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."
