The final note, 15 seconds of sustained perfection that made professional singers weep when she released it. 5 Seconds of cathedral silence, then pandemonium. 1,200 People on their feet screaming, crying, stomping. The building shook. Outside people heard it and cheered through speakers.
The scoring Mr. Harrison voice shaking. That wasn't singing. That was prophecy. 10 Pojo.
Christopher barely able to speak. I've worked with legends, Grammy winners, platinum artists. I have never heard anything like what I just witnessed. This is divine. 10.0.
Victoria didn't score, just sat pale and defeated. Average 10.0, perfect score. Tiana Turner wins. The announcer could barely be heard over the celebration. Your Riverside Community Talent Show Champion, Tiana Turner.
The oversized check, $50,000. Tiana held it with small hands, crying. Mama can have her surgery. She's going to live. In the chaos, Christopher stood at the edge of the stage, watching Diane being helped forward by Carol.
It was time. The post show chaos swirled around them. Media supporters, strangers taking photos. Tiana stood center stage, holding her oversized check, overwhelmed, searching the crowd for her mama. Diane was being helped through the crowd by Carol, too weak to push through alone.
Christopher intercepted them at the stage steps. Diane. Diane froze, turned, saw him up close for the first time in 11 years. Her face cycled through shock to recognition to pure fury. What the hell are you doing here?
Her voice shook with rage. You have no right. Not after. I know I have no right. But she deserves to know.
Know what? Diane's voice rose. People started turning, sensing drama. That her father abandoned us. That he left me pregnant and broke and alone.
That he chose his career over his child. She's better off not knowing you exist. Tiana pushed through the crowd toward them, small and confused. Mama, what's going on? Who is this?
The question hung in the air. Christopher knelt down to Tiana's eye level. His eyes, her eyes were red from crying. My name is Christopher Hayes and I'm your father. Tiana's face went blank.
What? No. Diane grabbed Tiana's shoulder. No, you don't get to do this. Not here.
Not now. But Christopher kept looking at Tiana. You have my eyes, my voice. 11 Years ago, your mother and I were together. When she got pregnant, I ran.