The blind auditions had been progressing smoothly, with the usual lighthearted banter and competition between the coaches. But as the day wore on, tension between Kelly and Guy Sebastian began to mount. Kelly had been focused on building a strong team, but every time she pressed her button for an artist, Guy seemed to make it a point to challenge her. Their friendly rivalry was starting to feel more like a tug of war.
The moment that tipped things over the edge came during a performance by a young female artist whose voice was both soulful and powerful. Kelly pressed her button within the first few notes, confident that she could help this singer flourish. Guy pressed his button too, just a few seconds later.
As the performance ended, Kelly was the first to speak. "That was stunning," she said, smiling warmly at the contestant. "Your voice has so much depth, and I can see you going far with the right guidance. I would love to help you develop that even more."
Before the contestant could respond, Guy jumped in. "Look, you've got an amazing voice, and I know exactly how to take an artist like you and turn them into a superstar. I've done it before, and I can do it again."
Kelly clenched her jaw, sensing that this was about to turn into another one of Guy's attempts to undermine her. "I don't think it's just about turning someone into a commercial success, though," she said. "It's about finding what makes them unique, helping them stay true to their artistry while growing."
Guy shot her a pointed look. "Commercial success is important if you want longevity in this industry. I've worked with so many artists, and I know what works internationally."
Kelly felt her patience wearing thin. She'd had enough of Guy dismissing her experience. "And you think I don't?" she asked, her voice rising slightly. "I know what it takes to be a commercial artist too, Guy. Destiny's Child was one of the biggest groups internationally, and I've had my own solo success—especially in Australia. So don't act like I don't know what I'm talking about."
The studio audience went quiet, sensing the tension. Kelly could feel her frustration bubbling over, but she wasn't going to let Guy push her any further. She wasn't here to argue about credentials—she was here for the artists.
Guy, still not backing down, crossed his arms. "I'm not saying you don't know, Kelly. I just think that for this particular artist, I can offer something that will—"
"I'm done," Kelly said, cutting him off. She shook her head, standing up from her chair. "I'm not going to keep going back and forth with you over every artist. Good luck with your decision," she said, directing her final comment to the contestant before walking off stage.
Once backstage, Kelly pulled out her phone, needing to vent. She quickly dialed Victoria's number, pacing as she waited for her wife to pick up.
"Hey, babe," Victoria answered, her voice warm and calming.
Kelly sighed deeply. "I just had the most ridiculous argument with Guy. He's been trying to one-up me all day, and I just couldn't take it anymore."
"What happened?" Victoria asked, concern lacing her voice.
Kelly recounted the argument, her frustration pouring out. "He keeps acting like he's the only one who knows how to turn someone into a successful artist, and I'm just sitting there thinking, 'Do you not remember who I am?' I've been doing this for years. Destiny's Child wasn't just big in the U.S.—we were huge internationally, and I've built my own career here in Australia too."
Victoria was quiet for a moment, letting Kelly's words settle. "He's probably intimidated," she finally said. "But you don't need to let him get under your skin. You've already proven yourself—more than enough. He's the one who's feeling threatened, not you."
Kelly exhaled, feeling some of the tension leave her body. "You're right. I just—it gets so frustrating when someone keeps trying to diminish your experience."
"I know, babe," Victoria said softly. "But you're doing amazing. The artists can see that, and that's what matters. You don't have to prove anything to anyone—least of all to him."
Kelly smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thanks, baby. I just needed to hear that."
"Anytime," Victoria replied. "You're incredible, and no one can take that away from you."
Just as Kelly was finishing her conversation with Victoria, her friend and fellow coach Delta Goodrem walked backstage, her face filled with concern.
"Hey, Kel, you okay?" Delta asked gently. "That got a little heated out there."
Kelly nodded, feeling more composed now. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just couldn't deal with Guy anymore. It was getting so redundant, and I wasn't going to sit there and let him talk down to me."
Delta smiled knowingly. "I don't blame you. He can be a bit much sometimes. But you handled it well. You know your worth, and you've got nothing to prove to him—or anyone."
Kelly smiled, appreciating the support from her friend. "Thanks, Delta. It just felt like every time I opened my mouth, he had to come back with something, like we're in some kind of competition."
"Well, you're not," Delta said firmly. "You're here for the artists, and that's what matters. Let him puff his chest out all he wants—it doesn't change the fact that you've had one of the most successful careers in the industry."
Kelly felt a sense of relief wash over her. Between Victoria's reassuring words and Delta's calm support, she was starting to feel more grounded again.
"You're right," Kelly said with a nod. "I've just got to stay focused on the artists and ignore the rest."
Delta patted her on the back. "Exactly. Now, are you ready to get back out there?"
Kelly smiled, feeling more confident. "Yeah. Let's do this."
With Delta by her side and Victoria's words still fresh in her mind, Kelly walked back out to the stage, determined not to let anything—or anyone—distract her from doing what she did best. She wasn't here for the drama. She was here for the music.
With the blind auditions officially wrapped up, Kelly took a deep breath as she looked over her finalized team. It had been a long few weeks of competition, tension, and a little drama along the way, but she was proud of the talent she'd managed to secure. Her team was a diverse mix of powerful vocalists, from soulful crooners to energetic pop singers, and Kelly was excited to start molding them into true artists.
The other coaches were busy reviewing their own teams, but Kelly was already thinking about the next step—the Battle Rounds. She knew this was when the competition would really heat up, and the artists would have to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
She sat in her chair, reviewing the profiles of her team members, when her phone buzzed. A message from Victoria flashed on the screen.
Victoria: "How's it going? Teams complete?"
Kelly smiled at the text and quickly responded.
Kelly: "Yep, teams are set. Now on to the real work. How are you and Londyn?"
Victoria: "We're good. Londyn's napping right now. Can't wait to see the team when they start battling. I know you're going to kill it."
Kelly grinned, feeling the usual rush of warmth that came whenever she thought of Victoria and Londyn. Knowing they were nearby in Australia with her made everything more manageable. She quickly texted back.
