My Stepmother Locked Me in My Room on the Morning of My American Idol Audition

I grew up believing I deserved my stepmother Debora’s hatred. But I never imagined she’d lock me in my room on the day of my American Idol audition. “You’re not good enough,” she told me through the door. I cried, thinking my only shot at life was slipping away… but fate wasn’t finished with me yet. I’m Kelly, 17, and music has always been my escape — especially after losing my mom. Her words still echo in my heart: “Your voice could make angels pause.” But after she passed, Dad grew distant. Then came Debora, with her polished perfection and her daughters, Candy and Iris. Suddenly, I became “the help” in my own home — unseen,unwanted, unheard. But I kept singing — in secret. One day, I used Candy’s forgotten phone to record a song I wrote for Mom and submitted it to American Idol. Weeks later, an email changed everything: I’d made it to the auditions. For the first time, Dad looked proud. Debora, oddly supportive, promised to take me. I should have known better. The morning of the audition, I woke up to find myself locked in my room. My phone, alarm, and invitation — gone. Debora’s voice through the door was cold: “I’m saving you from humiliation.” I panicked… then remembered the window. I escaped, tore my hands,