Singing in Seattle by Tracey West Page B

and thin with big, dark eyes. He sang a love song while he strummed an acoustic guitar. Henry was followed by a boy named Kurt who sang a country song, and a long-haired girl named Rainbow who sang a folk song. Each contestant was different in his or her own way. Aly and AJ carefully wrote down their impressions of everybody who performed.
    A girl walked shyly out onto the stage. She wore her long red hair braided down her back, and she carried an acoustic guitar. She shuffled to the microphone, staring at her feet.
    â€œI’m Claire,” she said softly into the microphone. “And I’ll be singing ‘Lost.’”
    Claire’s low voice could barely be heard, and Aly and AJ had to strain to be able to hear the lyrics. She sang about feeling alone and confused, but finding strength inside herself. The girls liked the lyrics they heard, and they were touched by the haunting and beautiful melody.
    â€œWow!” AJ said. “She was great, but she’s so shy!”
    Aly nodded. “I wish she would have sung louder.”
    The next contestant was Claire’s exact opposite. He carried an acoustic guitar, too. But while Claire was timid, Austin walked out like he owned the theater. He flashed a huge smile at Aly and AJ.
    â€œHey, great to meet you,” he said. “It’s not every day I get to sing for two gorgeous babes.”
    Aly chuckled and nudged AJ in the ribs with her elbow. Austin, with his dark blue eyes and brown hair, was cute, but he was laying it on thick.
    He confidently began to strum his guitar. Aly and AJ were expecting a corny song, but Austin surprised them by singing about a girl who only pretended to be in love with him. His lyrics were intelligent and the song had a great hook. The whole time he was singing, he stared at AJ. Once, he even winked at her.
    He took a bow when he was done.
    â€œI wrote that song from a real experience,” he said. “But AJ, I was thinking you might be the perfect girl to help mend my broken heart.”
    â€œThanks, Austin,” AJ smiled. “But I’m here to judge the contest, not date the contestants.”
    â€œIf you change your mind, I’ll come running,” Austin vowed.
    Aly and AJ looked at each other and began to crack up as Austin left the stage.
    A girl named Bree who belted out a bluesy tune wowed them. The next contestant, Heather, wasn’t as good. Her song was decent, but bland.
    Then Josh took the stage. He looked sharp in jeans, a fitted T-shirt, and a blazer. As soon as the music started, Aly and AJ were impressed. The melody was fresh and original, but at the same time very catchy. Then Josh began to sing.
    â€œ You loved me, but then you had to flee ,” Josh sang. Aly and AJ grimaced. His lyrics were very corny.
    The last three contestants came out and performed. Now Aly and AJ had to make a tough decision.
    â€œOnly six can go to the next round,” Aly said.
    â€œHmmm,” AJ said as she looked over her notes. “I like Amber’s song a lot.”
    â€œIt was kind of dark,” Aly said. “But good. I say she goes through. Now what about your new boyfriend, Austin?”
    AJ laughed. “Could you believe him? What a flirt!”
    â€œAnd he was good. He’s got real talent. He doesn’t need to butter up the judges,” Aly said with a laugh.
    â€œClaire’s song was the best, lyrically, I’d say,” AJ said. “But she was so timid onstage. I could barely hear her.”
    â€œBut this is a songwriting contest, not a singing contest,” Aly pointed out.
    â€œYou’re right,” AJ agreed. “Then she should definitely go through.”
    Aly looked down at her notes. “I’m not so sure about Josh,” Aly said. “His melody was fantastic, but those lyrics . . .”
    â€œNeed work!” AJ finished. “But his melody was off the hook. I could totally imagine us performing that