My son watches your video every night before bed. It helps him forget the pain. Carol found Tiana in the stairwell afterward, looking overwhelmed. You okay, baby?
I just wanted to help mama. I didn't want all this. I know. But you know what you did?
You gave people hope. That matters. That evening, Tiana received a direct message on the SoundCloud account from an anonymous user. You have a rare gift.
Don't let them silence it. No matter what happens at finals, you are already a singer. Stay strong. See?
Tiana showed it to her mama. Who do you think it's from? Diane stared at the message for a long time, something shifting behind her eyes, but she just kissed Tiana's forehead. Someone who sees your light, baby.
Wednesday night, eleven days until surgery, two days until finals, Tiana practiced in front of their bathroom mirror, her reflection looking back with Diane's determination and someone else's eyes. She was ready. She had no idea that tomorrow morning Victoria would try to destroy everything. Thursday morning, 9:00 a.m.
Day of finals. Diane's phone buzzed with an email notification. The subject line made her stomach drop. Urgent ethics violation complaint.
Response required by 2:00 p.m. Her hands shook as she opened it. Contestant number 32, Tiana Turner, age 10, engaged in copyright violations through unlicensed cover songs posted on SoundCloud under the alias RiverKid from ages 7 to 10. Per competition rules, section 7.3, contestants must demonstrate ethical conduct and legal compliance.
Additionally, evidence suggests lack of parental supervision of minors online activity. Recommend immediate disqualification pending documentation of proper licensing for all posted content. Deadline for documentation 2 p.m. today, June 15th. Finals begin at 7:00 p.m.
Signed Brian Michaels, competition coordinator. Diane read it three times, each time understanding less and more simultaneously. They were using her baby's practice. three years of a child finding her voice as a weapon. She called Tiana's school immediately.
Emergency. I need my daughter now. 20 minutes later, they sat at their small kitchen table. Tiana crying.
Diane trying to stay calm while her own hands trembled. Mama, I didn't know. I was just practicing. I never made money.
I just wanted Baby. I know. I know. This isn't your fault.
But Diane's mind was racing. How did they even find out? Who looked up a 10-year-old's practice videos? Who cared enough to destroy a child's chance?
She knew the answer. Victoria. Diane called the competition office. Brian answered on the third ring, his voice guilty before he even said hello.
Miss Turner, look, it's policy. She was seven when she started posting. A child. She was practicing.
I understand, but the rules require proper licensing for all posted content. You have until 2 p.m. to provide documentation proving all 53 covers were properly licensed or she's disqualified. I'm sorry. You're not sorry.