Chidera: Part 4

Chapter 4

Sometimes the monumental things whisper themselves into existence. They make no grand entrance; no bells herald their arrival. They tiptoe through the door with no fanfare or even warning…

• 

Chidera stepped into the audition theatre, ready to dish out a stellar performance despite the strange feeling she had inside. There were four judges and for a contestant to be selected into the band, they had to have a majority vote; meaning that at least three out of four judges would have to say yes. The audition was being conducted in the ‘Idols!’ style, but with a twist which the contestants were unaware of. In the event that two judges yes and two judges say no, the contestant would be given another chance to do a 90 second performance and the judges would vote privately again.

• 

Chidera greeted the judges and they asked her preliminary questions before she was given the green light to perform. With her heart racing and the flashes of what could possibly be the outcome, Chidera was given the signal to start. She trudged through her newly rehearsed performance, struggling to stay in sync with her beat, and remember all her dance steps. Due to the adrenaline rush and her shaken confidence in herself, her whole performance was mediocre to say the least. She displayed talent, but not much of it. Her aura was pleasant, but not memorable. It seemed to be one of those ‘just okay’ auditions which never make it anywhere past the highlights. Even as she performed, none of the judges’ faces flinched- as they were all witnessing the ordinary and not the spectacular. Chidera tried too hard to exert herself in the performance and when she reached the end she was overcome with disappointment.

• 

The judges’ panel gave their critique which gave her a slight glimmer of hope, yet she knew deep down that her chances of being selected were compromised by her mediocre performance. The comments were all expressing similar sentiments; that she definitely had talent but she didn’t exhibit something eccentric or extraordinary that would convince them to choose her. Another judge also expressed that he could tell that she was uneasy and holding back, as though she was unsure for herself. The only judge who was willing to give her a chance had told her that she was worthy to be selected though she would have to improve her level of performance if she makes it. With the brief commentary done, the judges cast their vote privately and Chidera would know her fate.

The judges voted as follows:

J1-Yes

J2-No

J3-No

J4-Yes

With the cast votes on display it was evident that Chidera had failed to meet the threshold that would qualify her into the band. In that moment, her heart sank and her thoughts were flooded with confusion. This is an emotion which every person feels at some moment in their life. It feels like regret, shame and an urge to hurriedly turn back the clock and take another shot at ‘it’; whatever ‘it’ may mean to you. While Chidera was in that despaired state, with failure staring her in the eyes- she turned her back and made way for the exit.

As she took her first step, she heard one of the judges say, “Well, this year the rules of the competition have been ammended. If a contestant has a 2-2 vote, the contestant can have another 90-second performance and the judges will vote again. Do you have anything else you can perform for us now?”

These words sounded magical and instantly, Chidera said, “Yes I have a performance I have been practicing for months until I decided to change it up n do the one I just finished. Can I start now?”

• 

In that instance, Chidera finally gave the performance she had originally rehearsed. She garnered all the passion and verve she had spent months building up. The weight which this moment carried was huge; this was a second chance, a chance to redeem herself and take a step towards her dreams. As she moved her body to the rhythm, she remembered Max shouting at her to give “more” to her performance. Watching this performance was a surreal experience, Chidera gave her heart, soul and everything she could for this performance. As the 90 second stopwatch ringed, one of the judge drew their chair out and the whole panel broke into a round of applause.

• 

Chidera was overcome with emotion, and after all was said and done- she made it!

***THE END***