Ever Since LA - h.s.

one.

   That little joke I think made a lot of his nerves vanish, leaving me to be at peace when I go inside to be seated while the contestants get ready. Yes, I'm watching from the audience and not backstage with the rest of the family but I will be leaving my seat to go outside right after Liam's performance, since he is the first contestant on the show.

   After what seems like forever, Liam's name is announced and out he walks, a huge smile on his face. I clap my hands proudly, proud that he believes in himself, proud that he came back and gave it another shot.

"How are you Simon you all right? Haven't seen you in a long time."

   Just by the way Liam said it made me want to laugh. He spoke about how far he made it when he was last on the show.

"What are you going to sing today?" Louis Walsh asks him.

"Um, I'm going to sing Cry Me a River." Liam responds.

   I know he sounds amazing singing this song because of all the nights I'd video chat Liam and convinced him to sing to me before I went to sleep.

   The music starts a few seconds later. Everyone around me is anxious for him to start singing as the music builds up. Liam looks focused and as soon as it is time he starts singing. He barely has sung two words and everyone starts cheering, including me. I stand up along with many other people as we all start clapping loudly while Liam sings. His voice is truly amazing.

   The judges are smiling and I just saw Cheryl Cole and Simon look back at the crowd, who are still all cheering loudly. The music continues playing as Liam walks around the stage preparing for the big note. Everyone seems so curious to see if he will pull it off, but I know he will.

   I have a huge smile on my face as we all wait. He opens his mouth, shut his eyes and he hits the notes perfectly. The judges all look impressed and Liam smiles a bit while he is singing.

   As he finishes the song, he receives a standing ovation from the audience, the guest judge Natalie Imbruglia, and Simon. Liam looks relieved as he looks around at the crowd in front of him.

   Everyone sits down as the judges begin to speak. They all seem really impressed with Liam's performance. I don't think I've ever seen him so happy. Louis Walsh is shocked that he is the guy Simon sent back two years ago and Simon claims knew he was doing the right thing.

"Now we're going to vote." Simon states.

   Liam smiles and nods.

"I am going to say yes." Louis goes first.

"It's a yes from me." Natalie next.

"It's a yes from me. Definitely, yes." Cheryl says.

   We all wait for Simon's response in a silent anticipation.

"Based on talent, absolutely incredible," Simon starts. "One massive, fat, almighty, yes."

   We all cheer as Liam celebrates and thanks the judges. I get up from my seat to go outside and wait for Liam and his family to leave the building, ready to throw my arms around Liam as I'm so beyond proud of him.

"You were absolutely amazing, Leebear. I knew you could do it."

   I am so proud of my best friend for going back up on that stage and nailing his performance. I can't wait to see what's in store for him in the future, I just know he's going to do great things in life.

~

July, 2010

   Sunsets and sunrises are a beautiful thing. You say goodbye to the sun everyday but the next day, it rises again and a new day begins. Saying goodbye in general is kind of like this. You say goodbye to one thing, but it's just the beginning to something else, something new.