<p>I talked about going through nine (9) months of vocal training in the first part. Now I'll tell you about 'The Big Stage'.</p><p></p><p>After I'd arrived at the place where the competition was to take place, I was a little scared *cough* with the amazing talents I saw everywhere I turned my head to. Singers, Dancers, Artists, Spoken word poets, saxophonist amongst others.</p><p></p><p>I began to question myself if I was good enough to scale through audition one. The next day was for my audition, all the contestants were present and seated in the waiting room, awaiting to be called upon. It finally got to my turn and when I got to the backstage, the tension became inadmissible. The stage lights weren't helping, the smoke effects, and the judges remarks to contestant forty-nine (49) I was contestant fifty (50) I was to go up next.</p><p></p><p>After the judges were done evaluating contestant forty-nine (49), I was told to go and audition. Walking out of the backstage, I got a good look at what was before me, a crowd of over forty or more people seated including the judges. I said a short prayer "Holy Spirit take control." </p><p></p><p>The female judge seated in the center of the two male judges asked for my introduction and I did. The usual "my name is.... I'm from.... I'll be singing Mercy said No by Cece Winans." I was told to carry on even though I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.</p><p></p><p>Now you may be wondering "why the uncertainty?" it's because CeCe Winans is also a vocal power house in gospel genre and my choice of song required a stable vocal technique. I was told by my vocal coach during my nine (9) months of vocal training that I shouldn't close my eyes each time I'm on a competitive stage. Omo fear no gree me open my eyes oo and the stage lights were too bright. (With the small eyes I'm managing)</p><p></p><p>After I was done singing, the hall was quiet. I opened my eyes and the judges had mixed expressions. I thought I didn't present well and just when I was already feeling teary, the hall erupted with applaud. ( I thought it only happened in the movies) The female judge kept calling my name repeatedly and I thought maybe she had a different view from the crowd (she's a professional vocal coach)</p><p></p><p>She said she didn't expect what she heard from me and when she asked of my age, I told her and she was shocked. Everyone was shocked, especially the male judge at her right side.</p><p></p><p>His comments are forever etched into my memory "I love you vocal texture and how you were able to use your chest, head and mixed voice when needed for that it's a yes from me." I was shocked and happy and after another set of applaud from the crowd and judges, I left the stage. </p><p></p><p>The backstage crew were also shocked and congratulated me sincerely. Just when I thought I could handle everything, I saw otherwise.</p><p></p><p>It was finally time for the semi-finals and that was when we all saw 'The Big Stage'.</p><p>They were going live with over millions of people viewing online and let's not even start with the onsite crowd. I'm not talking thousands, more like hundred of thousands of apeople seated and anticipating to see the semifinalist perform.</p><p></p><p>From where we were all stationed to sit, the size of the crowd looked slightly manageable but when it got to my turn to present I was left in awe (I almost fell on stage. It wasn't noticable though) </p><p></p><p>Thousands, Hundred of thousands eyes staring at me, anticipation oozing from the crowd. After a brief introduction and a personal prayer I began singing, I felt chocked up because I had to do a last minute change of song (the band crew didn't know the first song I chose and the second wasn't originally Christian material).</p><p></p><p>During that last minute change of song, I had to rehearsal with a sore hoarse voice. Even when I stood on the stage I was still sore. I guess that also added to my fears. After I was done singing, I was evaluated by the judges.</p><p></p><p>"you forgot some of the lyrics." "There's still more in you" and many other comments. I took a bow and left the stage. On getting to the backstage, I collapsed, everything came crashing down, the pressure, the loud applaud from the crowd, the blatant sounds of the live band, the blinding stage lights, everything I tried to hide on 'The Big Stage' revealed their faces and after the attempt of the staffs and fellow contestants to bring me back to reality, I felt peaceful. (it is well)</p><p></p><p>'The Big Stage' wasn't what I thought it would be. I had never experienced that large amount of crowd before added with the fact that everything was live. I had to demean myself.</p><p></p><p>Nine months of vocal training, Nine months of working on my stage presence, Nine months of avoiding some of my favorite foods and drinks paid off, all with one month of prayer and fasting (very necessary) .</p><p></p><p>Nine months of working on my vocals and I delivered.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Hope you'd wait for the next part. 'it's not all about singing into the microphone' see you there soon. Byeeee for now.</p><p></p>
At the end of the month, we give out prizes in 3 categories: Best Content, Top Engagers and
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Best Content
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