Always
First Sight
Harry’s POV
Sunday, 1st May
I never realised how difficult being on the judging panel was. I thought getting up on stage and performing was difficult enough. But to actually watch someone perform and tell them they’re not good enough, that’s hard. Even if they can’t sing, it still makes me feel like I’ve crushed a person’s dream.
The call from Simon was an unexpected one. When he offered me to be a judge on the show that shot my bandmates and me to worldwide stardom, I couldn’t say no. I thought he would have called Louis since he had been on the show last year at Judges’ Houses but he was a father now so I guess I was Simon’s last hope.
The day was long, seeing contestant after contestant after contestant. Some were amazing and some were terrible. Arguments erupted between Mel and Simon over certain artists while Dannii and I decided to stay back and let them throw comments at each other. I kind of felt like the punching bag though because I was seated in between them. Next time, I’ll ask if I can sit next to Dannii.
I ran my hand through my hair as young 24-year-old Max Clagnan walked off the stage. He had gotten through to Bootcamp with three of us saying yes; Mel had said no because she thought he wasn’t ready. But with the three yeses, he had advanced to the next stage of the competition.
“He was good.” I said, tapping my ring-adorned fingers against the desk.
“Yes, we’ll see how he does at Bootcamp.” Simon responded, shuffling the papers in front of him on the desk. I looked down at my papers to see my handwriting everywhere, writing notes on the different auditions. The aspects they were great in already and the ones they could improve on. My attention went back to the stage when the audience started to cheer. The next contestant came on, her long caramel-coloured hair flowing over her shoulders. She looked very petite but she was quite beautiful. She also looked incredibly nervous. I was exactly the same, love. Just breathe. I mentally told the young girl, knowing full well she would not get my message. She stopped on the X and looked at us, her knuckles white from holding the microphone so tightly.
“Hello.” Simon said from next to me.
“Hello.” The girl said quietly. That’s definitely a South London accent. I like her already. I said to myself.
“And what’s your name?”
“I’m Kaylie Walker.”
A beautiful girl with a beautiful name. I hope she has a beautiful voice. I let Simon do all the talking since I was the new judge and I didn’t want to stuff things up.
“And how old are you?”
“18.” Kaylie answered. Shit, she’s 18! I figured she was young but not that young. Her eyes locked to mine and I saw her throat move as she swallowed. I found my stomach doing backflips when she looked at me. She was so innocent and that drew me to her. I longed to hear her voice.
“And what do you hope to achieve while being here today?” Simon asked. Just let her sing already, Simon! All I wanted was to hear her sing. Simon was taking too long with the questions and I could see that Kaylie wanted to get her audition over and done with. I didn’t blame her really. She raised the microphone to her mouth again to speak.
“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.”
The audience cheered and a smile threatened to break out on my face. In her answer, she seemed quite sure of what she wanted and what she wished to gain out of this experience. Kaylie reminded me of me. I was a normal person, just like her, just like everybody else. Auditioning was the best thing I had ever done. I not only got to live my dream but I made friends with three boys I considered my brothers. It didn’t feel like a job to me at all. I loved what I did and my wish was to help others on this show achieve their dreams as well.
“OK, what are you going to sing?” Simon asked.
“I’m going to sing Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart by Ariana Grande.” Kaylie answered. Her gaze went back to me as my own eyes widened. I wrote that song. I had not heard anyone sing the song but me and Ariana. I was even more curious now.
“Off you go then, Kaylie.” Simon said and the slow music started, filling the huge room. I didn’t take my eyes off her as Kaylie 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.”
Her voice was incredible. She stood there, all on her own, delivering a performance that had me captivated. She looked like she was in her own little world, her eyes closing as the music grew to the chorus tune.
“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 really couldn’t tear my eyes away from young Kaylie. Her voice was soft but held so much emotion. I hadn’t seen anyone else today that had me engaged as she was doing right now. I didn’t pay attention to any of the other judges. All my attention was on Kaylie and her beautiful voice. How has she not been discovered already? She may not dress the part but she had the voice of an angel. She had a voice that was made to be heard. At least that’s what I thought.
“I know I'm not, you're only
But at least I'm one
I heard a little love is better than none.”
Screams arose from the audience behind me when Kaylie executed Ariana’s high note perfectly. A smile played on my lips when the chorus came again, repeated twice. Kaylie had her free hand over her heart while she sang.
“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.”
Her voice faded out and she opened her eyes as she let the microphone fall from her mouth. The reaction from the audience was just applause and screams. It was a no-brainer for me to stand up and clap, a large smile on my face. I was pleased to see that Simon, Mel and Dannii also stood up, clapping along with everyone else. Kaylie looked like she was in shock. Her free hand covered her mouth as she looked around the room with wide eyes, full of shining tears. She wiped her eyes and I continued to clap my hands together. It was the best performance I had seen so far, not just today, but for all of the auditions. Kaylie was already my favourite and I secretly hoped I would be her mentor.
We all sat back down in our seats. I smiled at Simon, who was looking right at Kaylie. I followed his gaze and returned my eyes to the girl with the caramel hair. Her hands were shaking as she held the microphone tightly, licking her lips.
Each judge had their say on Kaylie’s performance. Both Dannii and Mel commended her on her vocal skills and even though she was nervous, she stood her ground and gave it her best shot. Then, it was down to Simon and I. My X Factor mentor gestured for me to speak, raising an eyebrow. I pushed my chair forward and rested my right forearm on the desk, my eyes locked to Kaylie. She anxiously awaited my opinion. I quickly put her out of her misery.
“Well, Kaylie…I loved that.”
I saw her bite her lip, trying to hide a smile that badly wanted to break free. She fiddled with the microphone and I spotted a gold ring on the fourth finger of her right hand. It glinted in the light, sparkling against her fair skin. I elaborated further in my feedback.
“I had a lot of fun writing that song and the lyrics, as Mel said, are very powerful and you got that power. 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 smiled at her and she said “thank you” as the audience cheered again. I leaned back in my chair and looked at Simon. I hope he liked her. Otherwise, there won’t be an argument between him and Mel. It will be an argument between me and him. I was just as nervous to hear his opinion as much as Kaylie was. She was such a bright young girl and she deserved a chance. I could see that she wanted this.
“Kaylie, honestly, I think you’re going to make it to the live shows.”
I grinned widely at Simon. I felt a wave of relief rush over me when I saw the look on Kaylie’s face. She looked like she was about to cry, her delicate hand over her mouth. She truly was a talent and to me, she didn’t realise it at all. I was determined to make sure she would see how amazing she really was. Then maybe she could believe in herself more.
“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.” Simon said, looking at the other end of the desk where the two female judges sat. The audience stopped cheering and the room became silent again when Dannii gave her verdict.
“Kaylie, it’s a yes from me.”
“It’s a yes from me as well.” Mel B smiled. Then, it was my turn. I already knew my answer the moment I heard her voice. I smiled at Kaylie, in the hopes of reassuring her.
“Kaylie, it’s a massive yes from me.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much.” She cried, her smile mirroring mine. Kaylie was through, even if Simon said no. At least she had a chance. The possibility of her getting through Bootcamp was high, I just knew. This girl was amazing and she would go far, I just had a feeling. Simon, to my happiness, also said yes and Kaylie thanked us again before walking off the stage, the audience screaming for her. She looked at me one last time before disappearing and her perfect smile seared into my mind.
I moved my hand through my hair again as us judges discussed how brilliant Kaylie was. Dannii and Mel looked at me and asked me what I thought of her singing a song that I wrote.
“I was moved that she chose it. And she did an incredible job. She’s so good and she doesn’t even know it.” I shook my head, still amazed that Kaylie was only 18 years old. Her voice was perfect. It really was. Her range and her falsetto were as beautiful as diamonds. I couldn’t wait to see what other songs she could sing. I kept my fingers crossed in my head that I got the Under 25 Girls as my category.
I wanted to mentor Kaylie. I wanted to be the one to take her to the live shows. I wanted to be the one standing with her on the stage. I wanted to be the one to make Kaylie Walker a star.
Sunday, 1st May
I never realised how difficult being on the judging panel was. I thought getting up on stage and performing was difficult enough. But to actually watch someone perform and tell them they’re not good enough, that’s hard. Even if they can’t sing, it still makes me feel like I’ve crushed a person’s dream.
The call from Simon was an unexpected one. When he offered me to be a judge on the show that shot my bandmates and me to worldwide stardom, I couldn’t say no. I thought he would have called Louis since he had been on the show last year at Judges’ Houses but he was a father now so I guess I was Simon’s last hope.
The day was long, seeing contestant after contestant after contestant. Some were amazing and some were terrible. Arguments erupted between Mel and Simon over certain artists while Dannii and I decided to stay back and let them throw comments at each other. I kind of felt like the punching bag though because I was seated in between them. Next time, I’ll ask if I can sit next to Dannii.
I ran my hand through my hair as young 24-year-old Max Clagnan walked off the stage. He had gotten through to Bootcamp with three of us saying yes; Mel had said no because she thought he wasn’t ready. But with the three yeses, he had advanced to the next stage of the competition.
“He was good.” I said, tapping my ring-adorned fingers against the desk.
“Yes, we’ll see how he does at Bootcamp.” Simon responded, shuffling the papers in front of him on the desk. I looked down at my papers to see my handwriting everywhere, writing notes on the different auditions. The aspects they were great in already and the ones they could improve on. My attention went back to the stage when the audience started to cheer. The next contestant came on, her long caramel-coloured hair flowing over her shoulders. She looked very petite but she was quite beautiful. She also looked incredibly nervous. I was exactly the same, love. Just breathe. I mentally told the young girl, knowing full well she would not get my message. She stopped on the X and looked at us, her knuckles white from holding the microphone so tightly.
“Hello.” Simon said from next to me.
“Hello.” The girl said quietly. That’s definitely a South London accent. I like her already. I said to myself.
“And what’s your name?”
“I’m Kaylie Walker.”
A beautiful girl with a beautiful name. I hope she has a beautiful voice. I let Simon do all the talking since I was the new judge and I didn’t want to stuff things up.
“And how old are you?”
“18.” Kaylie answered. Shit, she’s 18! I figured she was young but not that young. Her eyes locked to mine and I saw her throat move as she swallowed. I found my stomach doing backflips when she looked at me. She was so innocent and that drew me to her. I longed to hear her voice.
“And what do you hope to achieve while being here today?” Simon asked. Just let her sing already, Simon! All I wanted was to hear her sing. Simon was taking too long with the questions and I could see that Kaylie wanted to get her audition over and done with. I didn’t blame her really. She raised the microphone to her mouth again to speak.
“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.”
The audience cheered and a smile threatened to break out on my face. In her answer, she seemed quite sure of what she wanted and what she wished to gain out of this experience. Kaylie reminded me of me. I was a normal person, just like her, just like everybody else. Auditioning was the best thing I had ever done. I not only got to live my dream but I made friends with three boys I considered my brothers. It didn’t feel like a job to me at all. I loved what I did and my wish was to help others on this show achieve their dreams as well.
“OK, what are you going to sing?” Simon asked.
“I’m going to sing Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart by Ariana Grande.” Kaylie answered. Her gaze went back to me as my own eyes widened. I wrote that song. I had not heard anyone sing the song but me and Ariana. I was even more curious now.
“Off you go then, Kaylie.” Simon said and the slow music started, filling the huge room. I didn’t take my eyes off her as Kaylie 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.”
Her voice was incredible. She stood there, all on her own, delivering a performance that had me captivated. She looked like she was in her own little world, her eyes closing as the music grew to the chorus tune.
“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 really couldn’t tear my eyes away from young Kaylie. Her voice was soft but held so much emotion. I hadn’t seen anyone else today that had me engaged as she was doing right now. I didn’t pay attention to any of the other judges. All my attention was on Kaylie and her beautiful voice. How has she not been discovered already? She may not dress the part but she had the voice of an angel. She had a voice that was made to be heard. At least that’s what I thought.
“I know I'm not, you're only
But at least I'm one
I heard a little love is better than none.”
Screams arose from the audience behind me when Kaylie executed Ariana’s high note perfectly. A smile played on my lips when the chorus came again, repeated twice. Kaylie had her free hand over her heart while she sang.
“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.”
Her voice faded out and she opened her eyes as she let the microphone fall from her mouth. The reaction from the audience was just applause and screams. It was a no-brainer for me to stand up and clap, a large smile on my face. I was pleased to see that Simon, Mel and Dannii also stood up, clapping along with everyone else. Kaylie looked like she was in shock. Her free hand covered her mouth as she looked around the room with wide eyes, full of shining tears. She wiped her eyes and I continued to clap my hands together. It was the best performance I had seen so far, not just today, but for all of the auditions. Kaylie was already my favourite and I secretly hoped I would be her mentor.
We all sat back down in our seats. I smiled at Simon, who was looking right at Kaylie. I followed his gaze and returned my eyes to the girl with the caramel hair. Her hands were shaking as she held the microphone tightly, licking her lips.
Each judge had their say on Kaylie’s performance. Both Dannii and Mel commended her on her vocal skills and even though she was nervous, she stood her ground and gave it her best shot. Then, it was down to Simon and I. My X Factor mentor gestured for me to speak, raising an eyebrow. I pushed my chair forward and rested my right forearm on the desk, my eyes locked to Kaylie. She anxiously awaited my opinion. I quickly put her out of her misery.
“Well, Kaylie…I loved that.”
I saw her bite her lip, trying to hide a smile that badly wanted to break free. She fiddled with the microphone and I spotted a gold ring on the fourth finger of her right hand. It glinted in the light, sparkling against her fair skin. I elaborated further in my feedback.
“I had a lot of fun writing that song and the lyrics, as Mel said, are very powerful and you got that power. 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 smiled at her and she said “thank you” as the audience cheered again. I leaned back in my chair and looked at Simon. I hope he liked her. Otherwise, there won’t be an argument between him and Mel. It will be an argument between me and him. I was just as nervous to hear his opinion as much as Kaylie was. She was such a bright young girl and she deserved a chance. I could see that she wanted this.
“Kaylie, honestly, I think you’re going to make it to the live shows.”
I grinned widely at Simon. I felt a wave of relief rush over me when I saw the look on Kaylie’s face. She looked like she was about to cry, her delicate hand over her mouth. She truly was a talent and to me, she didn’t realise it at all. I was determined to make sure she would see how amazing she really was. Then maybe she could believe in herself more.
“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.” Simon said, looking at the other end of the desk where the two female judges sat. The audience stopped cheering and the room became silent again when Dannii gave her verdict.
“Kaylie, it’s a yes from me.”
“It’s a yes from me as well.” Mel B smiled. Then, it was my turn. I already knew my answer the moment I heard her voice. I smiled at Kaylie, in the hopes of reassuring her.
“Kaylie, it’s a massive yes from me.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much.” She cried, her smile mirroring mine. Kaylie was through, even if Simon said no. At least she had a chance. The possibility of her getting through Bootcamp was high, I just knew. This girl was amazing and she would go far, I just had a feeling. Simon, to my happiness, also said yes and Kaylie thanked us again before walking off the stage, the audience screaming for her. She looked at me one last time before disappearing and her perfect smile seared into my mind.
I moved my hand through my hair again as us judges discussed how brilliant Kaylie was. Dannii and Mel looked at me and asked me what I thought of her singing a song that I wrote.
“I was moved that she chose it. And she did an incredible job. She’s so good and she doesn’t even know it.” I shook my head, still amazed that Kaylie was only 18 years old. Her voice was perfect. It really was. Her range and her falsetto were as beautiful as diamonds. I couldn’t wait to see what other songs she could sing. I kept my fingers crossed in my head that I got the Under 25 Girls as my category.
I wanted to mentor Kaylie. I wanted to be the one to take her to the live shows. I wanted to be the one standing with her on the stage. I wanted to be the one to make Kaylie Walker a star.
Notes
Thank you to everyone who’s already voted, subscribed and commented! Any new readers, please do the same! Writing from Harry’s POV is so bloody difficult but hopefully, his chapters will improve in time. I love you all for reading, next chapter will up within the next week :)
blankspace1 xx
We’re dying for an update here. I love it. <3
11/19/17