I walk around the stage one last time before I have to go get ready. I look up at stadium. In 4 hours, 75,000 people will be up there, watching me. 

I did it!

If my 7 years old self was here... she'd pass out from happiness. If my 13 years old self was here, she'd stop doubting her songwriting skills. If my 15 years old self was here, she'd cry because she'd made it.

My 19 years old self can't believe she's actually here.

She actually has fans.

People actually listen to her songs.

"Claire! Hair and makeup, we're running a tight schedule!" Alison, my manager, calls.

So I sprint backstage and I sit down in my chair, impatient.

I let Sasha do her thing and bedazzle me. Afterwards, I got into my sparkly dress, grabbed my guitar and gave a speech to my crew.

One that came from truly the bottom of my heart. 

"Hello, everyone! My lifelong dream has been to play a sold out stadium, so imagine my surprise when my manager called me and said 'Claire, we've upgraded the tour to a stadium one because if the high demand!' I truly am still in shock. And I wouldn't be able to do it without you, all. I am the one who sings, but you are the ones who will make the night magical. Thank you for building this amazing stage, for the stage engineering, for the sound engineering, for the lights engineering, for keeping us and the fans safe, for the band, for the dancers! Let's get out there and make it all shine, shinier than Sirius!"

I tried so hard to not let my voice shake. We did our handshake and everyone looked happy and confident.

3... 2... 1... Let's go!

I ran to my spot and got out on the stage.

I will never forget the lights, the look on everyone's faces, the phones up in the air recording me, the cheers. They actually wanted me! I felt like the shiniest star!

And so, I gave the performance of my life. And every night after that! And every tour after that.