Ā The theater lights dimmed as a teenage girl in a plain hoodie and jeans stepped onto the stage ofĀ Next Vocal Star, a small but fiercely competitive talent show.
The judges barely looked up ā until she spoke.
āMy name is Ava Collins. Iām 17ā¦ and Iām the best singer here.ā
A ripple of laughter spread through the audience. The judges raised their eyebrows. One even smirked.
āIām serious,ā Ava added calmly. āIām about to sing one of the most difficult songs in the world ā and Iāll do it better than anyone else.ā
It sounded like pure arrogance.
In a room full of hopeful performers, her bold claim felt risky ā the kind that could backfire badly. The judges exchanged skeptical glances.
Then the music began.
It wasĀ āI Will Always Love YouāĀ ā Whitney Houstonās version. Infamously difficult. Brutal to perform live.
