Alas, it couldn't be helped. Francis and the production team had the final say on this matter, and unlike Maria, they didn't have the ability to discern which candidate to choose without hearing their performance first.

They would just have to power through each performance.

“ALL right. Hanna, you will go first," Francis instructed one of the girls.

“Next one is Rylee, then Judy, and finally, Elma."

“Yes, Sir." they answered in unison.