InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "what's your spaghetti policy?"

Benjamin Bale (benjamin_bale) wrote in freedomtownic,
@ 2020-12-06 18:37:00

Entry tags:

!idol plot, alex manes (thedesertsky), ben bale (benjamin_bale), kayla barnes (kayla_barnes), mere delany (band_chicka), olive penderghast (fancymyth), queen barb (queen_of_rock), rachelle martin-bale (rockinrachelle)

UNIVERSAL IDOL S2: SEMIFINALS, Ep1
A short promotional video started off the show, with close-up photos of each of the remaining three singers. Ben's voice could be heard narrating as music played in the background.

"Week after week of close calls with voting. Of highs and lows. Of some of the most inspired performances we've seen yet. After all this, we are down to three candidates for your next Universal Idol."

"This week, Alex Manes-Guerin, Queen Barb, or Olive Penderghast will be sent home, and we will find out who will be competing next week, right here, in the Season 2 Finals."

(Post a new comment)

fancymyth
2020-12-08 12:58 am UTC (link)

"And then were three..." Olive's voice came over the loudspeakers before her video package started. When she came on the screen, Olive was sitting on an equipment box. She wore a shredded Iron Maiden shirt and her signature tattered denim shorts with fishnets on underneath them. She took a deep breath, "when an aspiring artist either comes on one of these shows or starts posting stuff on YouTube, they at least should be showing what kind of artist they wish to be in the future. And I believe that an artist shouldn't have just one singular focus. They should be free to experiment and use multiple styles. In saying that, not everyone who shows off a variety on this platform is confused about where they are headed in their potential career." She shrugged, chortling softly, "I'm certainly not. I may be still new to music, but I'm not experimenting to see what fits best. I'm showing a variety of different things because that is legitimately what I would like to do as a professional musician. Which..." she sighed, looking down to play with a few of the strings on her shorts. She shook her head after a few moments, looking back up, "you know, thanks for that, by the way. Saying the things you do really feed into my fear that no record company is going to want to take a chance on me," she sneered, raising up her hand and extending her middle finger. "F-BLEEP it, I'm done here," she shook her head as she hopped off of the equipment box and walked out of frame.

After the video ended abruptly, Olive was shown, center stage with a full band behind her. She was wearing the same as she was in the video package, with her hair done, and accessories added. She looked down at the floor as the music began, not looking up until she was ready to sing.

"If I had to I would put myself right beside you
So let me ask you,
Would ya like that? Would ya like that?" she used her hands to emphasize what she was saying, notably staying right at the mic stand.
"And I don't mind If you say
This love is the last time
So now I'll ask,
Do ya like that? Do ya like that?
(No)," she brought both of her hands up, the frustration on her face beginning to show as she pointed toward the judges' table for the next line.

"Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
So, tell me
How it should be?" she closed her eyes, running both hands through her hair.

"Try to find out
What makes you tick As I lie down
Sore and sick
Do ya like that, Do ya like that?" she tilted her head with a sadistic smile on her face.
"There's a fine line
Between love and hate
And I don't mind
Just let me say,
That I like that, I like that," she was fully into the song. Even if her meaning had nothing to do with the song's original meaning, she was expressing her feelings perfectly.

"Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
So tell me
How it should be?" she looked out into the audience, a lot more comfortable than the last time that she had stayed mostly still while singing. The movements of her hands and arms, along with the swaying of her body did everything this time.

"Desperate I will crawl
Waiting for so long
No love, there's no love
Die for anyone
What have I become?" She pressed a few buttons with her foot on a loop pedal, giving her the option to scream out over pre-recorded lyrics (still her vocals), but not quite metal screaming. It was more of a frustrated scream that fit in with the rest of the feel of the song.

"Something's getting in the way
Something's just about to break
I will try to find my place
In the diary of Jane
As I burn another page
As I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane," she stood stoically as the song played out. Once it was over, she walked off the stage, rather than waiting for the judges' comments.

[ooc: Song - "The Diary of Jane" by Breaking Benjamin; cover by Halocene https://youtu.be/O2J66X9shvM ]

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	rockinrachelle 2020-12-10 12:59 am UTC (link)
	"What the hell was that all about?" Rachelle stood, blinking as she watched Olive walk off, sighing to herself as she shook her head. "Ok, well... that was really good... kinda hard to critique someone when they aren't around to hear it... not sure what that little display was about, but damn. I did enjoy the song though." (Reply to this) (Parent)

kayla_barnes
2020-12-10 11:00 pm UTC (link)

"... Was it something we said?" Kayla asked with a confused blink. She looked at Rachelle, then to the stage, then back to Rachelle. "...I blame you for this. You immediately get the blame." Kayla was honestly floored. And disappointed. She had no idea where that little outburst came from, but it was completely unprofessional. She sighed and shook her head. "I got nothin'."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

band_chicka
2020-12-11 06:13 am UTC (link)

"When we tell people to branch out, we get some flack for it, and now that we admit that we're not sure what your style is, we get this," Mere mused. "You guys might not know what to say, but I think I do know. Even though Olive isn't out here, I'm sure she'll hear what we say no matter what."

"When you come on this show, you're putting yourself out there to be judged. One of the things that we judge on, whether people explicitly say it or not, is how marketable a musician is. You can be the most amazing musician and singer, but if your record label doesn't know how to market you, you can't get that push to the right radio stations, to the right types of interviews, or even to set up to perform in the right places. Whether you like it or not, it's important."

"It's not a personal attack, Olive. You're an amazing artist, and I can see a great future for you. But, and this is a huge but, if you can't handle an honest critique, nothing said out of malice," she happened to glance at Chelle then, thinking of her earlier critiques of Rachel, "then this industry is going to chew you up and spit you out without blinking. You have to take the good with the bad. Sing what you want and be great at it, and someone will eventually work with you. If you want to sing twelve different styles, then go for it. Be the best you that you can be. No matter what you do, though, if you stay in this business, you're going to have to grow a thicker skin."

She sighed, leaning back from the mic. "And that's my soliloquy for the day." She chuckled. "I bet you're all amazed I even know that word."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

playsontv
2020-12-11 07:21 am UTC (link)

"Well..." Kyle shook his head with a sigh. "Someone's over it. I get it, though. The conflicting views can be frustrating. It's something I had to deal with a lot in my short career. Mostly from the point that it was announced that I would be playing Dick Grayson." He paused as the audience reacted to that.

"Olive is in a really tough place right now, and she knows it. I could see it all over her face," Kyle frowned a bit. "She wants to do all of these different things, yet at the same time, she knows how hard it will be to be put out there on a bigger scale. Right now, she has a choice to make: pick a lane, and go with one style, or go with a variety and keep a smaller, yet faithful niche audience," he shrugged.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

PERFORMANCE: Queen Barb

queen_of_rock
2020-12-08 09:53 pm UTC (link)

"From the beginning of this season, I was open to singing songs from any groups except my two all-time favorites."

Queen Barb grinned, beginning her promo video in Madhouse Music, decked out in cut-off denim shorts, black combat boots, and a sleeveless Motorhead tee, her hair now with some blue and red dyed in with the blonde and pink.

"I wanted to save my two favorite bands for if I made it to the end. And since this week is the semifinals... it's time to tackle the first of them." She said, pointing both thumbs at her t-shirt. "Motorhead was one of the first bands my dad ever had me listen to, and I love them more than I even know how to describe."

"And I know pulling out something as.... chaotic and non-mainstream as classic Motorhead is a huge risk this late in the game, but screw it. I'm the Queen of Rock, not some chump. This song is gonna be a perfect shout-out to all my friend, all my fans, and to Paige, Olive, and Victor. I love you guys... and I love rock 'n roll."

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: PERFORMANCE: Queen Barb

queen_of_rock
2020-12-08 09:57 pm UTC (link)

Rather than have any gimmicks, any theatrical stage design, or anything flashy... Barb decided to do this how Lemmy himself would've done it: the stage was empty save for the band, some plain spotlights shining down on them, a mic stand in the center, the microphone raised far too high and pointing down at Barb, who tilted her head back to sing up into the mic.

"Well here, babe, look at you, in love with someone else
Turned out like all the others, leave me by myself
That's how it works I guess, and you like all the rest
Guess I can handle it, if that's the way it is"

The music was much faster-paced than anything she'd done yet, and definitely was more "metal" than most people on this show tended to get. She knew she was risking a lot here... but she also made a promise to herself to honor her two favorite bands if she got this far, and she was a troll, er, person of her word.

"I'm in love with rock 'n' roll, it satisfies my soulIf that's how it has to be, I won't get mad
I got rock 'n' roll, to save me from the cold
And if that's all there is, it ain't so bad
Rock 'n' roll"

The big smile on her face as she sang said it all - she was having the time of her LIFE right now. She began playing up the rock star image more, pulling a few picks from the neck of her guitar and throwing them out to the fans.

"I never been a one to have no steady girl
I love the way I live, runnin' round the world
I like to fool around, I love to tear 'em down
And if I leave, you love to miss me when I'm gone"

Sweat beading on her forehead, Barb gave a wink to the camera, before sticking her tongue out and wriggling it a few times. As she played her guitar, she banged her head a few times to the beat. The backing musicians that had been working this season were fantastic, and while she'd jammed at Madhouse a few times with Bella and Ash, hearing them back her on this song made her realize just how well they clicked together. Perhaps they'd want to be her band when this was all over...

"I got rock 'n' roll, it satisfies my soul
If that's how it has to be, I won't get mad
I got rock 'n' roll, to save me from the cold
And if that's all there is, it ain't so bad
Rock 'n' roll"

She looked into the audience, her heart swelling at seeing Paige there, and getting so into the music. Music meant everything to Barb, so seeing the person she was dating enjoying her performance? Was the equivalent of how most girls would feel after some grand romantic gesture.

"I can't imagine growin' old with anyone
Marching to a different drum, I hear a different song
I swear I love 'em all, I don't care if they're small
I don't care if they're tall, I love 'em anyway"

This was it. This was do-or-die. Barb wanted to be in the finals more than she'd remembered ever wanting anything, especially since becoming human. And this was her last hurdle. She poured everything she had into this, knowing that Motorhead didn't give her as much of a chance to show her range... so instead she focused on the energy and charisma aspects, trying to make every single person watching feel like they were part of this with her.

"I got rock 'n' roll, it satisfies my soul
If that's how it has to be, I won't get mad
I got rock 'n' roll, to save me from the cold
And if that's all there is, it ain't so bad
Rock 'n' roll!!!"

Completely immersed in the performance, Barb went full 'rock star' as the song ended, grabbing her guitar by the neck and slamming it down, hard, onto one of the amplifiers, the sparks and flames that came from it feeding the natural energy and chaos of the moment.

"I LOVE YOU ALL!" She screamed to the audience, "See you in the finals!!!!"

("Rock N Roll", by Motorhead, cover by Sister Sin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUNhlzLWjPk)

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: PERFORMANCE: Queen Barb kayla_barnes 2020-12-10 11:57 pm UTC (link)
	Kayla threw up the horns. "It's always such a joy to watch you perform, chicky babe. You really love it up there and it shows. It's great to watch a performer really get into the song that they're performing." (Reply to this) (Parent)

PERFORMANCE: Queen Barb

band_chicka
2020-12-11 06:19 am UTC (link)

"And now I'm dying to know what your other favorite band is. Guess I'll just have to wait and see, huh?" Mere asked, grinning. Honestly, she was just glad that the performance after Olive had been a lot more cheerful. "From what you've said of your dad, he kind of reminds me of mine: brought me up in rock n roll. I miss the hell out of him here. It makes me feel like we have similar backgrounds, though." There certainly wasn't any other sort of life that Mere was going to lead given her upbringing, and she had the feeling Barbara was the same.

"Your love for that song is obvious, and you really did it justice. Great job as always up there. You're basically already a star. I think the rest of the world just has to realize it."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: PERFORMANCE: Queen Barb

playsontv
2020-12-11 07:28 am UTC (link)

"Oh yes, the finals for sure," Kyle gave a firm nod. "Whooo!"

He laughed, "but seriously though, you are bit by bit making me a fan of rock music. I'm not at all familiar with that song, which is no surprise to anyone here. It described you perfectly, though. Your soul is rock'n'roll. That's been obvious from the very start."

He casually nodded toward the backstage area, "now go..."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: PERFORMANCE: Queen Barb rockinrachelle 2020-12-13 06:30 am UTC (link)
	Rachelle gave an impressed nod, clapping her hands slowly. "It takes balls to attempt Motorhead, babe. Respect there. By this point it's clear all three of you deserve to win this thing. I have nothing bad to say, even if I wasn't afraid of your girlfriend eating my goddamn face." (Reply to this) (Parent)

PERFORMANCE - ALEX MANES GUERIN

threequarters
2020-12-08 10:38 pm UTC (link)

It wasn't the finale but Alex had a feeling that this was his last time on the Idol stage. Feeling lucky to even have made it this far. He was up there following two talented woman. So there wasn't going to be holding back this. If there was a time to actually show all of himself it would be this week.

He was walking on out on the stage in navy blue shorts with reddish brown belts and a dark gray t-shirt. A black denim jacket with a cotton hoodie in it.

This time when he came on the stage there was no stage band set up, the stage wasn't all lit up. It was only a keyboard that was all mic'd up in center stage with a spotlight on it. He gently slid his hand on top of the keys. It wasn't even a few seconds later that he started to play. No other instruments to back up the singular keyboard. An eleven second intro before he started singing.

I am not a stranger to the dark
Hide away, they say
'Cause we don't want your broken parts
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say
No one'll love you as you are

But I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

It was only for a moment but his gaze left the audience to look down at his hand. The ring that Michael had made for him. It was only for a second and then his gaze rose again to look at the dark filled audience. There was only a bit of lights that lined the steps so that if anyone needed to leave during the performance they wouldn't be tripping over their feet. As well as a few lights around the judges table.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

It was a bold choice because the music was soft for the first verse. He had been worried that he would barely be heard over the audience but it was quiet for the first time through that nights performance. He hoped that they could only hear his voice and the music and not the pounding of his heartbeat that he had echoing in his ears.

Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades and
Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that's what we've become

I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

Holding the note at the end of that last verse he closed his eyes and tilted his back slightly. Not enough to really be noticed by anyone. When he opened his eyes there was more lights in the audience. People using their phones like they would lighters in the dark. Waving them gently back and forth. He didn't know exactly how to describe what he was feeling in that moment. It felt like he couldn't hold onto the thought long enough. If he did he was worried he might not remember the start of the next verse.

It was at the beginning of the next verse that the audience could be heard singing with him. A smile curling at the corners of his lips.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

(Reply to this) (Thread)

PERFORMANCE - ALEX MANES GUERIN - continued

threequarters
2020-12-08 10:41 pm UTC (link)

And I know that I deserve your love
There's nothing I'm not worthy of
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
This is brave, this is bruised
This is who I'm meant to be, this is me

There was a few notes hit on the keyboard during the last verse but it was more about the words than the music. It was at this point it sounded again like Alex was the only one singing. It had only been one verse with the audience but it was the best feeling. The music from the keyboard started to swell again.

Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
This is me

His voice and the music he was playing stopped at the same time. He was standing there with the spotlight on him in centerstage as the audience cheered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHerysALl-I

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: PERFORMANCE - ALEX MANES GUERIN - continued kayla_barnes 2020-12-11 12:01 am UTC (link)
	"Very brave take on that song." Kayla paused, wondering how to word what she wanted to say. "That song... it's an anthem, though. It's a declaration. 'THIS IS ME, deal with it', y'know? You gotta bust it out. But that's just my take on it." She shrugged. (Reply to this) (Parent)

PERFORMANCE - ALEX MANES GUERIN

band_chicka
2020-12-11 06:30 am UTC (link)

"I'd say he did bust it out. Just because he's not screaming doesn't mean he's still not making a declaration," Mere pointed out. "The audience was definitely feeling the hell out of it."

"I'm usually someone who's all about rocking the *BLEEP* out, but I think the quieter performance gives the song more intensity. Admittedly, I'm not super familiar with the original. Once again, I'm the musician who doesn't really do musicals, I know, I'm the freak there. I definitely felt your interpretation of it. If we want to talk about your performances as a journey from beginning to now, I'd say this is the song that makes it sound like you've confronted and accepted your demons for what they are. You're proud of who you've become and you're moving forward. Still feels every bit as much of an anthem."

"So, long spiel of writing your musical story aside," she joked, "what I'm saying is that I really liked it."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: PERFORMANCE - ALEX MANES GUERIN - continued

playsontv
2020-12-11 07:32 am UTC (link)

Kyle nodded as he applauded once more for his former "arch-nemesis". "Give it up for the literally last man standing, Alex Manes-Guerin," he clapped some more as the audience cheered once more for him.

"You are in a very rough spot, bro," Kyle shook his head. "Those two ladies that went before you have been the front-runners since day one. Odds on favorites to be in the finale together by just about everyone willing to say so since the first week. Then we have you. You, Alex, are what is known as a 'dark horse'. No one saw you coming, but you are here, and you could easily take the place of one of those girls."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: PERFORMANCE - ALEX MANES GUERIN rockinrachelle 2020-12-13 06:42 am UTC (link)
	"Yup. Still my favorite." Rachelle laughed, a happy, bright smile on her face. "Alex. You've been a goddamn treasure for me this whole season. Your voice moves me, and I just fell in love with your personality and your story from day one. I promise you, come hell or high water, me and you are gonna work together one day." (Reply to this) (Parent)