She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 339

The staff went on stage and said something to the host.

The male host announced, "After deliberation, the directing team has decided that the five professional judges will evaluate the two tied contestants and cast their votes again. The contestant who receives 3 votes or more will be the winner."

The female host added, "Let's invite Lorelai and Josie to the stage to await the final result."

No one questioned this method of deciding the winner.

It wouldn't be a surprise or unfair for either of the kids to win.

And the five judges were highly respected, and everyone trusted their expertise. No one would doubt their decisions.

The judges were straightforward and didn't waste time, immediately giving their critiques.

The first judge said, "For a child of six or seven, opera is much harder to sing than pop music, so I'm voting for Lorelai."

The second judge said, "Josie's voice is so soothing. This was the most enjoyable performance I've witnessed during my time as a talent show judge. I hope she goes far, and I can hear more of her songs, so I choose Josie."

The third judge said, "Both girls sang wonderfully, and their performances were top-notch. I can't choose between them based on their singing alone. However, in previous performances, Lorelai's piano playing was at a professional level, whereas Josie's dancing wasn't quite there. So, I'm voting for Lorelai."

The fourth judge said, "Lorelai's vocal technique was more impressive, while Josie's tone and emotional depth were more heartfelt, which moved me. I've seen many impressive performances, but it's rare to be truly moved.

"And I really liked Josie's comment, 'Loving a song is more important than understanding it.' Her love for each song touched me, so I'm voting for Josie,"

At this point, the votes were tied again, 2 to 2.

The audience was buzzing.

All

eyes,

the venue and out,

camera kept switching between Paityn, the two children, and the

the two contestants, Lorelai stared intensely at Paityn, her eyes burning with anxiety. Josie, meanwhile, was hugging her Hello Kitty plushie,

biting her lip as her finger hoyered over the voting button, repeatedly extending and retracting it, clearly

audience, inside and out,

is tied with Josie, so Paityn could just vote for Lorelai. No one would accuse her of bias. Why's she so

are so similar to hers. She probably prefers Josie's singing. Otherwise, why would

Josie, that would

Josie. If she does, that'd be like betraying the Pittman

One minute passed.

Two minutes passed.

Three minutes passed.

was running thin. No matter how suspenseful things were, dragging it out too long was unbearable

hold back any longer. "Ms. Shepard, have you not made up

kids sang beautifully, and it's a tough choice. I can only pick the song I like more." Amid the tension of millions of viewers, she reached out and pressed

was in an

viewers

29, which is Josie! Congratulations to Josie for winning the national finals of the talent show!" The male host smiled a bit stiffly. "And congratulations to Lorelai for becoming the runner-up in this year's national talent show

to Josie and

sleepy. Winning the championship

other hand, had lost her smile. She stared at Paityn in shock and rage, then burst into tears, screaming, "No No! I'm the champion! This vote doesn't