Chapter 11: Team
Prince took a moment, looking at each judge thoughtfully. The crowd was hanging on his every move.
Dexter tapped his fingers on the armrest with an easy-going grin. "C'mon, kid. You know you want the guy with the most experience. You've got serious talent, and I can help you shape that into something legendary."
Anos raised an eyebrow. "No offense, Dex, but I turned first for a reason. Prince, I see the potential in you—not just as a singer, but as an artist. If you want someone who'll push you to be the best version of yourself, I'm your guy."
Kitty, still watching him with that knowing smirk, rested her chin on her hand. "Or…" she drawled, "you could pick the judge who inspired your song."
The crowd went nuts.
Prince laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "You're not gonna let that go, huh?"
"Not a chance," Kitty teased. "But seriously—Prince, you've got this amazing way of connecting with people. You made me—heck, all of us—feel something tonight. And I know exactly how to help you take that to the next level." She flashed him a playful but sincere smile. "So… what do you say? Team Kitty?"
Prince took a breath, his eyes flicking between them. He could feel the weight of the decision—but also the excitement.
Finally, he stepped up to the mic and said, "I think… I'm gonna have to go with—"
He paused for dramatic effect.
"—Team Kitty."
The room exploded. Kitty jumped out of her chair with a triumphant cheer, practically dancing in place. "Yessss!" she cried, pointing at Dexter and Anos. "Suck it, boys!"
Anos just chuckled, shaking his head. "I can't even be mad. That was well-played."
Dexter sighed dramatically. "Guess I'll have to wait for my next superstar."
As Kitty ran up to the stage to give Prince a quick hug, she whispered, "You made a good choice. And don't worry—I'll only tease you… a little."
Prince grinned. "I'll brace myself."
As they walked offstage together, the camera panned back to the judges' table, where Anos leaned toward Dexter with a smirk.
"Think she's already in love?"
Dexter laughed. "Oh, absolutely."
______
As Prince stepped off the stage, the roar of the audience still echoing behind him, a staff member guided him toward a quieter hallway. The energy from his performance still buzzed through his veins when he spotted Kielben waiting for him — the show's official host and interviewer, known for his poised and professional demeanor.
"Prince," Kielben greeted with a warm but composed smile, offering a handshake. "That was quite the performance out there."
"Thank you," Prince replied, shaking his hand. His heart was still pounding, though whether from the performance or the aftermath, he couldn't tell.
"If you don't mind, we'd love to get your thoughts on that moment," Kielben said, gesturing toward a nearby room set up for post-performance interviews.
"Of course."
The room was softly lit, with two chairs facing each other and a camera crew already in place. Once they settled in, Kielben wasted no time.
"Prince, first of all — congratulations. A three-chair turn, and quite a reaction from the crowd. How are you feeling right now?"
Prince took a breath, collecting his thoughts. "Honestly… it still doesn't feel real. I came here hoping people would connect with my music, but seeing all three judges turn around? It's more than I could've asked for."
Kielben nodded. "Your song clearly struck a chord with a lot of people — myself included. And we have to talk about that. An original song on the audition stage is always a bold choice, but it paid off. Can you tell us a little about the story behind it?"
Prince's expression softened. "It's a song about second chances — about losing someone you love and finding them again. It's about regret, but also hope. I think a lot of people know what it's like to want that one more chance with someone who means the world to you."
Kielben listened intently. "And from the way you sang it, that emotion was undeniable. Even the judges were moved. Anos turned his chair first, which… let's be honest, doesn't happen often."
Prince chuckled. "Yeah, I noticed. I wasn't expecting that."
"And then, of course, Kitty and Dexter followed — but there was one part of your song that will make waves when this episode is aired." Kielben's tone remained professional, though his eyes hinted at curiosity. "The first name you sang was 'Kitty.' I have to ask — was that just a coincidence?"
Prince felt his face heat up. He knew this question was coming. "It really was," he said, trying to keep his composure. "The song wasn't written with anyone specific in mind. It's just… one of those names that fit the story I wanted to tell."
Kielben raised an eyebrow. "A very lucky coincidence, then. Because I think Kitty herself was pretty surprised. And judging by her reaction — she was definitely moved."
Prince smiled sheepishly. "I could see that. And honestly, that means a lot. Kitty's an incredible artist, and knowing she connected with my song… it's one of the biggest compliments I could ask for."
"Speaking of Kitty," Kielben continued, "you had three judges vying for you. What made you choose her as your coach?"
Prince's answer came without hesitation. "It was the way she reacted. When she turned around, I saw how much she felt the song. I think working with someone who understands the emotional side of music as deeply as she does… that's something really important to me. I want a coach who can help me grow — not just as a singer, but as a storyteller."
Kielben nodded approvingly. "A thoughtful choice. And I think a lot of people are excited to see what the two of you will create together."
He glanced down at his notes, then looked back up. "One last question before we wrap up. This performance — this song — it felt personal. How much of it came from your own experiences?"
For a second, Prince hesitated. The weight of the life he had before — the one no one knew about — flashed through his mind. But he smiled, keeping those thoughts to himself. "I think there's always a piece of yourself in every song you write. Even if the story isn't exactly yours, the emotions are real. And that's what I wanted people to feel."
Kielben studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Well, you certainly achieved that. Prince, thank you for your time — and congratulations again on an incredible audition. We'll all be watching closely to see where your journey goes from here."
"Thank you," Prince said sincerely, standing as Kielben extended his hand once more.