Gangster to Idol

"He's got to be a 10. That vocal control, paired with his cute face, is exactly the kind of appeal I'm looking for," Mitchell remarked to the other mentors. "I know we're focused on vocals and dancing right now, not appearance or stage presence, but this kid's a solid 10 for me."

"Me too," Evelyn sighed, clasping her cheek with a dreamy expression. "He's just adorable when he delivers those lines. Everyone's going to love him."

"I'm not against his vocals, but his footwork and coordination need serious improvement," Jaxon commented. "There's also a fact that others might not perceive his unique taste with music to his cute face. I can only give him a 4."

Kalista didn't say a word. She simply held up a placard with a 6.

Despite the mixed reviews, Riku became the first independent trainee to score 30 points.

The rest of the independent trainees breathed a little easier, knowing that not all of the first batch had been a lost cause.

The selection process continued, with everyone realizing just how high the stakes were.

As the show progressed, the remaining independent trainees took the stage one by one, each hoping to impress the judges.

One trainee, a quirky influencer named Danny, strutted out in neon green shoes that lit up with every step.

The moment the music started, he launched into a breakdance routine that had the audience chuckling — his moves were energetic but slightly out of sync with the beat.

At one point, he tried to pull off a complex spin, but ended up accidentally spinning himself right off the stage.

The judges couldn't help but stifle their laughter as Danny quickly scrambled back up, flashing a sheepish grin.

Mitchell, barely holding back his amusement, gave him a 5 for effort.

At least he gave a comedic relief in the show.

Next up was a content creator named Lily, known for her viral cooking videos. She nervously shuffled onstage, clutching a microphone like it was a lifeline.

Her singing was surprisingly decent, but when it came time to dance, she ended up slipping on a stray prop left from the previous act. Instead of hitting the high note, she let out a squeak as she caught herself mid-fall.

Evelyn couldn't help but smile as she gave Lily a 5, saying, "You've got potential, just don't let the stage trip you up — literally."

Then there was Max, a trainee who proudly announced his background in parkour. He decided to incorporate flips and jumps into his performance, much to the audience's delight.

However, midway through his routine, he misjudged a leap and ended up stuck in the curtains at the side of the stage, his legs dangling in the air.

The crowd erupted in laughter as he awkwardly tried to free himself.

Jaxon shook his head, and gave him a 4 for creativity but warned, "Maybe save the acrobatics for later, yeah?"

The independent trainees might not have had the polish of the big company contestants, but they certainly brought plenty of entertainment value to the stage.

As the first episode of RRR progressed, the atmosphere in the studio grew increasingly intense.

The judges, having already seen a wide range of performances, were beginning to hand out scores that ranged from mixed to harsh.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager to see who would be next.

Then came Jason, a trainee from a small indie label known for his powerful voice and confident stage presence.

He strode out with a confident expression, ready to make his mark. His performance was solid, a mix of smooth vocals and impressive dance moves.

But as the judges deliberated, it became clear that not everyone was impressed.

Kalista, the renowned dancer and one of the more formidable judges, gave Jason a score of 5, citing a lack of emotional depth and facial expression to his dance.

"You've got the talent, Jason, but it felt like you were just going through the motions," she said, her voice measured but firm.

Jason's face tightened as he listened to the critique. He had been expecting some feedback, but Kalista's comments hit a nerve.

"I have to disagree," he shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. "I put my heart into this performance. I've been working hard, and it feels like you're just dismissing me because I'm not from one of the big companies."

The studio fell silent. The audience exchanged glances, sensing the brewing conflict.

Kalista raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Jason's outburst. "This isn't about where you're from, Jason," she replied, her tone icy. "It's about the quality of the performance. We judge based on what we see and hear, not on your background."

Jason's eyes flashed with defiance. "But you're not giving me a fair chance! You're always comparing us to the big names. Just because I don't have the same resources doesn't mean my talent isn't worth something."

Evelyn tried to defuse the situation, and stepped in. "Jason, everyone here is working hard. The feedback is meant to help you improve, not to be taken personally."

But Jason wasn't finished. "You say it's not personal, but it sure feels like it! I've seen people with less talent get better scores just because they have more connections."

The tension in the room could be felt. The audience watched in rapt attention as the exchange unfolded, some nodding in agreement with Jason's plight while others were riveted by the drama.

Mitchell was usually the most composed, and leaned forward with a serious expression. "Jason, if you want to stand out, you need to channel that energy into your performances. Complaining won't change the scores, but proving us wrong might."

Jason's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but he took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself.

"I'll take your advice," Jason said, his voice steady but tight with frustration. "But let's get one thing straight — I'm not agreeing with you. I'm here to prove what I can do, and no one's gonna decide my worth but me."

As Jason left the stage, the audience erupted into applause, both for his passionate defense and the drama that had unfolded.

The judges exchanged looks, the air charged with a new level of tension.

It was clear that the show had just added a new layer of intrigue — one that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

They would certainly incorporate it to the first episode. They love a good drama.