The fluorescent lights of the “American Anthem” audition room buzzed with a nervous energy that vibrated through Ethan’s very bones. He stood just outside the door, number tag clutched so tightly in his hand the cardboard threatened to buckle. He could hear the faint echo of another hopeful’s strained vocals bleeding through the thick door, a reminder of the intense pressure cooker he was about to enter.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Images flickered behind his eyelids: the cobbled streets of Dublin, the comforting aroma of Maggie Murphy's stew, Patrick's booming laugh, Eileen's gentle smile. They were all here, in this moment, pushing him forward. He felt the phantom touch of Maggie's hand on his shoulder, whispering, "You have the voice of an angel, Liam. Don't you be hiding it now."

He wasn't Liam anymore. He was Ethan. Ethan Bellweather. But the echoes of Liam, the echoes of the Murphys' unwavering belief, resonated within him, giving him strength. He opened his eyes, the fear still present but now tempered with a fierce determination.

The door creaked open, and a young woman emerged, her face a mask of disappointment. She avoided eye contact as she hurried past. Ethan swallowed hard. This was it.

He stepped inside.

The room was smaller than he'd imagined, almost claustrophobic. Three figures sat behind a long table, bathed in the harsh glow of more fluorescent lights. He recognised them instantly from television screens: Jazmine Riley, the Grammy-winning R&B diva; Marcus Thorne, the legendary rock guitarist; and David Sterling, the seasoned record executive, known for his razor-sharp wit and brutally honest critiques.

Ethan plastered on a confident smile, though his stomach churned with anxiety. He walked towards the designated spot on the floor, a small square marked with tape.

"Ethan Bellweather," David Sterling announced, his voice flat and devoid of emotion. "From... Los Angeles. Occupation?"

"Freelance musician," Ethan replied, his voice surprisingly steady. He'd practiced this moment a thousand times in front of his bedroom mirror. "I also do a bit of…errands, gigs, whatever I can get my hands on."

Sterling raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "So, essentially unemployed. And your song choice?"

" 'Hallelujah', by Leonard Cohen," Ethan said. The words felt like a prayer.

A ripple of surprise seemed to pass over the judges. "A brave choice," Jazmine Riley commented, her expression unreadable. "That's a tough song to pull off."

"I know," Ethan said, meeting her gaze directly. "But it's a song that speaks to me. I hope I can do it justice." He didn't mention the strange sense of familiarity he felt with the melody, the feeling that he’d known it his whole life, a haunting echo from a forgotten past.

"Alright, Ethan," Sterling said, his tone still dismissive. "Let's hear it."

The backing track started, a simple piano arrangement that allowed the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine through. Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the music, letting it wash over him. He pictured the Murphys, their faces etched with love and hope. He pictured Liam, lost and alone, finding solace in the power of song.

Then he began to sing.

His voice, usually tentative and unsure, now soared with a newfound power. He poured every ounce of his emotion into the song, every heartbreak, every longing, every glimmer of hope. He didn't try to mimic Cohen's gravelly tones; instead, he infused the song with his own unique style, a blend of raw vulnerability and soaring passion.

He sang of love and loss, of faith and doubt, of beauty and pain. He sang of the human condition, of the messy, complicated tapestry of life. He sang of the echo of yesterday and the crescendo of tomorrow.

As he reached the final verse, the silence in the room was palpable. He opened his eyes, his vision slightly blurred by unshed tears. He saw Jazmine Riley wiping a tear from her eye. Marcus Thorne had a rare smile on his face, and even David Sterling looked… moved.

When the last note faded, the room remained silent for a beat, then another. Ethan held his breath, waiting for the verdict.

David Sterling cleared his throat. "Ethan," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "That was… unexpected. You took a classic and made it your own. Your voice has a rawness, a vulnerability, that's incredibly compelling."

Jazmine Riley nodded in agreement. "You have a real gift, Ethan. There were moments there that gave me chills. You connected with the song on a deep level, and that resonated with everyone in this room."

Marcus Thorne simply said, "Kid's got soul. Plain and simple."

Ethan felt a wave of relief wash over him, so intense it almost knocked him off his feet. He had done it. He had actually done it.

"So," Sterling continued, leaning forward. "The question is, do you have what it takes to survive in this competition? 'American Anthem' isn't just about singing well; it's about charisma, stage presence, the ability to connect with millions of viewers. Do you have all that, Ethan?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment. He wasn't sure if he possessed those qualities. Liam never had. But Ethan? Ethan had a second chance. He had the Murphys’ belief echoing in his heart.

He looked Sterling directly in the eye. "I don't know if I have everything it takes," he said honestly. "But I'm willing to work harder than anyone else to prove that I do. I have a story to tell, and I believe my music can make a difference."

Sterling smiled, a rare and genuine smile. "That's what I wanted to hear. Welcome to 'American Anthem', Ethan Bellweather."

A wave of cheers erupted from the production staff lining the walls. Ethan grinned, the weight of anxiety finally lifting. He had made it through the audition crucible. The real battle, however, was just beginning.

As he walked out of the room, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him. He accessed his Echo system. A window appeared in front of him:

**'Audition Crucible'**

**Echo Achieved:** *Courage Under Pressure*

**Description:** *Performing under immense pressure has unlocked a new level of composure. Your stage fright is reduced by 15%.*

**Memory Resonance:** *Liam's fear of failure, coupled with the Murphys' unwavering support, grants Ethan the resilience to overcome initial anxieties on stage.*

He smiled. The Echo system was working, feeding him with insights and buffs, translating the memories of Liam into tangible advantages for Ethan. He felt a strange sense of gratitude towards the system, and towards his previous life.

He found a quiet corner backstage and pulled out his phone. He needed to call Sarah. He needed to share this moment with someone.

As he scrolled through his contacts, a thought struck him. He wondered if there was any way to find out about the Murphys in this life. He knew it was a long shot, but the idea wouldn't leave him. Maybe, just maybe, their echoes were still resonating somewhere in this world.

He pushed the thought aside for now. He had a competition to win, a promise to keep. He would honor the Murphys' memory by chasing his dreams, by pouring his heart and soul into his music. He would show the world that even from the ashes of yesterday, a crescendo of tomorrow could rise. He dialed Sarah's number, his heart filled with hope and anticipation for the journey ahead. The lights of Los Angeles seemed brighter now, the music in the air more vibrant. He was Ethan Bellweather, and he was ready to sing.