His Genius Wife Is A Superstar Chapter 1654: Surprise Performance, “Rebirth” (English Version)
Previously on His Genius Wife Is A Superstar...
"Thank you, Miss Iris," the former champion replied. Even as she fought back a sob, a grateful smile touched her lips.
The moment to reveal the defending champion’s final scores finally arrived. After averaging the marks from the three experts, she earned a score of 7.5 points.
"A new winner has emerged!" Master Beauty shouted.
The humble farmer let out a sharp gasp before he began to weep with joy. Despite her own flowing tears, the previous champion walked over to embrace the man who had just taken her title.
Watching the scene, Iris Long nodded in approval, impressed by the young woman's display of sportsmanship.
The panel of judges rose as one, joining the entire studio audience in a standing ovation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our newest champion!"
Stepping back into the spotlight, the farmer began his encore performance of the winning track. Though his voice trembled with emotion, he delivered a remarkably steady rendition.
Shortly after, the director signaled for a commercial break. Iris descended from the raised platform with her colleagues and made her way backstage. Following a brief conversation, she parted ways with the other judges as they headed toward their own private rooms.
Jin Liwei materialized at Iris’s side, his fingers lacing firmly through hers.
Their path to her dressing room was cut short, however, when the program director caught up to them.
"Excellent work today, Iris," the director praised. "We are incredibly grateful that you agreed to join our judging panel."
"The pleasure was mine, Director," she answered. "I found the experience of being a judge quite fascinating and enjoyable."
A spark of excitement entered the director's eyes. "In 그 case, would you consider a return appearance before your departure from the Philippines?"
Iris shifted her gaze toward Dominic Chua. "Is there any room left in my itinerary?"
"I’ll find a way to make it work," Dom promised. "I will be in touch, Director."
"That is wonderful news! I truly hope to see you again. Oh, I nearly forgot—while it wasn't part of our initial contract for you to sing today, we would be eternally grateful if you could perform a piece for us."
Iris let out a soft laugh. "Is there even enough time left in the broadcast?"
"Absolutely! For someone of your stature, I will make the time. We can be very flexible!"
She paused to consider the request before giving a firm nod. "Very well. I shall perform the English version of 'Rebirth'. Please tell the band to use the same arrangement they played earlier."
"Truly?!"
She chuckled once more. "Yes. I just need a moment to prepare my voice."
"Of course, of course, Iris! You are incredible. Boss Iris! From this moment on, you are my Boss Iris."
The assistant director suddenly appeared. "Director, we are live in moments!"
"I have to run," the director said quickly. "I’ll have a staff member fetch you when it is time for your set."
With those words, the two directors hurried away.
Iris, Jin Liwei, and their entourage retreated to the dressing room. On the television screen, the show had resumed following the advertisements.
The beauty team immediately sprang into action. An alternate outfit was quickly sourced for her, while the makeup artist began touch-ups and the hairstylist subtly refreshed her look.
"Are you certain you want to do this, love?" Jin Liwei asked, offering his wife a bottle of water kept at room temperature.
Iris accepted the drink and took a sip. "I am. You know the joy I find in performing. The crowd here is wonderful, and there are many Filipino Black Stars in attendance today. I want to give them this gift."
"En, as long as it makes you happy." He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek before stepping back, allowing the stylists to finish their work.
Fortunately, Iris’s team was always prepared with backup wardrobes for such spontaneous opportunities.
While she changed into her fresh attire, she simultaneously ran through her vocal warm-ups.
A knock sounded at the door.
Dom opened it to find a staffer waiting to inform them that Iris was expected backstage in five minutes.
"So soon?" Jin Liwei asked with a slight frown.
"It is fine, darling," Iris reassured him. "I am ready."
He took her hand, kissing it before they walked out together, fingers entwined. They encountered the other judges in the hallway.
"I intended to head home right after 'Call of the Spotlight,' but then I heard rumors of a surprise performance," Albert Alcala remarked. "I’ve already called my wife, Virginia, to tell her I'll be late. She is incredibly jealous that I get to see this."
"I am staying as well," Dina Bendita added. "My grandchildren would never forgive me if I didn't watch you sing live."
"Thank you, both of you," Iris said graciously.
The production staff interrupted, urging Iris to move faster.
"Go on, Iris," Dina said with a wave. "Albert and I will be cheering from the front row."
A microphone was pressed into Iris's hand.
The one-minute countdown began.
Disregarding the surrounding staff, Jin Liwei pulled his wife into a kiss. Iris returned it without hesitation; as a legally married couple, they had no qualms about showering the public with "dog food" until they choked.
As her husband and team moved to their audience seats, Iris closed her eyes. The backstage crew watched in awe as her entire presence shifted.
Iris Long was already breathtakingly beautiful, but now, her aura transformed. It was the transition of a warrior donning armor for battle. The sheer intensity of her presence made those nearby tremble.
'So this is the power of a global superstar,' many whispered to themselves.
Out on the stage, Master Beauty’s voice echoed as she engaged the crowd.
"I see quite a few Filipino Black Stars in the house tonight. Black Stars, let me hear your voices!"
The room exploded with cheers.
Master Beauty: "Incredible energy! And you all look so sharp in your suits! Tell me, are you thrilled to see Boss Iris in person?"
Black Stars: "Yes! We're so happy!"
Master Beauty: "Did she do an amazing job as our guest judge today?"
Black Stars: "The best!"
Master Beauty: "Well, because you've been such a great audience, I have a surprise! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to the stage to perform 'Rebirth'... the one and only, IRIS LONG!!!"
The roar of the crowd was deafening: "KYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"
Iris stepped into the light, greeted by thunderous applause from fans and newcomers alike. Her eyes swept the room, finding her husband in his seat, flanked by Dom and the rest of her team.
Albert Alcala and Dina Bendita sat nearby, joined by the show's younger hosts. Even the eliminated contestants had stayed behind, eager to witness the performance.
Iris focused her mind, entering "the zone." After blowing a kiss to Jin Liwei and waving to her supporters, she gave the band a sharp nod and closed her eyes.
The first notes filled the air.
Having heard the band's arrangement during the competition earlier, she was confident she could sync with their tempo without a rehearsal. She was a seasoned professional, and the musicians were equally skilled.
"Caged and chained in a tiny worldWondering what it's like outsideA little bird imprisoned by loveDying little by little insideI want to be freeFree as a birdBut where are my wingsI cannot fly"
The audience was instantly mesmerized. Comparing this to the earlier rendition by the former champion, it was immediately clear that Iris Long operated on a completely different plane of talent.
Her vocals were as smooth as silk, devoid of any hint of struggle. Though her expression remained calm, her eyes burned with the raw, deep themes of the lyrics.
"I sing a song inside my cageWhile shadows destroy my tiny worldBreak my bones a thousand timesGo ahead, I will not cryThese red roses smell so sweetAt last, I'm freeWill I ever fly"
Despite the lack of a classical orchestra in this version, the guitar and keyboards carried the melody beautifully. The supporting instruments filled the space, recreating the haunting harmonies of the original track.
Yet, the voice was the undisputed centerpiece.
"From the ashes, I rise like a phoenixA little bird no moreI spread my wings, so big and wideNow I am freeNow I can flyOh, I can fly up in the skyWhile tears flow down my joyful eyesUp I fly, up I soarUntil I brush against the cloudsI'll stay up here and touch the starsI'll reach as high that I can"
As Iris hit the soaring high notes, the audience felt a collective shiver of goosebumps. Her vocal runs were technically flawless yet saturated with soul. It was a perfect display of the power belting and complex modulation she had just finished teaching the contestants.
"Is she truly human?" Albert Alcala whispered, his face filled with wonder. "I always thought my wife was the greatest singer alive, but now—"
"I'm definitely telling Virginia you said that," Dina Bendita teased with a grin.
"Oh, please don't!"
Dina laughed softly. "I'm only joking. Quiet now, let's listen. This Iris Long is something truly special. I don't want to miss a single note."