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.

With that, Hanna Norris entered the recording room while the other three sat down to wait for their turn.

Judy remembered the snacks she had brought, and thought that she might as well enjoy them in the meantime.

Beside her was Rylee Thompson, who was only three years older than Judy. She was a popular artist who had just gotten her big break after participating in a talent show a couple of years ago.

“Is it delicious?" she asked Judy in a quiet voice.

“The fried octopus smells so good. Where did you buy it?" It went without saying that people could make a lot of friends over good food.

By the time Hanna finished the first song, Judy was happily sharing her food with Rylee.

Elma sat in silence, as if she was far above the two girls, who were currently in an animated discussion about street food. She kept glancing over, though, especially at Judy's milk tea.

She couldn't wait to spike that drink and then see the devious girl drink her doom!

"It's all gone!" Judy exclaimed. Elma was not expecting that aside from being an entertainer, Judy was a total foodie as well.

The girl obviously had a large appetite.

Before Hanna even wrapped her audition, Judy had already finished off her milk tea.

Elma scowled in disappointment.

Now that the milk tea was gone, how on earth was she supposed to drug Judy?

Just then, Rylee took out a tumbler from her bag.

"I've made some herbal tea," Rylee said with a smile. "It's good for your throat. Would you Like to try some?”

As a professional singer, she needed to take measures to keep her throat healthy.

After consuming so much fried food, it was almost instinctive for Rylee to want to drink her herbal tea.

“Of course!" Judy said eagerly.

There was no way she would refuse any food or drink that was offered to her, unless she was totally stuffed.