His Genius Wife Is A Superstar Chapter 1649: Call of the Spotlight (Part II)

While Iris Long’s assessment might have appeared blunt initially, a deeper reflection would reveal it as the most helpful feedback among the panel.

The audience began to sense that this particular episode was transforming into something monumental. It felt as though "Call of the Spotlight" had been elevated from a simple noon-time entertainment segment into a prestigious, high-level vocal competition.

Unlike previous guest judges who were relentlessly attacked online for being too harsh, no one perceived Iris as being malicious.

One only had to observe the contestant’s face to see that her critique had ignited a fire of inspiration within him rather than crushing his spirit.

Instead of a harsh judgment, the scene felt like a grandmaster guiding a pupil toward excellence. To put it simply, the audience was witnessing a genuine master class.

A sense of professionalism radiated from Iris, causing many in the crowd to instinctively sit up straighter. Her serious demeanor was contagious, prompting the viewers to analyze the performances with a newfound level of objectivity alongside the judges.

The Filipino Black Stars present in the studio and those watching from home felt a surge of pride, lifting their chins and squaring their shoulders.

This was exactly what they expected from their Boss Iris.

Regardless of the country she visited, she never failed to make her supporters proud.

There was no force on earth capable of dimming her extraordinary talent.

To them, she was Boss Iris—the ultimate star.

Previously, they had only been able to track her journey through media reports and online updates. This was their first chance to see her in the flesh, and she proved to be just as stunning and majestic as the international Black Stars had claimed.

The show proceeded on stage as the first participant offered his gratitude to the panel and the crowd before exiting. Master Beauty then introduced the next performer.

The second contestant was a single mother in her late thirties. To be honest, her looks were quite plain and easily forgotten. However, during her interview with the hosts, she maintained a steady gaze and a firm voice despite her obvious nerves, answering every query with clarity.

Iris listened intently to Dom’s translation. She gave a small nod, and though the woman's struggle to raise three children alone was moving, Iris reminded herself that her role was to judge a singing contest.

She didn't care about the criteria of the other judges; her evaluation would be based strictly on musicality and vocal talent, not on a tragic backstory. She knew that highlighting a contestant's hardships was a standard television trope used to boost ratings, and she wouldn't let it cloud her judgment.

The interview concluded, and the second performer began her set.

She chose a traditional Filipino love ballad.

Leaning in, Dina Bendita whispered to Iris, "Albert actually wrote this piece for his wife, Virginia, back when he was courting her."

This sparked Iris’s curiosity. She stole a glance at Albert Alcala, who sat on Dina’s other side with a nostalgic, dreamy look on his face, likely reminiscing about his youth.

After nodding her thanks to Dina, Iris turned her full attention back to the stage.

This contestant was far more grounded than the first. Though she appeared ordinary at first glance, her presence shifted dramatically once the music started. Confidence radiated from her, and her voice filled every corner of the studio.

Iris hadn't heard the original version of this song, but that was irrelevant. She intended to judge the performance on its own merits.

However, knowing the song’s origin helped her identify the specific emotions—the longing and deep affection—that the piece required.

The contestant captured those feelings perfectly.

As the song reached its peak, the woman didn't waver. Even with a minor hint of strain in her voice, she pushed through with unwavering self-assurance.

Iris shut her eyes, tuning out the thunderous cheers of the crowd to focus entirely on the melody.

Once the song ended, the hosts rushed to the stage. Master Beauty was beaming, clearly moved by what they had just heard.

"It is time to hear the thoughts of our esteemed judges," Master Beauty announced.

The contestant’s earlier confidence vanished, replaced by visible anxiety. Her hands trembled as she clutched the microphone to her chest.

Albert Alcala was the first to speak.

He asked, "You are aware that I composed this for my wife during our courtship, correct?"

"Yes, sir," she answered softly.

"And you know I am notoriously difficult on those who attempt my compositions?"

"Y-yes, sir."

Albert nodded slowly. "In my heart, I always felt only my wife could truly do this song justice since it was made for her. However, as a musician who respects skill, I have met a rare few who could honor the piece. All of them are now icons in our music industry."

The woman turned pale, bracing herself for a harsh rejection.

Albert let out a small laugh. "Don't look so terrified. I am telling you now that you have joined that exclusive list of singers who did my song justice."

The contestant stood frozen, unable to process his words. She looked toward the cheering audience and the hosts in total confusion.

"He loved it!" Master Beauty clarified for her.

A relieved smile finally broke across her face as her eyes welled with tears. "Thank you, Mr. Albert!"

"However, there were still flaws," Albert noted.

He then proceeded to break down specific technical errors and how to fix them. His critique was much more detailed than usual, seemingly inspired by the high standard Iris Long had set earlier. As a master composer, his technical knowledge was vast.

"I understand, sir," she replied.

Next, Dina Bendita spoke up, "What else can I say? That was a beautiful performance. You belong on this stage."

Dina maintained her signature style—warm, supportive, and kind.

Finally, it was Iris's turn.

The contestant’s nerves returned instantly. The entire room fell silent as the hosts, the crowd, and the other judges turned their gazes toward her, waiting for the verdict.

Iris offered a smile. "I have often heard that Filipinos are exceptional vocalists. Hearing you today—an amateur without professional training—only proves that reputation is well-earned. Your vocal timber is excellent. Your emotional delivery and stage presence are levels that an amateur cannot reach without a deep trust in their own voice. You possess that trust, and as a singer myself, I respect that. To me, no matter how perfect a person's technique is, a lack of self-trust is felt by the audience. It prevents them from being fully immersed because they can sense the hesitation.

"Of course, as Mr. Albert mentioned, the performance could be more refined. I won't repeat the technical details since he has already covered them so thoroughly."

Albert Alcala gave a modest look to the camera, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"Instead, I want to offer a piece of advice that might benefit you," Iris added.

The contestant leaned in, eager for Iris’s insight.

Iris suggested, "I believe you are capable of reaching an octave higher. Would you like to attempt it?"

The woman looked baffled, but Master Beauty quickly stepped in to explain the request.

Iris signaled to Dom, who immediately caught her drift. He hurried over to the director and whispered in his ear. After a quick look at Iris, the director gave a thumbs-up.

Excellent. It appeared they were allowed to deviate from the schedule for a moment.

She seized the moment, standing up and heading toward the band's area with Dom following to translate. The keyboard player stood up to offer her his seat. After a quick handshake, she sat down and ran her fingers over the keys. The brief display of skill earned a round of applause, though Iris remained stoic. In her mind, that was just a basic warm-up.

A young host moved closer, holding a microphone for her.

"Are you ready?" Iris asked.

"Yes, Miss Iris, I'm ready."

The room held its breath, wondering what she was about to do.

Then, Iris began to play.

Albert Alcala suddenly bolted upright, staring in shock as Iris played the very song he had written to win his wife’s heart. It was the same ballad the contestant had just performed.

"How is this possible?" he whispered, his eyes locked on the beautiful woman at the keyboard.

The house band hadn't used the original score; they had played a popular live arrangement that Albert had approved years ago.

Iris shouldn't have known the original composition. Furthermore, what she was playing now was entirely different from the version the band had just performed.

"Is she... arranging this on the fly?" Dina Bendita whispered.

Albert let out a stunned, nervous laugh. "Good grief. This arrangement sounds even better than my original."