One day you can be walking into the Opening Bell coffee shop in Allen, Texas, ready to order a green tea, and the next you're off to Las Vegas to perform as Rod Stewart's opening act!
That's what we learned after watching Arielle O'Keefe on the series premiere of Opening Act, anyway!
After the Artist Development team—Nigel Lythgoe, Antonina Armato, Pete Wentz, Nick Cooper, Martina McBride and Jason Derulo—decided on who would open for superstar Rod Stewart, they sent Olivia Lee to break the good news.
Once Arielle watched a personalized video from the Grammy Award-winner, it was off to tell her family, pack a suitcase, and jet to Los Angeles to start her Opening Act boot camp.
We can't think of anything more intimidating than stepping into a room with Nigel—who can make or break your career with one disappointed glance—let alone being asked to sing in front of him. But that's exactly what Arielle did!
Her voice helped Antonina's decision in picking a song for Arielle, which was one she had originally written for a little know singer named Selena Gomez, no big deal!
Only problem? There was a pesky high note that Arielle had trouble hitting, but in order for her to sing it on stage and bring the house down she'd have to.
Enter Nick Cooper, part vocal coach and part therapist, who helped root out the real issue Arielle was facing: her own insecurities.
By chanting "I'm allowed to be me!" and having a minor cry sesh with Nick, Arielle was able to get past her mental block and perform the song without a hitch.
Being a performer isn't all about your voice, however, and Arielle went on to get a beauty transformation, pick the perfect rock star ensemble, and get her hair and makeup on for the big night. Why so much prep? Because not only would she perform the song Antonina handpicked for her, but she was also given the honor of singing a duet to "Have I Told You Lately" with Rod. Again, no big deal, you guys!
Come performance night though—and the make or break scenario Arielle suddenly found herself in—all of the prep paid off. The solo went perfectly, as did the duet, and Arielle managed her role of opening act for the first time!
Arielle was lucky enough to sing onstage with Rod and launch her career, but will the next openers be so lucky?
Tune in next Monday at 10/9c for a brand new episode of Opening Act only on E! to find out!