After the opening theme and introductions, a short montage video was shown of all the Round One performers, and the songs they'd chosen these past two weeks.
When the live footage resumes, the camera focuses in on Benjamin Bale, standing alone on the stage in faded jeans, sneakers, and a vintage Van Halen "5150" shirt.
"When I thought of Universal Idol, the reason was twofold. First, I wanted to find a way to bring some of the galaxy's attention back to Galador, and the tragedy and rebuilding it's been going through. Second, as I'm trying to rebuild Full Moon Records in this world, I need something to bring the public to us. Something to really bring money in to build the label AND to build what we're capable of. And what better way to do that than a galaxy-wide competition? This competition isn't just about winning and losing. Yes, the winner is guaranteed money and a contract, but you can be sure that if you, the audience, show us how much you love someone, we will listen, whether they win or lose. With that in mind... as we have five eliminations this week, let's get right to the first of the night."