"Campus Icons, where the most talented students from across the country come to show they've got what it takes to make it big. In the next few weeks, only one will rise to the top. But first, let's meet the guy who'll guide us through it all, your host, Viktor!"
Viktor was already set the moment the announcer welcomed everyone to Campus Icons. He didn't even need to hear his name to know it was showtime. One of the producers had already given him the signal, a quick nod, as the familiar countdown echoed in his earpiece. "Five... four... three... two..."
Right on cue, his name was called, just like they'd rehearsed.
The camera that had been showing the audience and the three judges shifted to follow the spotlight, which now illuminated Viktor as he stepped onto the stage.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Campus Icons!"
His voice was full of warmth and enthusiasm. For those who knew Viktor, it felt like seeing a whole new person, but Emma managed to keep her cool, as if she was prepared for this transformation.
People who knew Viktor would have been surprised by how much he'd changed his demeanor and his energy while the audience and contestants had their own reasons for being surprised.
"Whoa, he looks so young! He can't be more than 18, right? How did he land this gig?"
"Yeah, but even though he's so young, you have to admit he's super cute! Look at him trying to play the grown-up."
"Haha, right? I think I'm falling for him! I've decided, he's my favorite superstar now."
"But didn't you just say last week that Paul would be your favorite forever?"
This kind of chatter was happening all across France. For the first time, Viktor was making an impression on the public, and he could feel it, thanks to the constant prompts from his system.
Viktor paused for a moment, letting the crowd and TV viewers build anticipation. Then, he kept the energy up and said, "Tonight, we're kicking off the biggest school talent competition this country has ever seen!"
"That's right. Over the next 16 weeks, we're going to witness some of the most talented young people" He stopped for a second, clearly feeling awkward calling them "young people," before correcting himself with a smile. "Some of the most talented contestants from all over the nation. They'll be showcasing their skills, creativity, and passion. From music to sports tricks, painting to comedy, dance to things you wouldn't believe, these students are ready to prove they're the best!"
His little joke about "young people" got a laugh from the crowd, as everyone knew Viktor was just as young as the contestants he was talking about.
The audience burst into applause, filled with enthusiasm. Viktor took a moment to scan the crowd, many of them were family members of the contestants, some of them probably just cheering to shake off their nerves.
"We've got 80 schools competing. 40 high schools and 40 universities. And each one has sent their two most talented students to represent them. That means tonight, we're starting with 160 contestants, all hungry for the title of Ultimate School Talent Icon!" His voice climbed with excitement. "And by the end of this competition, one of them will walk away with the grand prize of €400,000 and a talent contract that could change their life!"
The crowd roared at the mention of the prize, €400,000 in 2005 was a massive amount. Viktor let the excitement settle before continuing.
"But before we meet our amazing contestants, let me introduce you to the people who will be judging their performances over the next few months. These judges have the power to make or break a dream, and their opinions will help shape the future of these young stars."
Viktor felt a bit weird about what was coming next. The judging panel was special for a reason.
He turned to face the panel of judges seated behind a sleek black table, each with a shiny silver nameplate.
"First up, she's a legendary actress, a true icon in France, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. She knows exactly what it takes to become a star. Please give a warm welcome to the one and only—Emma Armand!"
That's right, Viktor's mom was one of the three judges. That's why calling her by her name and pretending to be strangers felt so odd to him.
Emma waved confidently at the crowd, adjusting her microphone. Noticing the slight awkwardness on Viktor's face, and recalling his joke about young people, she teased, "Thank you, young man."
The crowd laughed and gave her a big round of applause. As Viktor had said, Emma really was a legend in France, especially after her big break in Hollywood.
Viktor pressed on. "Next up, he's the man who's taken choreography to a whole new level. A dancer, director, and performer who's worked on some of the biggest international tours—you've seen his moves from Paris to Tokyo—Kylian Le Rouge!"
Kylian, a sleek man with sharp features and a jet-black ponytail, stood up and gave a playful twirl, earning cheers from the audience. His style: velvet blazer, crisp trousers was as polished as his moves.
"And last but not least, we've got someone who's always thinking outside the box. A visual artist, a filmmaker, a creative genius who's won awards at Cannes and Venice. Please welcome, Daniel Loris!"
Daniel, a modest man in his late forties with curly hair and rectangular glasses, smiled quietly as the crowd clapped. His calm demeanor was a sharp contrast to the show's flashy energy.
"Daniel's the guy who's going to push our contestants to think big about storytelling, originality, and making an impact. And if anyone knows how to break through the noise, it's him."
Viktor was feeling confident, playing it like a pro.
"Now that our judges are ready, it's time for you to meet the real stars of the show, our 160 contestants! They've traveled from every corner of the country, and each one of them has a talent that will blow your mind. But by the end of tonight, by the end of tonight, only 20 will remain from this first group."
The tension in the room rose as the camera zoomed in on the nervous yet eager contestants waiting backstage.
"But enough talking," Viktor said, raising his hand dramatically, "let's get to the talent!"
"And now, kicking things off for us tonight, please welcome our first contestant, Alex Rivera, with a performance that's sure to blow you away!"
As the stage lights dimmed once more, and the first contestant stepped forward, Viktor walked off to the side, where Marc was waiting with a grin.
Marc gave Viktor a thumbs-up. "Perfect intro Man."