Singing in Seattle by Tracey West Page A

giggled. “AJ, you would be lost without your notebook!”
    AJ grinned sheepishly. “It makes me feel better to write things down. It helps me to stay organized. Now,” she said as she began to write, “we’ll listen to the twelve finalists in the first round. Then we’ll have to cut six right away!” She looked up from her notebook. “That’s a lot.”
    â€œThere can only be one winner,” Aly said. “At some point, they’ll all be eliminated except for one.”
    â€œOkay,” AJ said as she started to write again. “Then we’ll have to narrow down the six contestants to three. And out of that final three we’ll pick the winner.”
    â€œIt’s a big responsibility,” Aly said. “But I’m sure we’ll pick someone awesome.”
    She gave a little dry cough. AJ shook her head. “Karen was right. You’ve got to drink your water and take care of your voice,” she said. “By the end of the week, we’ll be singing in Seattle!”

CHAPTER TWO:
    WINNERS AND LOSERS
    After the plane landed, the girls had to race to their next destination. They were used to it by now. Being on the road meant they were always rushing off somewhere.
    They waited for their luggage, then for a car to take them to their hotel to drop off their bags. They quickly changed, then stopped by the hotel’s coffee bar to pick up a couple of lattes. The driver whisked them off to a theater in downtown Seattle.
    â€œAhhh,” AJ took a deep breath of the steamy coffee concoction. “This hits the spot.”
    They were sitting in red velvet theater seats. The stage was empty, but they could hear noises coming from backstage. The twelve finalists were getting ready to perform their best songs in front of Aly and AJ.
    A petite young woman with long reddish-blond hair walked over to them. She carried a clipboard and a stack of papers. “Aly, AJ,” she said as she held out her hand to them. “My name is Lily. I work for Entertainment Unlimited, one of the companies sponsoring the competition. I’m the contest coordinator.”
    Aly and AJ shook hands with her.
    â€œWe’re really excited to be here,” Aly said.
    â€œIf you think you’re excited, you should see the contestants,” Lily said. “They can’t wait to perform. The first person will take the stage in just a few minutes. Can I get you anything?”
    Aly gestured to her coffee. “We’re good.”
    â€œLet me leave you with these.” Lily handed them each a bundle of papers. “It has the contestants’ names, ages, and what they’ll be singing. Most of the performers have taped music that we’ll be playing to accompany them, but a few will be playing guitars.”
    â€œThanks, Lily,” AJ said.
    Lily disappeared backstage. AJ took her notebook out from her purse.
    â€œI’m ready!” she joked.
    â€œI won’t laugh,” Aly said. “Look what I’ve got!” She pulled a notebook out from her own bag. “I figured we’d both need to take notes while we were judging.”
    â€œSee—you are finally beginning to understand the beauty of the notebook.” AJ laughed.
    Aly reached into her bag again.
    â€œUh, AJ,” she said. “I got the notebook but forgot to bring a pen!”
    â€œDon’t worry,” AJ grabbed an extra from her purse. “I’m always prepared.”
    They settled back as the first contestant walked onstage. It was a teenage girl dressed all in black, with black lipstick and makeup. She had dark hair that she wore up in a spiky ponytail. She stepped up to the microphone.
    â€œMy name is Amber,” she said. “I’ll be singing my song, ‘Rain of Tears.’ ”
    The song was a little depressing, but Aly and AJ were impressed with the melody and the thoughtful lyrics.
    Next, a boy named Henry came out. He was tall