Jake’s palms were slick with sweat as he gripped the microphone, his heart pounding in his chest like a bass drum. The harsh stage lights bore down on him, nearly blinding as he squinted out at the three celebrity judges seated behind the long table. Beyond them, he could just make out the shadowy audience filling the auditorium, their excited whispers echoing in the cavernous space.

This was it – his one shot at stardom. Sixteen-year-old Jake Harris from small-town Iowa, trying out for American Voice in front of millions of TV viewers. He’d spent countless hours practicing in his bedroom, belting out covers of his favorite pop songs, dreaming of this very moment. But now that it was here, the immensity of it all threatened to overwhelm him.

“What’s your name, kid?” asked Tina Knowles, one of the judges, her voice amplified by her mic.

“J-Jake Harris,” he stammered. God, he sounded like such an amateur.

“And what will you be singing for us today, Jake?” This from Rex Foster, the British rock star with spiked hair.

Jake swallowed hard. “Uh, ‘I’ll Stand By You’ by The Pretenders.”

A few scattered whoops from the audience. Good choice, he told himself, trying to steady his nerves. A song that would let him show off his range.

“Alright Jake, let’s see what you’ve got,” said Norah Ellis, the country star. She gave him an encouraging smile.

The familiar opening piano chords started playing. Jake closed his eyes and grabbed the mic stand. His voice shook slightly as he began the first verse. “Oh, why you look so sad…tears are in your eyes…”

Come on, Jake, he urged himself. Just like you practiced. He pushed down his anxiety and focused on the lyrics, on the raw emotion behind them.

“…I’ll stand by you, I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you…” His voice grew stronger, taking on the gravely tone he’d perfected from hours of studying his idol, Chris Stapleton.

As the song built toward the bridge, Jake finally opened his eyes, realizing the audience was with him now, a few even starting to clap along. He zeroed in on Norah, whose head was bobbing appreciatively. She flashed him a grin and a thumbs up.

Energized, Jake launched into the final chorus, belting with everything he had. “Take me in, into your darkest hour, and I’ll never desert you…” The song crescendoed as his husky voice soared to the rafters, leaving it all on the stage. “I’ll stand by you!”

As the final notes faded, the audience erupted in cheers and applause. Jake stood there catching his breath, overcome. Had he really done it?

“Wow,” Norah began once the crowd had quieted. “That was something special, Jake. So raw and authentic. You’ve got a great grit to your voice that really sells the emotion behind the lyrics.”

“I have to agree,” said Tina, sounding impressed. “For such a young performer, you’ve got a remarkably mature, soulful sound. And I could tell you really connected with that song.”

Jake could hardly believe what he was hearing. “Thank you so much,” he gushed. “That means everything coming from you.”

But he still had one judge left – Rex Foster, infamous for his biting critiques. Jake braced himself.

“Not bad, kid,” Rex began. “You’ve clearly got a decent instrument there. But…” Jake’s heart sank. “It felt a little safe, you know? A little paint-by-numbers. If you want to make it in this business, you’ve really got to take risks and make a song your own.”

Jake nodded, trying to look appreciative even as the sting of the criticism sank in. Rex was right – he’d played it safe, falling back on his standard Chris Stapleton impression rather than putting his own unique stamp on it.

“I get that,” Jake said, his voice low. “And if I get the chance, I promise to keep pushing myself creatively.”

Norah jumped in. “That’s the attitude, Jake! We’d be fools not to put you through and see what else you’re capable of. I’m a yes!”

“I’m a yes too,” Tina agreed. “You’ve got a great foundation to build on, Jake. Don’t let us down.”

It all came down to Rex. He made a show of hemming and hawing. “I suppose… there’s potential here. Fine, I’ll give you a shot. You’re through to Hollywood!”

Jake thought his heart would burst. The audience roared as he broke into a huge grin, barely able to choke out a “Thank you!” over the lump in his throat. He’d done it! The first step in his journey, one that could crescendo all the way to the finale.

As he bounded offstage in a daze, Jake was already picturing the headline: From Small Town Boy to America’s Next Voice. His adventure was only beginning.