My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 22

"I swear, next to her, the 11 of us look like amateurs!"

"No kidding, she's totally schooling us, okay? Where did the producers find this surprise contestant? Looks like she's set to steal the crown!"

"Is it even a surprise anymore? Just look at the judges' faces and the crowd's reaction. When her scores come out, she's definitely breaking the charts!"

Backstage, ten contestants were fervently discussing, all eyes eventually landing on Miranda, each filled with a mix of awe and sympathy. Everyone had thought Miranda, the reigning favorite, was a shoo-in for the title. Now, it seemed her chances were slipping right through her fingers.

How could this happen?

Miranda watched the young girl on stage, disbelief etched across her face. Anyone with a bit of musical sense could tell—they were all outclassed the moment she started singing.

Where did she come from? Why hadn't she been on any singing shows before suddenly appearing on 'The Masked Singer'? And with such a natural talent, why hadn't the producers scooped her up sooner to build hype? Something didn't add up.

She must be a seasoned singer the producers brought in for a ratings boost, not just some surprise contestant!

Yet, scanning the current music industry, there was no one so young and stunningly talented. Was Miranda truly about to lose her crown to this newcomer? No, it couldn't be.

Miranda clenched her fists, her body trembling slightly from nerves and fear.

As the violin faded, Xanthea's rendition of "Butterfly" drew to a close. The microphone caught her last breathy note, and the venue erupted in prolonged applause and ecstatic shouts. Fans would've stormed the stage if not for the security holding them back.

"Champion! Champion! Champion!"

The final night's atmosphere had reached a fever pitch, with thousands of spectators chanting in unison, almost lifting the roof off the venue. The judges exchanged looks, marveling at the true power of music.

"Finally, a miracle has graced our stage," the host exclaimed, grabbing the microphone and rushing onstage. "Thank you to our third surprise contestant for tonight's auditory feast. Now, let's see her scores!"