"Hearing the stars sing this song together again, I feel like I've experienced that period of history myself."
"Michael is so handsome! I'm afraid that throughout the entire global music scene, only he has such a strong influence, capable of gathering so many musicians together."
"I predict this season of The Voice will be legendary. Future music variety shows will never be able to surpass it."
"That's right. Once you've watched The Voice, other music variety shows always feel like they're missing something."
"Upstairs, is this just about 'missing something'? This is about whether you can invite Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Janet Jackson. Jay-Z is still relatively easy to get."
"It seems we can only look forward to The Voice Season 2. I just don't know if Michael will record the second season."
"Worth it! Absolutely worth it! Since I bought a Lionheart Network membership, this is the most valuable purchase I've made. I can't wait, I need to upgrade to the highest tier quickly. Watching in Blu-ray must be even more exciting."
Inside the stadium, as the all-star performance concluded, the audience roared like hungry wolves.
The four coaches took their seats, while the remaining celebrities sat behind them, ready to watch the subsequent competition.
The gathering of so many big-name singers made the venue feel like a mini-Grammy event.
However, they had no special privileges; they simply had one vote, just like ordinary audience members.
Host James Corden walked onto the stage. Since The Voice aired, he, who was originally not very famous, seemed to have overnight become the most popular host.
Moreover, during the broadcast of the show, he had several times showcased his singing voice, making many viewers realize that this host was a professional.
James Corden often delivered humorous remarks, and his quick wit was on par with professional stand-up comedians.
Seeing his excellent overall qualities, several TV stations had already extended olive branches to him, hoping to tailor a show for him.
However, James Corden was a principled and clear-headed man, knowing the reason behind all his achievements.
He sought UTA's opinion in advance, rejecting all shows that conflicted with the recording schedule of The Voice Season 2.
Eric and Michael also promised to create another show for him, with him as the main star, modeled after the hugely popular 'Carpool Karaoke' show.
"Tonight, we gather here for The Voice of America finals, a grand celebration of music."
"But at the same time, as you can see, many people in other parts of the world are suffering."
"Not just in America, but also in Afghanistan, India, Russia, and many other countries and regions."
"Natural disasters and man-made calamities have left them displaced, and hunger and disease are rampant across the land."
"When you have the means, choosing to help those in need will be a very meaningful act."
"The Voice will donate one-third of tonight's proceeds to aid disaster-stricken areas."
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
Before James Corden finished speaking, the entire venue was filled with applause.
For a show to become legendary, excitement alone is not enough, because excitement leaves no lasting meaning.
The best way to imbue content and meaning is to showcase humanity and compassion within the show.
Moreover, they didn't earn less money, because it was under this guise that so many celebrities could be invited to perform, and advertisers were willing to pay double.
Otherwise, The Voice's advertising fees would not have reached the record-breaking figure of 73 million US dollars.
Fundamentally, it was the advertisers who paid the extra money, and The Voice claimed the fame for itself.
When Michael proposed this idea, Eric naturally agreed without hesitation.
Although his private life was messy, he still wanted to do something meaningful for society, embodying the principle of 'private flaws, public virtues'.
"Tonight will be a grand night, and for the four finalists, the pressure is omnipresent."
"They will face off in a final showdown under the guidance of their respective coaches to strive for ultimate victory and claim the honorable title of The Voice of America."
"Each person will perform two songs: one in collaboration with their coach, and another an original piece."
"Please note, after each contestant's solo performance, everyone present will have one and only one vote. Your choice will determine the ultimate champion."
The rules were formulated to adhere to the principle of fairness and impartiality as much as possible.
Although there was a segment where contestants performed with their coaches, it was merely for entertainment, a spectacle for the audience, and no voting was allowed after it.
Only after the solo performances were audiences permitted to vote, thereby minimizing the coaches' influence on the contestants as much as possible.
Otherwise, if both songs were counted, Mars Bro would undoubtedly win the championship, since his coach was Michael, the most popular superstar.
After explaining a few more important points, James Corden loudly announced, "Now, let's welcome the beautiful country girl, Taylor Swift, to the stage!"
On the big screen, the camera cut to backstage.
In the recording studio, three people were seen discussing the original song.
The audience had no reaction to seeing Celine Dion and Taylor, but the person next to them surprised many.
"Darling, are my eyes playing tricks on me? Is that Eric Cooper?"
"Eric Cooper? He's helping Taylor write a song? What's going on?"
"What the hell is this? Why is Eric Cooper there? Shouldn't they invite professional producers? He can't even read sheet music."
"Eric Cooper's songs are great! 'Rolling in the Deep,' 'Let It Go,' and his whistling song. He's very talented."
"But he can't read sheet music!"
"What's wrong with not being able to read sheet music? The champion will definitely be Taylor. After all, the big boss has personally intervened. How can anyone else compete?"
"This is too unfair. Even if it's rigged, it shouldn't be so obvious."
"Can you stop with the whining? I want to watch the show seriously!"
On the big screen, the three discussed the song's style.
"Taylor, I don't think you need to hide yourself. You have a more versatile style, a better voice. I hope you show it to everyone."
"But I'm not sure if I can sing other styles well, what if the audience doesn't accept it."
"So we need to create a song that blends country and pop styles, allowing you to master it more easily without losing your essence."
"Taylor, trying it is not bad. Perhaps Eric can bring a miracle."
"OK."
The lights focused on the center of the stage. Taylor stood in front of the microphone, holding her guitar. As the band began to play, the guitar, electronic keyboard, and drum kit blended to create a light and cheerful feeling.
Trouble he will find you no matter where you go oh oh
No matter if you're fast no matter if you're slow oh oh
The eye of the storm or the cry in the morn oh oh
You're fine for a while but you start to lose control
He's there in the dark, He's there in my heart
He waits in the wings, He's gotta play a part
Trouble is a friend Yeah trouble is a friend of mine oh oh
Mei Mei had practiced this song, 'Trouble Is a Friend,' countless times in private. With its not-too-difficult melody and catchy rhythm, she had long been able to master it with ease.
The segment on the big screen was merely a re-recording done afterward, just for show to the audience.
She spoke casually, exuding a relaxed and comfortable aura.
After a short verse, the lively and vibrant melody seemed to transport people into a field.
Many country music fans could already imagine running through the fields; Mei Mei was still the little girl they loved, and this was her style.
And those who preferred pop also enjoyed this; a smile unknowingly appeared on their faces.
The camera panned to the celebrity seats; Kenny Rogers, a titan of country music, listened with his eyes closed, clearly enjoying himself.
He had always been dedicated to blending country music with other genres, and it was evident this song did it very well.
Britney, Avril, Rihanna, and other representative new-generation female singers had a gleam in their eyes; they were all discerning, recognizing an extraordinary song at first listen.
Feeling the admiring gazes from around her, Mei Mei became even more relaxed.
Forget 70,000 people, even if it were 170,000 or 700,000, I wouldn't be afraid.
I will definitely perform on the world's biggest stage in the future.
The guitar vibrated under her fingertips, plucking out melodious notes in the shimmering lights, as if the brightest stars in the sky were twinkling.
She was smiling, her smile growing wider, and the freckles on her face seemed to dance with joy.
The audience was further infected by her joyful state, and given that Mei Mei was only 15 this year, she appeared to the audience like a girl next door or their own daughter.
What more could you ask for from a happy girl? Her happiness would make you happy too.
Trouble is a friend.
Trouble is a friend of mine, oh oh.
As the last note faded, Mei Mei bowed with a smile, greeted by enthusiastic applause.
James Corden walked onto the stage and looked at Celine Dion, "A wonderful performance.
As her mentor, how would you evaluate Mei Mei's performance?"
Celine Dion's eyes were full of doting affection; after several months of interaction, this outspoken and proactive young girl had long won her heart.
"Without a doubt, Mei Mei is the best in my team.
I would give her a perfect score for her performance, and I believe she will definitely become a big star."
"Thank you, thank you, Xi Di."
"OK, thank you, Mei Mei, for bringing us such a beautiful song.
If you support her to win the championship, press the button next to you now and cast a vote for her."
"The votes will be announced together after all performances are over.
You have 3 minutes, please choose!"
Mei Mei waved to the audience in all directions on the stage.
She didn't know how many votes she would get, nor whether she could win the championship.
But did it matter?
Not really, because all four of them had signed with UTA.
The boss treated everyone equally and tailored high-quality songs according to their styles.
Although there might be some minor differences in the quality of the four songs—for example, her song was slightly weaker than Katy Perry's—it wasn't because Eric was showing favoritism.
The reason was that her singing skills were not as good as others.
If she were given a high-difficulty song, what if she couldn't handle it? What was suitable was best.
So winning the championship was just an extra title, but the resources provided by the company were the same.
Who could go further in the future depended on who worked harder.
Mei Mei believed that her creative ability was definitely stronger than the other three, and she would be the one to go all the way in the future.
After the three-minute voting ended, the live music suddenly became restless.
Fruit Sister and Janet came on stage, singing a song from Janet's new album released a while ago.
Thanks to the big slap at the Super Bowl and the popularity of The Voice, Janet's new album sales had already exceeded 5 million copies.
After the millennium, the record industry, like the DVD industry, was in decline, so this figure was already explosive.
The two of them together turned the calm venue into a heated atmosphere.
Then the screen switched to the big display, showing three people again, sitting in a recording studio creating music: Jay-Z, Cyril, and Eric.
"Hmm? Eric Cooper? Why is it him again!"
"Didn't he help Taylor Swift create music? Why is he helping Xi Lin Trudeau now? What's going on?"
"I get it, this is to prove to the audience that there's no foul play, expressing his attitude."
"How does it feel more like he's showing off?"
"I think so too.
This guy always likes to show off subtly, then secretly watches others' surprise, and he gets a kick out of it."
"Next, let's welcome Xi Lin Trudeau with his original song, 'Sugar'!"
After James Corden finished speaking, Cyril's image was projected onto the big screen.
He was dressed in casual clothes, holding an electric guitar in his hands, his fingers changing positions to powerfully strum out the rhythm.
The electric guitar, mixed with the bass, maracas, and drum kit behind him, immediately created a bright sensation.
I'm hurting, baby, I'm broken down.
I need your loving, loving, I need it now.
When I'm without you, I'm something weak.
You got me begging, begging, I'm on my knees.
I don't wanna be needing your love.
I just wanna be deep in your love.
As the verse progressed, the song's rhythm became increasingly lively.
Cyril swayed gently as he sang, his voice growing clearer and more resonant.
However, not many in the audience were greatly moved; the early rhythm of "Sugar" was relatively ordinary, at least significantly less impactful than Mei Mei's performance.
But there was no need to worry, because the big move was coming.
Sugar, Yes, please.
Won't you come and put it down on me.
Right here, 'cause I need.
Little love and little sympathy.
The sudden soaring falsetto was sharp yet not jarring, and after the gradually rising buildup in the verse, it felt perfectly natural.
OH!
The stadium immediately erupted in screams.
Cyril had good looks, at least much better than Mars Bro, and he gained many female fans after the show aired.
Seeing the handsome guy exert himself, they did not hesitate to scream.
Among the celebrity seats, all the pop singers perked up, especially Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, whose eyes sparkled.
He had a feeling that he would be more suitable for this song than Xi Lin Trudeau on stage; that style was right up his alley.
"Oh!"
With a scream, Cyril raised his right arm high, and the stone in his heart finally dropped.
Although he didn't perform at his absolute best, he still showed 90% of his strength.
He had done his best; the rest was up to the audience.
After Jay-Z offered comments and encouragement, the audience finished their scoring.
Mei Mei and Celine Dion took the stage to perform.
A classic song by Shania Twain, brought to new life by the old and young duo, captivated the audience.
Then it was Mars Bro Bruno Mars's turn to appear, and the big screen began to play the behind-the-scenes creative documentary.
Seeing three figures sitting there again, many people couldn't help but exclaim, "Why is it him again!"