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,

and out, were

Paityn, the two children, and the Pittman

Of the two contestants, Lorelai stared intensely at Paityn, her eyes burning with anxiety.

her head, biting her lip as her finger hoyered over the voting button, repeatedly extending

audience, inside and out, was buzzing with

Lorelai did perform well and is tied with Josie, so Paityn could just

style are so similar to hers. She probably prefers Josie's singing.

she picks Josie, that

won't choose Josie. If she does, that'd be like betraying the Pittman family, and life in

One minute passed.

Two minutes passed.

Three minutes passed.

audience's patience was running thin. No matter how suspenseful things were, dragging it out

host, receiving cues from the director, couldn't hold back any longer. "Ms. Shepard, have you

close-up, Paityn bit her lip, looked up with red eyes, and, with a determined expression, said, "Both kids sang beautifully, and it's a tough choice. I can only pick the song I like more." Amid the tension of

audience was in

and viewers at home

Josie for winning the national finals of the talent show!" The male host smiled a bit stiffly. "And congratulations

cut to Josie

her eyes, still looking sleepy. Winning the championship didn't seem to energize her at

shock and rage, then burst into tears, screaming, "No No! I'm the champion! This vote doesn't count! Josie cheated!