Singing in Seattle by Tracey West Read Free Book Online

tough competition.”
    â€œWe just wanted to wish everyone good luck,” Aly said.
    â€œI think things are going to start in a few minutes,” AJ said. “Our manager, Jim, said there will be news crews covering this tonight. So do your best!”
    The sisters headed back to their seats in the theater.
    â€œThat’s amazing that Claire was able to recreate her song without her notebook,” Aly said.
    â€œI’m not surprised,” AJ replied. “When I write a song, it stays with me, you know? I think Claire just needed to find some confidence in herself. I’m glad we could help. Although . . .”
    â€œI know what you’re thinking,” Aly said. “Even though Claire has a song, her notebook is still missing. And one of the contestants had to have taken it.”
    â€œRight,” AJ said, sighing. “I just won’t feel right until this is all settled.”
    But there was no time to play detective; the competition was about to begin. A news reporter was waiting for Aly and AJ when they returned to their seats.
    â€œSo how will you judge the finalists today?” she asked them.
    â€œWe’re looking for a well-rounded songwriter,” AJ replied. “Someone with great lyrics but who can also create melodies and beats.”
    â€œAnd we’re going to perform a song from the winner at our concert,” Aly added. “So it has to be a song that speaks to us and who we are, too.”
    â€œIt’s going to be a tough choice,” AJ said. “All of the contestants are great.”
    Jim walked up. “We’ll have to wrap this up,” he said. “The judging’s about to start.”
    The reporter left just as Henry took the stage.
    â€œI really liked the love song he sang last time,” Aly whispered. AJ nodded.
    Henry sang into the mic as taped music played in the background. It was another love song, and it sounded a lot like his first song.
    â€œHmmm,” AJ said, writing in her notebook. “Not bad. But I wonder if Henry can do anything else?”
    Austin took the stage next. He didn’t look nervous, like he had backstage. He had great positive energy, and he flirted with AJ once again as he sang. The song had a crisp rock beat and catchy lyrics about hanging out in the summertime.
    â€œAustin’s back to his old tricks,” Aly teased when he left the stage.
    â€œMaybe, but that song was hot,” AJ said.
    Bree came out, wearing a tank top, peasant skirt, and clutching her guitar. Her curly hair bounced wildly around her face as she played and sang.
    â€œI’m taking my act on the road.
    Don’t know when I’ll be home again . . .”
    â€œNice,” AJ said.
    Aly nodded. “Agreed. But not so original, maybe. It kind of sounded like a Rolling Stones song.”
    Then it was Claire’s turn. She sang a song called “Crush,” about a girl who had a crush on a boy in kindergarten, and then dates him in high school. She seemed more confident onstage, and her singing voice was louder this time.
    â€œThat’s awesome!” Aly said when Claire was done.
    â€œWay,” AJ agreed. “I can so imagine us singing that.”
    While Claire’s song was cheerful, Amber’s was a lot darker. She got up close to the mic, her voice droning as she sang.
    â€œDark, dark, dark.
    The lonely pits of my heart . . .”
    â€œCool,” AJ remarked. “But could you imagine us singing that?”
    â€œI honestly don’t know,” Aly answered. “I mean, we don’t always sing happy songs.”
    â€œYeah, but that was downright depressing,” AJ pointed out.
    Josh was the last finalist to perform. Like Henry, he sang to taped music in the background. He sang “Love Letter,” a clever song about a boy who sends a love letter to the girl he secretly likes, but the wrong girl gets it, and they end up falling in love instead.
    Aly and AJ