You're Special

Zoe felt like she was half in a dream, half awake. She waited behind the stage—after receiving a scolding from the producer for disappearing—with a remarkably blank expression.

When the camera switched to the waiting participants, Zoe had to display the appropriate reactions. It may have been just two or three seconds of reaction—applause or a smile—but they had been specifically briefed to maintain enthusiasm. Of course, to keep the show lively. And Zoe missed it all, to the point that Laila had to nudge her several times to keep her from daydreaming too much.

Zoe also missed Max's spectacular opening performance, even though the cheers heard in the waiting room were deafening.

Zoe almost missed Laila's performance and only applauded at the last moment. Her own performance was nearly overlooked until Laila escorted her to the edge of the stage to keep Zoe from daydreaming.

Zoe sang very successfully live because she was on autopil