Once the hall fell silent, the MC approached Viona on stage. She looked at Viona with shining eyes before addressing the audience. "Wow. Truly an exceptional performance! I'm not a Kpop fan, but I know that a few years ago, Blackpink was a very famous idol group from South Korea. And what Viona just presented is one of the best covers I've ever seen. Who agrees?" she asked, directing the microphone toward the audience.
The MC's admiration for Viona was evident as she spoke, and the audience's enthusiastic response only amplified the sentiment. The MC's remarks about Blackpink and her acknowledgment of Viona's exceptional performance resonated with the crowd, validating the excellence they had just witnessed.
Cheers, whistles, and agreement-filled shouts followed as the response.
Viona stood on the stage, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The MC's words washed over her, carrying a wave of validation and appreciation that she had never quite felt before. The fact that someone who wasn't even a Kpop fan was praising her performance meant the world to her. As the audience's cheers and shouts filled the hall, she couldn't help but smile, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of pride and humility.
The MC's microphone moved back to her as she continued, "I think we can all agree that Viona has an incredible talent. It's not easy to take a song that's already so popular and make it your own, but she managed to do just that. The passion and dedication she put into this performance are truly remarkable."
Viona's gaze shifted between the MC and the cheering audience, her gratitude evident in her eyes. She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she prepared to respond. "Thank you so much," she began, her voice quivering slightly with emotion. "I'm truly honored by your words and by all of your support. Performing on this stage has been a dream come true for me, and I'm so glad I could share this moment with all of you."
The audience erupted into another round of applause, their excitement palpable. Viona's heart swelled with a sense of accomplishment, and she felt a newfound surge of confidence coursing through her veins. The MC smiled warmly at her, clearly delighted by the positive response from both Viona and the audience.
"As we wrap up this event," the MC said, her voice carrying a note of enthusiasm, "let's give one more big round of applause for Viona and her outstanding performance!"
The applause that followed was thunderous, filling the hall with a resounding energy that seemed to vibrate through the air. Viona took a moment to soak it all in, the stage lights illuminating her as she stood in the spotlight. She knew that this was a moment she would treasure forever, a memory that would fuel her passion for music for years to come.
As the applause gradually subsided, Viona stepped back from the microphone, her heart still racing but her spirit soaring.
"Now, we certainly need to hear from our VIP guests. First up... of course, Mr. Gilang~," the MC said with a broad smile.
"One word. Perfect. I don't need to provide any other comments besides that. If it weren't for her being my sister, I would've already asked her to sign a contract with our company right now," Gilang answered with a grin.
Gilang's lighthearted comment about wanting to sign Viona immediately elicited laughter and applause from the audience. The combination of his praise and playful remark created a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Viona herself was likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, from pride and excitement to the realization that her talent had left a significant impression on those who mattered.
Viona stood on the stage, slightly taken aback by her brother's unexpected yet endearing comment. She looked over at Gilang with a mixture of surprise and affection, her heart swelling with gratitude for his unwavering support. The playful tone of his words brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't help but chuckle along with the audience.
"Thank you, Gilang," Viona responded, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness as well. "I'll keep your offer in mind!"
The crowd erupted into laughter once again, the rapport between Viona and her brother resonating with everyone in the hall. The MC joined in the jovial spirit, her smile contagious as she turned her attention to another VIP guest.
The MC returned to the stage, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Mr. Gilang, for your glowing endorsement. I think we can all agree that Viona's performance was a highlight of the day."
"As for me... I'm speechless. I'm a Kpop fan. And I understand how challenging the dance moves of the Kpop groups from a few years ago were. Seeing not only Viona dancing flawlessly to the choreography but also singing flawlessly!" Erna praised, giving a thumbs up.
"I agree with my colleague. If there's a standard beyond perfection, I'd be happy to give it!" Savanna chimed in, sitting next to Erna.
"Absolutely! This is the first performance that truly satisfies me just by watching it!" Raharda applauded.
"And to conclude my colleagues' evaluations, I'll give a score of 10 out of 10!" Alexander exclaimed, his face filled with admiration. "By the way, Viona, are you interested in joining a tour to Korea?" he continued, raising and lowering his eyebrow suggestively.
Viona, who had been saying thank you all this while, chuckled softly. "Until now, my passion lies in acting, Sir. So I have to decline your offer," she said, shaking her head.
The collective praise from the VIP guests was a resounding affirmation of Viona's exceptional performance. The MC's excitement and Erna's personal connection to Kpop added a relatable and relished perspective to the evaluations. The subsequent comments from Savanna, Raharda, and Alexander further emphasized the impact of Viona's act, with each guest expressing their awe and admiration.
Viona's humility and gratitude shone through as she responded to their evaluations. Her chuckle and polite refusal of Alexander's offer to tour Korea demonstrated her commitment to her current path while acknowledging the possibility of future opportunities. The audience and the VIP section both appreciated her genuine response.
The MC seized the moment to encapsulate the sentiments of the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give one final, thunderous applause for Viona Amethyst! A truly remarkable performance that has left us all in awe!"
The applause that followed was fervent, and Viona took a final bow, her radiant smile reflecting her gratitude and happiness. As the curtain came down on the Arts Festival, the sense of unity, accomplishment, and inspiration among the students and guests was palpable. Viona's performance had been the pinnacle, demonstrating the essence of the festival's celebration of creativity and the limitless possibilities that artistic expression could unlock.
***
In the backstage, Viona caught her breath and wiped the sweat from her face, the genuine smile on her face spoke volumes. The combination of exhaustion and accomplishment was a testament to the effort she had put into her performance. The visible joy she derived from the audience's positive reactions added an extra layer of fulfillment.
The knowledge that she had not only impressed the live audience but also potentially captivated the online viewers who were livestreaming her performance on social media platforms was undoubtedly satisfying. The impact of her talent and artistry had reached beyond the auditorium, resonating with a wider audience that appreciated her dedication and skill.