"Even if Frank is a jerk, 70 points is too low, isn't it?"
"A day as husband and wife, a hundred days of grace. It's not that bad, is it?"
"You get to sing and insult your ex-wife, but she can't give you a low score?"
"If you're so capable, why don't you become a mentor?"
"Men who are less capable than women deserve to be stepped on. Loser guys deserve it!"
The audience reacted differently to Amelia's score. Some thought the score was too low and clearly showed personal bias. Others supported Amelia, believing the scumbag deserved to be trampled.
The contestant backstage area was the same. Alex Stone's tense expression clearly relaxed, and he chuckled: "I think Ms. Quinn is right. This song is too bland, and Frank's singing isn't good enough."
After listening to Frank's performance, the contestants were all surprised. They were all professional singers and naturally recognized the song's quality. Alex Stone had also been very nervous, afraid that Frank's score would surpass his own. Now that he saw Amelia give a direct 70 points, Alex Stone immediately felt much more relaxed.
Everyone else exchanged glances, no one daring to comment easily.
"This song is very good. I like it." Chloe Campbell suddenly spoke. Everyone looked at her in astonishment, but the young girl didn't notice their strange looks and continued: "I've heard Mr. Castle's previous songs too; they're all very good. I can't write such a good song. It's just a shame Mr. Castle's voice isn't as naturally talented."
The contestants all looked at her with strange expressions. Girl, you really dare to speak your mind!
Just then, the camera on the mentor panel moved, and it was Liam Reed's turn to comment.
"No need to say, Liam Reed is definitely siding with Amelia!"
"Twilight 'ship' is, of course, sticking together!"
"Liam, give that jerk a good dressing down!"
Just when the audience thought Liam Reed would also give Frank a low score, Liam said in a gentle tone: "I'm very surprised. I didn't expect Frank to actually be able to sing. Just for your courage to stand on this stage, I give you... 80 points!"
"Huh?"
The audience and contestants alike gaped, their faces filled with surprise. Even Amelia next to him looked at Liam in astonishment. She had thought Liam would join her in stomping on Frank. She never expected Liam to give Frank 80 points. Isn't he making me look bad?
Liam's face held a kind smile, but he had his own agenda. He certainly wanted to claim Amelia for himself, but he didn't want to bear the bad reputation of being a homewrecker. So, he needed others to see that his relationship with Frank was actually good. Amelia's divorce from Frank was entirely her own decision and had nothing to do with him, Liam Reed. He was just a pure-hearted, kind boy! He wanted both the beauty and the reputation. As for Amelia's emotions, he could just coax her after the recording. Anyway, this woman would belong to him sooner or later.
"Thank you, Mr. Reed, for your insightful critique." Frank said with a smile. Liam suddenly met his gaze, and in that instant, it was as if he had been seen through.
"Heh heh, Frank, you're too kind. Good luck." Liam encouraged with a chuckle, but instinctively avoided Frank's gaze. This fleeting moment of guilt was accurately captured by the camera and displayed on one of the screens in the control room.
The assistant director, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed it and reminded Director Miller: "Director Miller, should we edit this shot out later?" After all, Frank's reputation was currently too bad, while Liam Reed was a popular young star. The production team didn't need to offend Liam for Frank's sake.
Director Miller mused, "Let's see."
Next to critique was Emily Chen. Her face was full of excitement, and she immediately picked up the microphone and said: "This song is so good, I love it!"
"Pure and passionate youth, simple and beautiful love, wow!"
"Mr. Castle, how did you write this song?"
"I feel like some parts could be sung by a female vocalist. Could we collaborate sometime?"
Emily Chen chattered excitedly on the mentor panel, but her fans were on edge.
"Oh no, oh no, Emily forgets everything when she hears a good song!"
"Emily, calm down, that's the abusive guy!"
"Emily, you only heard 'pure and beautiful'; you didn't understand any of the insulting lyrics, did you?"
"Ah, our sweet Emily is just too innocent!"
With Emily Chen being so enthusiastic, Frank naturally had to respond. "Thank you, Ms. Chen. Actually, this song was originally intended as a male-female duet. It would be my honor to collaborate with you."
Emily Chen was very happy. "Then it's settled! We'll record a male-female duet version another day!" It was clear she genuinely loved "Plain Face."
Amelia, beside her, lowered her gaze, her face almost overflowing with coldness. Using my ex-husband to get attention for yourself, quite cunning!
"Emily, you haven't given your score yet," Dana Peterson reminded.
"Oh, right!" Emily Chen stuck out her tongue, and without hesitation, said: "I give 95 points!"
"95 points?!"
"That high?"
"Just talking about the song, I don't think 95 points is too much."
"Oh, please, does that jerk deserve it?!"
The audience erupted into another squabble. Frank, however, was calm, even a little amused. Amelia gives a low score, you quarrel. Emily gives a high score, you also quarrel. So, as long as I'm standing here, you all have to quarrel, right?
Next was James Dawson. This "simp" King suddenly became serious, even showing a hint of nostalgia and sadness.
"Seeing Frank holding his guitar and singing on stage, I suddenly remembered my younger self."
"Carrying a guitar, rushing from one bar to another, and if someone praised my singing, I'd be happy for days."
"My younger self was also so pure and beautiful!"
"Of course..."
James Dawson's tone shifted, and he looked affectionately at Celeste Monroe beside him. "My current self is even purer, even more dedicated, because I've found the moon in my heart!"
The audience, who had been quite moved, instantly became speechless.
"Alright, after all that, it was just another confession to Diva Celeste!"
"Gotta say, King James is pretty pure when it comes to simping for Diva Celeste."
Celeste Monroe remained expressionless, as if she hadn't heard anything. James Dawson chuckled: "For this song, I give 90 points!"
Finally, it was Celeste Monroe's turn to comment. The recording studio instantly fell silent. Celeste Monroe was Amelia Quinn's aunt. Amelia had given Frank a low score, so would Celeste Monroe help her niece out? After all, she and Amelia were family.
Amelia turned to look at Celeste Monroe, her eyes filled with hope. My aunt will definitely help me!
On stage, Frank also started to feel nervous. He usually submitted his "homework" via text message. Today was his first time singing in front of Celeste Monroe. What would the strict Ms. Monroe say?
Backstage, all the contestants looked up at the big screen on the wall.
"Diva Celeste's highest score before was 60, given to Alex Stone. How many points will she give Frank now?"
"It shouldn't be higher than Alex's, right?"
"Given Ms. Quinn's relationship, the Diva Queen will probably give Frank 50 points at most?"
Alex Stone wore a confident smile. By all accounts, Diva Celeste couldn't possibly give Frank a high score.
Under the gaze of countless eyes with various meanings, Celeste Monroe remained expressionless, and spoke calmly.