The stage lights blazed down on the crowd, and the tension was palpable. The audience at The X Factor USA was eagerly waiting for the next contestant, but no one expected what was about to unfold. A young girl with a frizzy bob stepped out, her nerves barely visible as she walked up to Simon Cowell.
He leaned forward, his signature skepticism on full display. “So, what song are you singing?” he asked, his eyes narrowing.
With a calm smile, she looked him in the eye and replied, “It’s a surprise.” The room seemed to hold its breath.