Singer - 26. The Winner

“Don’t give me that look. It’s legal in California and so am I.” Chipper grinned at his father and allowed the unlit joint to dangle from his lips.

“Doesn’t smoking affect your voice?” Cristina shook her head when her brother offered to take her outside with him. “No, thanks. I’ll stick to wine.”

“Long term, I’m sure it would. But I don’t smoke that much. And in places like California, where recreational use’s legal, edibles are a great alternative. I’m just feeling a little old-school tonight.”

The coaches had been generous in their praise of his final song. In less than twenty-four hours, the winner would be announced; Chipper felt confident it would come down to him and Bliss. The woman’s performance wowed the studio audience and proved she was a diva in the making. He felt satisfied with his effort; it was now in the voters’ hands.

There was no need for further rehearsals, there were no cameras following them around, and the four finalists celebrated their success with family and friends late into the night. Over the months, even though they competed against each other, their common goal of a musical career had drawn them close.

“If Jordan don’t win, I hope you do. I love your voice,” Jordan Black’s wife told him at one point. Chipper did not think Kelly Clarkson’s contestant from Alabama would end on top, but he accepted the praise graciously.

He was surprised when the Hilo singer he befriended early on texted offering congratulations. Chipper would later find out due to the time difference, Aslan had watched the show’s live stream online.

Every Squad member also messaged, letting him know they and whomever they watched the finale with had already voted. Not entirely sober and emotionally drained, Chipper slept well that night.

“Are you nervous?” Angie Jennings—the Texan on Blake Shelton’s team—and her husband had joined him for a little sun and poolside lunch.

“I don’t know. I’m anxious to hear the results but not really nervous.” Chipper had worked out for a couple of hours then headed to the pool. After spending so much time indoors the previous week, he sought fresh air and sunshine. So did the others. “And it’s not like any of us can do anything more. I think we all gave it our best shot.”

“Welcome to the finale of The Voice! And welcome our coaches: Adam Levine, Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, and Kelly Clarkson.” Carson Daily’s booming greeting received a thunderous ovation which grew when the coaches walked in. “We have an incredible show for you tonight. Our artists and coaches…”

The host droned on, describing the evening’s format. Chipper and the other finalists glanced at the monitor in the artists’ lounge but it was obvious none of them were paying close attention. Everyone seemed lost in their thoughts. Adrenalin fueled nervous energy in Chipper. There was anticipation but no fear of what was to come.

Close to a year after his initial conversation with Dr. Pierce about the competition, the young New Yorker felt extremely confident. Win or lose, his future was in the music business. He looked forward to time in recording studios and on the road.

He paced the room, refilled his coffee cup repeatedly, and as a result had to visit the men’s room more than once. He posted on his private social media accounts for the benefit of family and intimate friends. The public ones he ignored but selected pictures of himself with Bliss, Angie, and Jordan for possible use. Once the winner was announced, he would share the appropriate one with a congratulatory message. If he won, the picture would be of him and Adam.

“Give it up for Alicia and Kelly!” Carson was silent while the applause died down. Three quarters of the way through the two-hour show, it was nearly time for the contestants to appear on stage. So far, the evening had been a mixture of taped segments and appearances by the coaches and guest singers. “It’s time to have our finalists join us. Please welcome Angie, Bliss, Chipper, and Jordan!”

The auditorium filled with cheering, and the ovations repeated when each finalist was given the opportunity to thank their coaches.

As Chipper had suspected, Jordan and Angie were first to go. It was down to him and Bliss.

“Before we announce the winner, let’s hear final words from the coaches. Adam?”

“Screw final. I’m not even close to being done with Chipper. Dude, you’re already a star. You came to us with an amazing voice and great technical knowledge, and you’ve done nothing but improve. You’ve relaxed and started connecting with songs in a way only seasoned performers do.

“I mean, you’ve not only impressed the heck out of all of us”—Adam waved a hand towards the other judges—“but you had both Timberlake and Mendes tweet praise and support. Justin’s offer to collaborate isn’t something most new artists get.

“Anyway, win or lose, you’re on your way. We may as well let everyone know what we have planned. America, you’re looking at your next superstar. Chipper and I will be working together on his first album. We plan to start writing soon, and I’ve agreed to produce it.” Chipper’s smile was both for his coach’s words and the audience’s positive reaction. “And… wait, wait, wait… And to make sure everyone gets to see Chipper perform, he’ll be Maroon 5’s opening act during our next tour. The sky’s the limit for you, my friend.”

Once Adam finished, the audience quieted. When it was Alicia’s turn to speak, she congratulated both Bliss and Chipper before showering her team member with praise.

“Thank you, Alicia. And now it’s time to find out who America voted for. You should know it was the smallest margin of victory ever.” Carson gave the contestants a sideways glance before staring at the camera. “The winner of The Voice is…”

The End