Page 58 of Legendary Rock Star
Drat. I shouted into the phone as loudly as I could, “Look, after the show airs, I’d like to talk.”
There. I’d said it. I powered off my phone and tucked it in my back pocket. Then I rushed to my place in the queue as I mumbled to myself, “I hope you get that message.”
The show continued on as usual. Sawyer had his last performance for a save. Then Rihanne. Jane sang like she always did: perfectly. The host then skipped my last performance in that minute and said, “Rihanne, you’re safe.”
This was a change. I hadn’t sung yet. My heart beat wildly as the host said, “Maggie.”
I squared my shoulders and said, “I’m ready.”
The host then asked me, “Maggie, are you here to show off your high notes tonight?”
I lifted my chin and a crazy plan rushed through me as I said, “Oh, absolutely. I want to sing from my heart and not hide my voice.”
The host said, “Good.”
I swallowed and followed my instincts as I said, “And I’m changing what I’m going to sing.”
The pop diva quickly said, “You can’t.”
The rules only allowed a change if the band knew the new song. I turned toward the director and said, “Sure I can. I’m sure they know ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’.”
“We do.” The band director raised his wand to direct the players.
Good. My heart was pumped now as I said, “Then let’s do it.”
Then, instead of the actual words of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” I let my voice go to the lyrics I had written as a teen for Phoenix. Maybe now he’d finally hear them.
“Stranger, you have caught my eye,
Sweetly stirring in my veins
And your certain love high
Going into joyous rains
With the Stranger that caught my eye …”
After the boisterous song ended, the crowd cheered. At least there was this. I swallowed and waited for my goodbye.
The British judge asked, “Did you just make up your own lyrics on the spot?”
Not exactly. This was something that had been on my mind forever, it seemed. I lifted my chin and said, “I’ve been missing Phoenix, for too long.”
The judge slumped in his chair. “That was brilliant, and your version of that song was record album ready.”
The pop star said, “You’re amazing. You know that.”
My new friend, the silent judge, gave me a thumbs up.
“We need to talk now,” the host said.
I knew what he was going to say with certainty as I said with a smile, “Go for it.”
“You’re safe.”
I hugged Sawyer and then my other contestant friends who all hugged me too.
I had no idea if Phoenix had heard my song. Every word was for him. I let the others go and said, “Thanks. I have to go.”
