Have you ever had stage fright during a performance?
Though it probably goes without saying, getting up in front of thousands or millions of people to do some kind of performance is a pretty nerve-wracking experience. Even if you’re incredibly talented, the anxious energy running through you can be enough to throw you off. Though it definitely takes talent to make it on a national stage, it also takes a combination of poise and the correct choices of self-presentation.
For an example of just how difficult this can be, just look at this performance from The X Factor.
The audition took place on the show’s 2012 season and was quite a roller coaster.
Before the contestant even went on stage, she was maneuvering backstage to intimidate and throw off other people participating in the contest. She was milling around with anxious energy and seemed like she couldn’t wait to get onstage… but it seemed like her attitude was getting to some of the other people around her.
Eventually, it was time for her to go onstage and introduce herself to the judges. Her name is CeCe Frey and she’s confident that she’s the best performer there that day.
Although the judges are a little impressed, her attitude is starting to wear on people just a little bit.
After all of her trash-talking, it’s time for her to perform her song.
With that, the backing track starts playing the music for “Unchained Melody,” which is notoriously one of the hardest songs to sing!
Although Frey makes a confident attempt at it, it’s clear that she has a few sour notes… sand that she was kind of overselling herself a bit. Some of the judges have to look down because it’s a bit embarrassing, and it doesn’t take long for them to stop the audition.
As soon as she gets stopped, Frey can’t believe what she’s seeing.
As the judges explain, it’s a confusing choice that Frey would pick that song given her brash appearance and presentation.
Though she is a little thrown off, she starts again with “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera.
While it wasn’t a great start, the second song gives her a much better opportunity to present her personality and attitude to the judges. As she gets further into the second song, the judges start feeling the energy and the performance as well.
When it’s finally over, she gets a big round of applause.
Finally, it’s time for the judges to give their feedback.
As they explain, they were a little confused at the beginning on her first choice, but the second song made it clear that she has a ton of things going for her. There’s the ambition, the musical talent, the attitude and the look. As one of the judges says even more directly, she definitely has “the X Factor.”
After all the feedback, the judges have their time to vote… and everyone says yes! Although her attitude was a little bit off-putting at the beginning, her stage presence was able to turn the whole thing around. But what did you think of the performance?
Congratulations to Cece Frey on a successful audition! Be sure to watch the full clip below:
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