous.”
“You’ll do fantastic, darling. Take deep breaths, OK?” My father smiled and proceeded to breathe with me. I closed my eyes momentarily and took a deep breath. In and out. In and out. In and out. I repeated to myself, hoping my heart would slow down a little bit.
I looked around at the other people were auditioning. Girls and boys of all ages. I saw a man who was covered in tattoos, strumming his guitar. I saw a girl who looked about 25, smiling at what looked like her sisters. I heard people singing to themselves and many of them had great voices. It didn’t help me at all. Just when I was trying to repeat the lyrics of the song I was going to sing in my head, I heard squeals coming from behind me.
“Can you believe we’re going to be performing in front of Harry Styles?”
“I know! He’s such a hottie!”
I looked over my shoulders and saw four girls who definitely looked like they were in a group. They were smiling, laughing and playing with their gorgeous hair. They looked a little older than me, maybe 20 or 21, and they were far more beautiful than I was. They looked like they were born to perform, from what they were wearing. Perfect skirts and tops with stunning make-up and shoes. I hadn’t put much thought into my clothes at all. Denim skinny jeans, a black blouse with white spots and a navy blue bomber jacket. I had left my caramel-coloured hair loose and my make-up was very simple. I wasn’t a huge make-up girl anyway but seeing what the other girls were wearing, it made me feel very insecure about my looks.
Going back to what they were talking about: Harry Styles. I was a fan. I was a Directioner. I hadn’t followed them from the start. It was in late 2014 when I became a fan. I wasn’t completely obsessed with them though. I was lucky enough to see them on their On The Road Again tour last year on the 24th of September. To see them live was one of the best experiences of my life. To see them so close was a privilege. I won’t lie, I had a soft spot for Harry. I didn’t know what it was about him. He just seemed like a really sweet guy. Seeing him perform live was one thing but performing in front of him was a completely different thing altogether.
“Hello, there.”
I turned back around to see the host for this series of the show, Dermot O'Leary, standing before us with a smile. There was a camera crew behind him and I instantly remembered this is a reality show that is going to be aired on national television. My family all chorused “hello” back to him.
“So who’s auditioning today?” Dermot asked. Reece pointed at me and I gulped. I tried my best to not look nervous as the host sat down beside me.
“What’s your name?”
“Kaylie. Kaylie Walker.” I answered.
“And what has brought you to The X Factor?”
Right, I’ve got to answer this. People are going to watching this on their TVs soon. I reminded myself. I looked Dermot straight in the eye and took a breath before stating the best answer I could give.
“I’ve been singing for most of my life but I didn’t think I was very good. I plucked up the courage to enter a few competitions at school and when I did well, my family encouraged me to audition. So here I am.” I smiled.
“Good for you. And which judge are you looking to impress the most?”
Well, obviously Harry, but I couldn’t say that. I would blush like a fool if I said his name. But I really hoped Harry would like me. He was someone I looked up to so if I got a yes from him, I would be so ecstatic.
“To be honest, all of them.” I said and Dermot gave me a comforting smile.
“Well, good luck out there, Kaylie.”
“Thank you.” I said as the host got up and said goodbye to us before searching for another contestant to interview, the camera crew following him.
I breathed deeply and locked my hands underneath my thighs, trying to calm my racing heart. I was so nervous to perform in front of the judges, especially Harry. But he was in my position once. Hopefully, he would understand how I feel.
0*0
“Good luck, sweetie. Make us proud.” My mother said, hugging me.
“I’ll try.”
“Relax, Kay. Concentrate on the lyrics.” Michael told me and I nodded.
“And don’t faint in front of Harry.” Reece smirked and I glared at him. I didn’t need his sarcastic shit from him right now, when I was so bloody nervous. I received hugs and kisses from my whole family before walking up the steps and being handed a microphone by one of the volunteers. I stood by the wings and looked out into the crowd. There were so many people. Fuck…! How am I going to do this? No, I can do this! I was having a little war with myself than I needed to end quickly.
I saw the judges’ desk. Simon Cowell sat on one end, fixing the papers before him, a black pen in his hand. Dannii Minogue and Mel B sat next to each other, talking about something. Both women looked absolutely beautiful and my knees began to wobble. Then, I laid eyes on him. He looked…amazing. His hair was long, reaching just past his shoulders, and I could tell his chocolate curls had gotten a bit of a trim. He was dressed in a light blue shirt that had small white stars on it, the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows, leaving the buttons open to show off his swallow tattoos. I assumed he was wearing black skinny jeans because that was literally what he wore 95% of the time. He was seated next to Simon and the two of them were in conversation. I couldn’t believe Harry Styles was sitting right there. It was ridiculous. A dream of mine had been fulfilled already.
“Right, on you go.” The female volunteer smiled at him. I took one last deep breath, gripping the microphone in my hands, as I walked out onto the stage, welcomed by cheers and screams. I could feel my cheeks heating up as all the judges looked at me when I stopped on the small X. I knew I was on many cameras now and I looked at the judges confidently.
“Hello.” Simon said.
“Hello.” I spoke into the microphone.
“And what’s your name?”
That is the third time I’ve been asked that today. But I said my name again anyway.
“I’m Kaylie Walker.”
“And how old are you?”
“18.” I answered and found Harry staring right at me. God, did he look gorgeous! I mean, I could see the sparkle in his green eyes from where I was standing. I swallowed deeply just before Simon asked me another question.
“And what do you hope to achieve while being here today?”
“Uh, well…I am quite ordinary and I guess I want to show people that if you have a dream, you always have a chance so grab it while you can.” I said. I made it up on the spot but I actually got some cheers from the audience. It made me feel a little better. I could’ve sworn I saw Harry smirk a little, his dimples showing in his cheeks.
“OK, what are you going to sing?” Simon wanted to know.
“I’m going to sing Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart by Ariana Grande.” I said. I saw Harry’s eyes widen as Simon glanced at him briefly. I knew Harry had written the song but it wasn’t the reason I chose it. I just found it to be a very beautiful song and lyrically, it was very emotional. I knew I wasn’t as good as Ariana but I would give it my best shot.
“Off you go then, Kaylie.” Simon said and right on cue, the slow music started. I looked at the shiny floor as the first few beats of the song played. When it was time for the first verse to begin, I raised the microphone to my lips and began to sing.
“I don't ever ask you where you've been.
And I don't feel the need to
Know who you're with.
I can't even think straight but I can tell
You were just with her.
And I'll still be a fool, I'm a fool for you.”
I closed my eyes when it was time for me to sing the chorus.
“Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart is all I want.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit is all I'm asking for.”
I opened my eyes to see the audience was completely quiet, thousands of pairs of eyes on me. But for some reason, I wasn’t nervous. I concentrated on the song, slowly swaying my head to the side to the beat of the music. Simon stared at me intently, Dannii’s eyes were sparkling and Mel B had a smile playing on her lips. Harry’s eyes were right on me and he never looked away. He had the fingers of his left hand on his mouth, watching me perform a song that he wrote.
“I know I'm not you're only
But at least I'm one
I heard a little love is better than none.”
I hit Ariana’s high note and I heard screams and applause from the audience. I lost myself in the song as I sung the chorus again, placing my hand over my heart.
“Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart is all I want.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit is all I'm asking for.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart is all I want.
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit of your heart
Just a little bit is all I'm asking for.”
I finished the song and let the microphone fall away from my mouth. I waited a couple of seconds and suddenly, the entire venue was filled with screams and cheering and applause. But that wasn’t the thing that surprised me. All four judges were on their feet, clapping and smiling. I covered my mouth with my free hand as I stared around with shining eyes. I can’t cry! Don’t cry, Kaylie. You must not cry. I told myself. I wiped my eyes and cleared my throat, my hand pressed against my chest. The applause died down and the judges sat back down. Harry ruffled up his hair the way I loved it and smiled at Simon before returning his eyes to me. He stood up for me. Harry Styles applauded and stood up for an ordinary girl like me. I was so shocked.
“Kaylie…” Dannii spoke. I looked at her, holding the microphone tightly in my hands. I was pretty sure my fingers were white by this point. Her blue eyes were friendly, enhanced by eyeliner and mascara, making them shine like crystals.
“That was an incredible performance. For an 18-year-old, you have a great voice. I could sense you were nervous but you powered through that to sing very well. Well done.”
“Thank you so much.” I said into the microphone quietly and there were more cheers. The audience knew nothing about me but they liked me. I was so happy and I couldn’t stop the small smile from appearing on my face.
“Yes, I agree with Dannii. You sung that song incredibly well. It’s not an easy song to sing because of the power of the lyrics but you really taped into the lyrics and that worked in your favour. I think you’re one to watch out for, Kaylie.” Mel B pointed at me and smiled. Wow, really! My smile got wider and I thanked her. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and looked at the two remaining judges. Simon looked at Harry and gestured for him to speak. The green-eyed curly-haired young man cleared his throat and looked at me kindly.
“Well, Kaylie…I loved that.”
Screams came from the audience and I gasped a little as tears welled up in my eyes. My name rolling off his tongue made my heart tingle. He was my inspiration and my idol and to hear him say he loved my performance was the best thing.
“I had a lot of fun writing that song and the lyrics, as Mel said, are very powerful and you got the power of them. What I loved about it was that you didn’t copy Ariana. You made it your own. I can see your originality and I think Ariana would be very proud of that performance. You really don’t realise how amazing you are, Kaylie. I can’t wait to see where you go from here.”
I listened to his words like it was the most important thing I would ever listen to. I managed to say “thank you” into the microphone over the cheers from the audience. Harry gave me a smile and leaned back in his chair, looking at Simon Cowell. I bit my lip while I awaited his opinion. Simon had a reputation for being very harsh so I hoped I had done enough to get good feedback.
“Kaylie, honestly, I think you’re going to make it to the live shows.”
My hand returned to my mouth again. What?! Tears were definitely in my eyes now. The judges smiled and the audience screamed in approval. This was only the auditions and Simon already thought I was going to be in the live shows? I hadn’t performed to thousands of people before. This was my first time and he believed I was that good. I was in shock, to say the least.
“I mean, everything about that performance was spot-on. Sure, you were nervous, but that will disappear as you grow into an artist. You’re definitely a contender to make it far in this show. And now, we’re going to vote.”
I knew my family were probably going crazy backstage. I prepared myself for a huge bear hug from all of them after I got off the stage. I stared at the judges as they all gave their verdict. Both Dannii and Mel said yes. Then, it was Harry’s turn. He looked at me and grinned widely, showing off his pearly white teeth.
“Kaylie, it’s a massive yes from me.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much.” I smiled back at him. My eyes darted to Simon who nodded his head.
“And it’s a yes from me. Well done, you got four yeses. We’ll see you at Bootcamp, Kaylie.”
I got in! Holy crap, I got in! I was elated. I couldn’t believe it. I was through to the next stage of the competition. I walked off the stage, saying “thank you” one more time, as the judges watched me leave to a massive cheer. I glanced at Harry, who was still smiling, one last time before reaching the safety of the wings.
I handed the microphone back to the female volunteer who congratulated me. I rushed down the steps to be welcomed into hugs and kisses from my family.
“I knew you could do it!” Michael cried.
“Well done, baby sis!” Connor wrapped his arms around my petite body, swaying us from side-to-side.
“My little girl, you did it!” My mum squealed, pulling me into an embrace and my father joined in, his arms circling my back. After all the congratulations from my parents and my brothers, I was back on camera with Dermot, who also gave me a hug.
“You did great, Kaylie.” He said.
“Thank you.”
“What was the highlight of that?” He asked. I placed my hand over my father’s one, which was on my shoulder, as I answered the question.
“Probably getting a compliment from Harry. I knew he wrote the song so for him to say I sang it well was incredible.” I smiled. I was just so happy that my idol had faith in me. This was honestly one of the best days of my life. Dermot farewelled us and told me that we’d see each other again at Bootcamp.
I was pulled into another family hug, my brothers surrounding me and my mother kissing me on the forehead. I was happy I made them proud. I was a huge family-orientated person and I don’t know where I would be without their love and support. And on this day, I knew I had made my grandmother proud. Wherever she was, up in heaven, I knew she was looking down at me with a smile, saying “Well done, pumpkin.”
Notes
A new story! I’m very excited about this. I really should be writing university essays but oh well! :P I have never written from 1st person before so I promise to try my best. The POV will shift every chapter so this one was from Kaylie’s POV and the next one will from Harry’s POV and so on. Vote/rate, subscribe and comment please! The next update will come soon :)
blankspace1 xx
We’re dying for an update here. I love it. <3
11/19/17