Original subtitles

I'm here. Sorry, Mr. Taylor.

You were up 20 minutes ago.

Why are you still here? Just get out there.

- Okay. - Hold on, hold on. Come back.

This is a pub. Pubs love holidays.

Uh, no. December just started.

Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving. Just blame the Internet.

So, it's either these lights...

or Janice's sweater. You choose.

Fine.

Hey.

- Lila. - Stop.

They're so colorful.

They're cute. Stop. Here.

There you go.

You ready to do the thing?

- I was born ready. - Okay, let's go.

- Thank you, Lila. - Got you, Mr. Taylor.

-Hurry up. Before he comes. -Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me.

Yeah. Excuse me.

Phone. Phone. Phone.

Hey, everyone. Name's Gail Travers.

I'm 25, um...

I'm from, well, everywhere,

and this is "For the Crowd" by Everly.

And thank you so much for this opportunity.

Requests only.

All right. Okay. All right.

Um, anyone have any requests for me? Requests?

- Anyone? - Hey.

How about, uh, Pat Benatar?

Oh! You got good taste.

I think I got something for you.

Well, it was worth a try, right?

Uh... five artists picked to be opening acts

on iHeart Radio's Christmas Eve Special...

plus a spot on a tour and a three-year contract?

Yes. It's worth it.

And it would've looked profesh on that stage,

but it will be just as good from anywhere.

Because it's you.

You're the best.

I hope you're right.

I'm always right.

Will you please take these off me? Take 'em off.

Okay.

Okay.

Yes. They look way better on you.

'Tis the season.

- Oh, here. Don't forget this. - Oh, God.

- Thank you. All right, I'll see you later. - Bye.

Tell me I'm good.

You're good.

-Okay. We're rolling.

My name is Gail Travers. I'm from Miami, Florida.

Or at least that's what they tell me.

And this is "For the Crowd"

by one of my favorite indie artists Everly.

Got it.

- Yeah. - Thanks.

You are the real deal, Gail Travers.

You should write your own stuff.

- Hmm. - I bet it'd be wicked good.

I don't know.

I don't think I can write songs like that.

I've tried. I've tried...

but they just never felt inspired.

Inspiration finds you, you know?

You just have to let it happen.

Wait, what are you doing?

- I'm editing it. - You're taking out your ritual?

It's you.

Show them you.

Done.

They're gonna love you.

Lila, it's iHeart Radio.

Five spots out of, what, hundreds of thousands?

- Come on. - Hey. If it doesn't happen...

someone somewhere will give you the chance you deserve.

And plus, right place, right time...

it's bound to happen with you running all over the place in this tin can of yours.

Hey! Cool it with the tin can.

Jewel is a sensitive princess.

Be nice.

Or what if you stay in Tampa for a little while

and take a break from van life?

I could, but, you know...

The open road, it calls my name.

-You're crazy.

I gotta go.

Wait. What about your lights?

- Just put 'em in the back. - Okay.

- Love you. - Bye.

One-year vanlife-iversary.

One year, one van.

I did it.

#wheretonext

Okay! Oh, my God!

Okay, okay, okay.

I made it! I got a spot!

No. No! Oh, my God. You made it!

I know!

Congratulations.

Thanks. Thanks.

God. Oh, my God.

Okay, uh...

You better text me every single stop you make on the way, okay?

You can say it.

I told you so!

I'll talk to you later.

Bye.

Whoo!

That's right. I'm back on the road.

It's just me...

my guitar and America.

I'll be hitting up open mic nights

from Florida all the way to LA.

"Why?" you may ask.

Well, it's just one long rehearsal for...

drumroll...

opening iHeart Radio's Christmas Eve Special...

with some of the top artists in the country.

Let's be real for a sec.

I was homeless before I bought my bus, Jewel, here.

I had no idea where my voice was going to take me...

and now I'm making by debut on national TV...

thanks to you guys.

I gotta earn some gas money, friends...

so, help your girl out.

First stop, tonight, at Catch and Go Brews

in Mobile, Alabama.

Thanks for a great turnout.

What a hello from the wonderful city of Shreveport. Go Tigers!

Just booked one night at Little Rabbit Tavern in Oklahoma City.

Come find out if I can sing and ride a bull at the same time.

You're all really making me feel special.

Thanks for all the love and the great turnout tonight.

Wow!

So many new friends joining us today.

Must find coffee. My machine's busted.

#vanlife.

I'm still in Oklahoma...

if anyone has any food stop recs

along the way to Santa Fe.

Trying to line up the next gig.

Check in later for deets.

Good morning. Who's this?

It's Walker with iHeart.

Ah, it's nice to meet you, Walker.

I'm... I'm so excited for this opportunity.

- Are you preparing a song? - Yes, yes. Song, um...

I love oldies...

anything soulful, I can spin acoustics.

Well, we'll need you to perform an original.

An original?

You want a new song?

An original new song?

I haven't written anything. I mean, that's kind of a fast turnaround.

- If you'd like to pull out... - No, no, no.

I would not like to pull out. No. Uh, I'll have one.

- Excellent. - Yes.

An original song. In two weeks.

- Think festive. - Copy that. You got it.

- I'll be there. - Great. See you in two weeks.

Bye.

Okay, okay, okay. Relax.

Oh, my. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

No. Oh, my God. Oh, my, no, no, no.

Oh, God. Oh, my God.

Hey, hey, hey. Are you okay? Are you okay?

-Are you hurt? Are you hurt now? -I'm fine.

I just killed a llama.

It's an alpaca.

Did I kill him? It? Her?

- Okay, calm down. - They? Do llamas have pronouns?

Calm down. Here, take some food. Take some food.

No, no, no. I couldn't possibly eat right now.

It's for Eddie.

This little guy, he perks right up for a snack.

-Don't we all?

All right, here, I'll go check on him.

Oh, my God. Are you going to drag him off the road by its neck?

He's alive. And he's up.

- Come on, Eddie. - Hi, Eddie.

You silly little rascal.

I didn't get your name.

Gail.

Well, Gail, meet Eddie.

Well, you see, you completely missed him

but this little guy just loved playin' dead. Don't you?

Especially, when it's time to saddle him up...

for the Christmas card photos with the town folk.

Give him a hat and he's good to go.

This gal here, though...

she is not good to go.

Where are you headed?

Santa Fe and then LA.

I don't think I can get you that far,

but why don't I tow you into my shop in town.

You're a lifesaver.

Oh, it's the least I could do. Now, do me a favor

and you be nice to Gail now, Eddie, okay? No spitting.

- Uh, I didn't catch your name. - Oh. It's Savannah.

But people around here, they just call me Van.

Oh.

A woman named "Van" is gonna fix my van.

Where the hell am I?

Welcome to Harmony Springs, Oklahoma.

You think I can hitch a ride

to the nearest Verizon store?

No Verizon on the horizon here, darlin'.

Your best bet's gonna be a gas station

that sells walkie-talkies

and that would be about 50 miles that way.

Can I borrow your phone?

Absolutely.

Here you go.

Buttons all work, just call who you like.

I was gonna update my story.

- Your what? - My story.

We all got a story, darlin'.

- Hey, you play the guitar? - Yeah.

No.

No, no, no.

No. It's broken.

-Oh, I am so sorry.

What am I gonna do? This is bad. This is so bad.

- Oh! - It ain't that bad,

but it ain't good either.

This is Jeremy.

Best mechanic in Oklahoma,

also happens to be my son.

Now,

I like her so I want you to be optimistic, okay?

How is she lookin'?

If we cut deals for everyone you like, Mom,

we'd run out of business.

I mean, I can fix it...

but a vintage ride like this,

it's gonna take a minute to get the parts.

How long of a minute?

Um, two weeks.

- Two weeks? No. No. - That's what I said.

And that's if they get here on time.

Well, I mean, that puts us just before Christmas,

so I can think of no better gift

than to have this beauty running like new.

I have to report to LA by the 24th.

- LA? - Yeah.

On Christmas Eve? What's so important in LA?

IHeart Radio.

Fancy.

If you whip him again, will he get more optimistic?

He's gonna try his hardest. Aren't you, Jer?

How much is this gonna cost?

Well, with the bumper, the axle,

obviously the body work, you're looking at about...

2,600 bucks, give or take.

- 26... - Yeah.

Oh, excuse me.

-I got... Ooh, sorry.

- My tools. - Um...

I got $540.

So, is that your checking or your savings?

It's my everything.

Credit card?

Yeah, as long as you have a pair of scissors handy...

for when the bank tells you to cut it up.

It's a start to cover the parts.

Didn't you hear me? This is all I have.

Okay. Well, hey, do you sing with that guitar of yours?

Yeah, I used to.

Take her to Gus's.

All right, we just added a show to your schedule.

And if you're lucky...

it may just add a little bit of cash to that bevy there.

I have a lot of work I gotta do.

Well, the shop is closing early today.

Don't be rude.

Go wash up, all right?

And show our new guest here some hospitality.

All right, you comin'?

Do you have a phone I could borrow?

Has anyone in this town ever heard of a smartphone?

There ain't no use for fancy around here.

Clearly.

So, tonight's Pass the Hat night,

which means best performance gets the pot.

The pot's gonna be 2,000 bucks?

Yeah, no. Far from it.

But it'll be a start.

Wow. This is some serious karaoke.

Yeah. Uh, two mixed.

I'll have a shot.

A shot?

Two shots.

Yeah! Whoo!

Well, well. Who do we have here?

-Famous Gail Travers.

Famous, huh?

No, not famous.

Well, I'm Scarlet.

Is it too late to sign up?

I'm sure they could squeeze you in...

but you gotta give a little to win a little.

Oh, here. Let me.

Let's see if Little Miss Famous stands a chance.

All right, give it up for everyone's favorite, Rachael!

Always a killer.

Thank you.

Oh, what's this?

We have one more performer. Her name is Gladys Travelers

Looks like we have a last-minute performer slidin' in

just in the nick of time.

One Gladys Travelers, come on down!

That's my cue.

Gladys Travelers, come on!

-It's actually Gail Travers.

- Gail. - All right, Gail.

What song is it gonna be?

Um...

Anyone wanna throw in a little extra for a shuffle?

Did... Did she say "shuffle"?

Shuffle? Yeah?

Looks like we got a shuffle.

All right, get your last-minute money in

and let's spin the dial!

Ooh, this is an oldie but goodie.

"Wayfaring Stranger."

I actually know that one really well.

If it's good enough for Johnny Cash,

it's good enough for me.

Amen.

You mind if I play it myself?

Knock yourself out.

Go, give it up for Miss Gail!

Get those votes in,

so we can see who's gonna take home the cash!

Where did that come from?

I just got lucky with the song.

Where did you say she came from again?

Um, ah, she, uh...

- Her car broke down just outside of town. - Oh.

She missed, uh... She missed Eddie by an inch.

I swear that creature has nine lives.

How lucky are we?

Where you headed? Home for Christmas?

Not quite.

The votes are in,

and the winner is...

-newcomer, Gail Travels!

Go, darlin'! Whoo!

Travers.

It's Travers. Thank you.

- Congratulations! - Thanks.

Ah, here you go.

Gotta be honest with you, I never thought I'd see that back.

You know, actually, take the whole thing. Put it towards the repairs.

Look at you, winning.

You know what? I'm...

I'm actually gonna get going. It's been a really long day.

Bye.

She's a little stuck-up, isn't she?

Where are you going?

She's got nowhere to go.

So?

Hey.

Where ya headed?

Home.

What, to that old bus?

Yes, that old bus.

Well, you know the shop doors are locked, right?

Oh.

If only I knew someone with the keys.

Come on. I'll drive you.

Your girlfriend gonna come after me for this?

Nah, I ain't got a girlfriend.

Come on. It's freezing.

Original song, huh?

About what?

No.

-No, no, no.

Really?

God! What?

You let her sleep in the bus?

Well, you know, she was pretty insistent about it, Mom.

Here.

Thanks.

Yeah.

Okay.

This has a license plate,

not a street address, okay?

No more sleeping in a vehicle that is under maintenance.

Insurance won't cover it.

Sorry about that. Here. Take this.

And you just, I don't know, add it to your collection.

Thanks.

Sheriff?

Yeah. Sheriff Jeffrey's out of town for the next two weeks...

a little hunting trip,

so a man's gotta wear a lot of hats.

Hmm. Oh, you mean jackets?

- Look, I got a plan. - Well, here's my plan.

Uh, you know what, you go first.

- Tell me your plan. - I get a job while you fix the bus.

When you're done, I'll have two grand and be on my way.

So, what do you got in a town like this? Diner?

Post office?

Phone operators?

You know that minimum wage around here is $7.25 an hour?

That's gonna be probably around 300 hours over the next two weeks.

Okay. So, what's your awesome plan then?

Very festive.

A middle school?

What, am I dealing pot?

What kind of middle school did you go to?

It smells like sneakers and fruit snacks.

You better start talking. Oh!

Jeremy, where have you been?

The twins, they're recruiting

for their new rap song music video.

Sarah, slow down.

And since when are there oboe players in a rap song?

-And then... And then they were... -Hey.

-Why were they... No, but they were... -Hey, hey, hey. Whoa, whoa.

Look at me. Look at me. My eyes. My eyes, okay?

-Okay? Good.

Do as I do. Follow me.

Better?

Oh!

Are you the new music teacher?

- No. - Yeah.

What?

I'd like you to meet our new music teacher, Miss...

I think you are all mistaken.

Pleased to meet you. I'm Principal Crosby.

Heard of your performance last night at Gus's Bar.

Seems you're qualified for the job.

Jeremy here will be more than willing to step down.

Am I right?

You didn't think I came up with this out of thin air, did you?

I've been trying to teach these kids for the last two weeks.

I can't imagine how that's going.

What happened to the last teacher?

Teachers. Everyone in town's tried.

Jeremy was our last resort.

Look, the performance for the Christmas Gala is in two weeks.

And this is a jacket that I'd happily hand over.

Does it look like I know the first thing about Christmas? Or galas?

Jeremy has informed me of your situation.

You prep these kids

and I'll cover the bus repairs.

And if the kids win,

perhaps you will leave Harmony Springs

with three percent of the cash prize.

You can win a gala?

Each school selects teams to compete.

There's cash prizes, prestige.

Do we have a deal?

All expenses paid,

that engine purrs like a kitten,

and I make it to LA on time.

Yes, yes, and yes.

Well, let's meet these kids.

Thank you.

Write your name on the chalk board.

I'm going to give you apples every day.

If teachers were apples, I'd pick you.

Jeremy. A word.

After the gala, we have to shut the music program down.

What the hell are you talking about, Stanley?

I'm sorry, son.

We just simply can't keep the program going.

So, uh, you're just gonna do this without talkin' to my family first?

Or me?

I'm sorry.

Chalk board.

My name is Ms. Travers,

and I'm gonna be helping you get ready

for the Christmas Eve Gala in two weeks.

So, let's see what we're workin' with here.

Let's go around the room

and tell me your name...

Name, musical interest, and favorite Christmas tradition.

I'll start. I'm Sarah Hughes.

I wanna be an opera singer.

I like leaving food out for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve.

Sarah. Opera. Reindeer. Noted.

You and you.

We're Jeff and Johnny. I'm Jeff.

I'm Johnny.

We rap. Hoping to one day rock Harmony Springs with our flow.

Nice.

And we set traps in our chimney to see if we can catch a Santa.

- Oh. - We've never caught one.

- Oh, no. - Dear God.

There's only one Santa

and Santa doesn't actually rhyme with Montana.

Just to let you know.

Benjamin still wets the bed.

Hey. Okay, okay, no making fun of one another, okay?

That's rule number one.

We have to support each other.

Your turn.

I'm Benjamin Donovan.

I like to wear matching pj's with my mom and dad...

while we decorate the Christmas tree, and I can play the oboe.

Sort of.

Do you all have to play instruments for this thing?

We don't have to.

Okay, good. 'Cause I'm not a real music teacher.

Mm, we're not really music students.

So, what are your musical skills then?

And your favorite Christmas tradition.

Well, uh, I don't have any Christmas traditions.

Why not?

I guess I never stuck around long enough in one place to make one.

Why not?

Long story.

How about I show you my musical skills?

Wow.

If we sing like that, we'll win.

- See ya. - See ya.

- Bye. - Bye.

She's so good.

- I know, right? - She's great!

Ooh!

Were you hiding back there the whole time?

Sorry. I'm scared of strangers and loud noises.

But you have a great voice.

Thank you. What's your name?

Rosemary.

Nice to meet you, Rosemary.

I sing to my animals.

That's my skill,

but my mom thinks I need to be around more humans.

Yeah, humans.

Well, I'm very excited to hear you sing.

Did you sing in all the places?

What?

All the places you never stuck around

long enough to make traditions.

I did.

Maybe that's your Christmas tradition.

Singing.

Everyone has one, even if they don't know it.

One day.

Hey, Mom. Dad.

Hey, buddy. I saw you got the beams up. Looks great.

-Oh, it's wonderful, Abe.

Yeah, you can really see the rooms starting to take shape.

So, you know they're shutting down the music program?

Oh, honey. Yeah. Stanley warned us it might happen.

I just wanted to wait until he was sure before I said anything.

This meant everything to Parker.

I know, but there were, like, what, four kids in the class?

- There's five. - Five.

Five is not enough to justify the cost.

- I'm sorry. - I'm sorry, son.

But how did Gail do?

She's got a way of making things better, I guess.

What's this now?

Jeremy got the girl with the bus to teach the kids.

- Is that right? - Mm-hmm.

Gail, huh?

Like the wind.

Gail this, Gail that.

She's been here all of 12 hours.

Can y'all talk about anything else?

Hey there, Scarlet.

How's the build comin'?

It's fine.

Uh, we were... We were just discussing that.

We were talking about how well it's coming along...

- and what a great view. - Yeah. Yeah.

That's great, Van.

Blueberry peach.

Just how you guys like it.

Thank you, Scarlet.

Thank you, Scarlet.

Livin' the dream.

Wow.

Thought I'd sneak by and get away with spending a few more nights in there.

- Guess not. - Mm-mm.

What are you doing with my stuff?

Uh, I just put it in the box.

You can't stay in there no more, unfortunately,

but my parents, they own a studio a couple blocks away. You could stay there.

I mean, there's a bunch of stuff layin' around.

Haven't had time to fix it up to rent it out,

but it's got four walls and a roof.

Ah... You'll be okay, old girl.

She better be in good hands.

She's in great hands.

My bus, I call her Jewel.

She's the only home I've ever known.

Well, she is a gem.

I'm glad someone agrees with me.

What happened?

Splinter.

My tip box, it...

- Yeah. - Tip box?

Someone really special gave it to me.

I take it to all my gigs,

but it broke in the crash.

Sorry.

Speakin' of sorries, I owe you one.

I was pretty mean the other day when you came in there.

Any mention of big cities makes my skin crawl.

So, sorry.

Apology accepted.

You weren't that bad.

I was pretty bad.

So, let me make it up to ya.

Take you to dinner now, and go look at the studio later?

You know a way to a girl's heart. I'm starving.

Smells good.

Okay.

Oh!

Of course.

It's you! Well...

Okay, my sons Johnny and Jeff...

they told me all about their new music teacher.

They said, "She's not a real teacher,

but she can sing and play piano just like Beyonce."

And I said, "Does Beyonce play piano?"

And they said, "If she did, she'd play just like Miss Gail."

And then I said to myself,

"How do I know that name? Why do I know that name?"

And now I get it.

Let me get you a table.

Bruce! Get the sauce by the door.

Come on, honey. This way, we're goin' right to this table right here.

Hey. Did you hear she almost hit Eddie?

What? Eddie?

- No! - Yeah, right here.

You happened to Eddie?

- Guilty. Guilty. - No. It's okay, darlin'.

Listen, that alpaca is like half deer. I swear.

Something comes at it, it just like...

Deer in headlights.

-Whoo!

I'm just messing with you, darlin'.

Wow.

So, where you headin' once your bus is done?

- I have a gig in LA. - Oh!

And if it all goes well, I'll tour all over the world.

She'd be on her way to being a big deal.

Well, that's a huge deal. With who?

They'll pair us with the right fit, you know.

It's a good thing I'm used to living on the road.

Well, listen. I am gonna get you the Lumberjack platter.

You know, just a little bit of everything.

No, no, no. Come on now, that feeds six.

You can take some home.

Lumberjack platter? What is that?

It's just a whole lot of food.

Plus, it'll make a great photo for your Instagram.

I'm surprised you even know what that is.

I ain't livin' in a hole here.

I gave it up.

I gave up all my social media.

Color me intrigued.

Sometimes when things aren't working, you unplug for a bit

- before you plug back in. - Hmm.

Life's no different.

I haven't been this unplugged since I was eight.

Well, here we go.

- Oh, boy. - Two Oklahoma extra oma palomas.

Now, you tell your friends in LA about that.

Wow.

To LA.

Oh, so now you're pro big cities?

Can't make it big without a big city, right?

Cheers.

Cheers.

Thanks.

So, just so you know, I wasn't lying.

-It's pretty messy in here.

Now, I know it's not much,

but it's warm.

And bathroom's back there, so...

If Rachael's barbeque wasn't so good, I'd be outta here.

Um, I know there's some fresh sheets in one of these boxes...

No, no, no. Not this one.

- This one? - Yeah, I believe so.

I mean, I know there used to be.

Here you go. Oh.

- Thanks. - Yeah.

Uh...

Forgot to ask you,

uh, what song were you teaching the kids?

Uh, never got that far.

This being our last song, I don't know, pick something special.

Hmm.

Sounds like you miss it.

Kinda. Even if the kids are awful.

Hey. They are not awful.

They're just...

unpolished.

Well, uh, the kids...

they're the heart of this town.

And the word is they really love you.

That reminds me, um, Stanley called,

so I guess your class starts at 8:00 a.m.

I thought this was an after-school thing?

Mm-mm. Christmas break. Next two weeks.

- So, good luck. - Hmm...

8:00 a.m.

When am I gonna write my song?

Miss Travers? Ew!

Uh, sorry. I'm just bringin' in the rest of your stuff.

This, uh...

This good here?

- Great. - Cool. Um...

Yeah. Good night.

Good night.

Something smells really good.

- Well, good mornin'. - Good mornin'.

About time y'all woke up.

- What do we have here? - It smells so good.

I know. I was trying to be quiet.

- Look at that. - Wow.

Whoa.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

Are these your famous Jeremy flapjacks?

Yes, they are.

- Boy. - Here you go, Mom.

'Cause you know first one's always yours.

I have missed this.

Thank you.

Look at him.

-Ooh.

Everything okay?

Uh, I have to write my very own song.

A song good enough to impress some of the best music people out there.

So,

it has to be perfect.

The animals on our farm are messy.

Pretty imperfect, but I still think they're beautiful.

Cracks happen in our lives just to let the light in. You know?

You give the best advice.

What would you say to someone who has a beautiful voice,

but they're scared of showing it off?

I'm getting the first cubbyhole.

The first book... Yeah, I know, but I just don't like...

It's time to get focused.

Focusing.

Today we're gonna focus on the instrument we already have. Our voice.

All right?

Everyone, get up. Stand up. Get up.

Close your eyes. Close 'em. Close 'em.

Now, place your hands over your heart.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

This is where you sing from.

Not your head or your lungs.

Your heart.

Now, set an intention.

How do you wanna feel when you sing?

Now, stretch your arms out in front of you...

and release it out into the universe.

I feel it.

Someone's intention smells like a fart.

Release your intentions through your mouths.

Not our butts?

Come on. Keep your focus!

Thank you, Sarah.

Okay, today we're gonna try singing a simple A note.

One at a time. Just like this, okay?

That was great.

All right.

Believe it or not, an A can sound different for someone with a lower voice.

Like Benjamin.

Johnny and Jeff, your turn. Let's hear it.

Okay.

Playing to your strengths. I love it. Love it.

Rosemary, your turn.

Just an A note.

Easy-peasy.

Mm-hmm. Okay, I think I can hear it.

You just need to get a little louder.

That was beautiful.

You just gotta get it a little louder.

Don't worry. You're not gonna scare anyone away.

All right, Miss Opera singer, let's hear it.

Wow. Wow.

Okay. Okay. Shh, shh.

We are gonna work on that.

All right, I have to write my very own song

for a big show I have coming up

and I'm having a hard time.

What if we all write a Christmas song together for the gala?

I could use the practice.

Do we have enough time for that?

Well, it doesn't have to be perfect.

-It just has to be ours.

- See ya. - Bye.

Great job today.

- Bye. - Bye.

Hey, Sarah.

Everything okay?

I know I can't sing.

I've been trying

and I know I act like I'm good

but it's just pretend and I'm not good at anything at all.

Hey.

Sarah, that's not true.

I bet you're good at a lot of things.

You know what? I'm gonna be gone for the show.

I'm gonna need someone to be in charge while I'm away.

I think you would be really good at that.

At what?

Making things happen.

We need lights,

stage direction, every detail of the performance

needs to be organized.

That's what a stage manager does.

Stage manager?

Mm-hmm. The best operas,

they're run by the best stage managers in the world.

We're gonna need someone really good

to be the boss.

- Then call me "boss," boss. - Give me some.

- Bye. - Bye.

Oh.

Well, I can see why he likes you so much.

Who?

Oh, you know exactly who.

What about Scarlet?

Let's just say it takes two to agree to be a couple,

not just one.

Girl's been after him since grade school.

Oh! Oh, how much longer do we have you?

You know what?

I don't wanna know.

You want some cake?

Bruce! Get the cake!

Come in.

- Hey. - Hi.

I, uh...

You never came in to check on Jewel today,

so I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.

Mm-hmm, I'm working on some lyrics.

I have two songs to write now.

Oh, you're... You're doin' an original song.

Mm-hmm.

The, um, last teacher we had do that...

uh, kids really loved it, so...

Um...

Got you something.

Ooh.

An empty box.

It's a send-back box.

You put your broken phone inside

and they you send it out and they mail you a brand-new one.

Actually, you know what? I can mail it out for you tonight if you want.

You got the phone?

You know, I don't even know

where my phone is right now, if you can believe that.

Oh, here it is.

Perfect.

I'll let you get back to it.

Yeah. Um...

You know, actually if you get a break or something,

you know, later on if you're hungry,

I know a great place for dinner.

Yes. Yes, I could eat that barbeque sandwich every meal.

No, I was actually thinking of something a little more close to home.

Hmm.

Okay.

Cool.

I'll, uh, see you later.

See you later.

This was so good.

Girl could stick around for this kinda cooking.

So, you live here?

For now. It's just easier while I build it for my parents.

This could be the sweetest thing you could do for someone.

These walls you've created will hold your family's most precious moments.

Never really thought about it like that.

You should tell me about your family.

I, uh...

I never knew my parents.

I never had a house.

I was a foster kid.

I grew up in the system from the day I was born.

Run of bad luck got me bounced around several times

until I hit 18.

I had my guitar, my music...

that was my home.

Sorry.

It wasn't all that bad.

I had this one foster dad

who taught me how to ground myself

before I sing, you know.

Use the nervous butterflies to find my voice.

Did he create the tip box?

- Yes, he did. - Figured.

Where is he?

He moved to Canada...

without me, um, for a business opportunity.

Foster kids can't leave the country,

and we lost touch.

That's the system for you.

But what about you?

Childhood out here must've been pretty great.

Yeah.

I mean, look.

Yeah, we had the biggest house up on a hill, you know.

Nothing but green for miles. It was great.

But we couldn't stay.

Not after my brother died.

But this, it's the least I can do for taking him away.

Taking him away?

He was the star of the music program.

Yeah. I mean, he actually started it.

His voice was so good, Gail.

Like yours.

You know, which is why I pushed him so hard.

I had this plan.

You know, go out to LA so he can chase his dream.

I mean, I just got so caught up in it all.

Became so self-centered.

And what happened?

We were at a party...

and it was getting late.

He had a gig the next day, early,

and he was exhausted,

so I just threw him the keys.

And, uh, he...

probably fell asleep at the wheel.

Hit a curb, lost control, and that was it.

Last time I saw my brother.

I'm so sorry, Jeremy.

So, you went home,

and put on all your jackets?

What I'm doing is trying to fill the hole that he left behind.

Parker was everything to Harmony Springs.

Well, you can't blame yourself.

The reason why I stayed is because Coldplay was gonna be there.

And I just wanted to take a picture with them

to impress some girl that I didn't even know.

Because of it,

we never got to see my brother again over some stupid post.

Yeah, now, um...

Now, I get the whole smartphone thing.

Hmmm.

I know what you must think of me.

Desperate to update my story

for a whole bunch of people I've never even met.

No.

I mean, it's a priority for your career. I get it.

Hmm.

I'll tell you what, though.

I like the unplugged Gail a whole lot better.

I do, too.

- Did he kiss her yet? - I don't know.

Are they 12 years old?

This is too much.

Oh, man.

- Wanna look at the stars? - Yeah.

- You leave so soon. - Yeah.

How'd Rachael take it?

Not so good.

She's a crier.

So, with this singing gig you have,

what happens after the show?

Well, she's actually gonna hit the road.

She's gonna go on tour now.

And yeah. She'll be on her way to becoming a huge star.

Making some albums and all that jazz.

- Wow. - Hmm.

Yeah.

I spent my whole life on the road, so...

kinda used to it.

So, who's gonna finish getting the kids ready?

He's sitting right next to me.

-Oh.

- Okay. - Our son?

Uh-uh. I do not think so.

That boy cannot sing a lick.

Don't worry. They're ready.

You have to get them on the stage, okay?

Yeah. Gotcha.

He'll do it.

I'm gonna miss you all so much.

I should get going. I have a few more things to pack,

finish the song.

I'll see you later, yeah?

- Yeah, see you later. - Okay.

Here, no. I got it. I'll get this.

- First time in his life. - Go.

Go on now. Git!

-Thank you for dinner. It was delicious. -Thank you.

- You're welcome. - So glad you could come.

Yeah.

This is Christmas.

-Come in.

I'm sorry.

Am I interrupting something?

I just wanted to make sure I bid my farewell.

What are you doing for Jer?

What?

You're not giving him a thank you of any kind?

He's the gesture type.

I've been so busy, I didn't even think about that.

Mm-hmm.

You live in your van, right?

Mm-hmm.

So you're good with small spaces.

Why don't I help you set some of this stuff up?

Oh, my gosh.

Look.

I remember this being right about here.

You sure he won't mind?

Girl, he's been dying to tidy up this space. Trust me.

He did say they haven't had time...

Exactly!

It'll take less than an hour. Come on.

Oh, I just love this.

Perfect.

I love these movies.

Don't you love these movies?

Love you, Mom.

I love you.

Door's open.

Hi.

Thank you.

What... What did you do?

You said you hadn't had time to fix it up

so I put it all together.

Why? Why... Why would you do this?

- I wanted to thank you. - No.

Make it look nice, I...

-Jeremy!

Van.

- Is Jeremy here? - Come on.

- Come on in. - I really messed up here.

All right, breathe. Breathe, okay?

Breathe, okay? Sit down. Sit down.

Breathe. Breathe, breathe. Okay.

- Talk to me. - Scarlet said it would be a good idea.

Scarlet?

I bet you're giving that girl a run for her money.

She's been after Jeremy since the day that she decided

boys did not have cooties.

What happened?

We decided to fix up the studio with a bunch of boxed up stuff.

You know, I thought it would be a nice thing to do before I left.

Parker's studio?

I could never get him out of that place.

He was always writing somethin'.

That explains why I've had such good luck with my songwriting.

I've never felt so inspired.

Maybe it's not just the studio.

It must've been such a shock.

You know, seeing the studio the same way it was

when Parker was alive.

I should've known.

There was all this music stuff everywhere. I should've known.

Honey, honey, your intentions were good.

Abe and I were...

We were lucky we had each other when it happened.

Jeremy...

he just isolated.

He just threw himself into his work, you know,

and he didn't give himself time to process it and...

They say that there's nothing worse than losing a child,

and I lost two that day.

- Two. - I'm sorry, Van.

I'm so sorry.

He's come up for air for the first time in years.

He's cooking again,

and he's playing music when he works.

And there's a light right back in his eyes.

And the only thing that has changed...

is you being here.

Okay? It's gonna be okay.

I made you some tea.

Come on, it's late. Take a break.

We all miss him, you know.

Jeremy.

Jeremy?

Look at me.

Son...

you have been drowning for so long

that you don't even feel it

when you pull the people that are the closest to you into the undertow.

We all loved him.

So much.

But he would not want to see you behaving this way.

I shouldn't have snapped at her.

It happens.

The question is, what are you gonna do now?

Hey, guys. It's Gail. I'm still in Oklahoma.

I've been, uh...

I...

I have nothing to say to a faceless piece of glass.

I know. I know. I'm late.

IHeart Radio, they sent an...

Sent an email.

As stage manager,

I hereby declare the first quarter of this class

dedicated to Jeremy Crawford

and his heart-felt sincerest apology.

Hit it, Jeff.

I'm sorry.

Do you forgive him?

Say yes.

We wanted to give you something special.

To remember us by.

Hope it fits.

What is this?

I sewed the snowman on myself.

Your Christmas tradition.

It's the same one.

Thank you.

Aw. Thank you, guys.

Guys, this is amazing. Thank you.

My tip box.

It may help.

I'm sorry for how I reacted.

Look at these.

- Scarlet said that... - You know what? Doesn't matter.

You were right, I was wrong.

Well, a girl loves to hear that.

Ooh!

All right.

Hey. This county doesn't know what's coming for them.

Okay?

Whatever happens at the gala...

just know you already won in my eyes.

Here.

- Don't peek. - Doing.

Go ahead.

Wow.

She's beautiful.

Yeah. Yes, she is.

Here.

Got something for ya.

What job's this one from?

Oh, no. This one's actually mine.

I was thinking you could hold onto it for me for a while...

and take it with you on your travels.

Uh, you said something in class earlier about iHeart.

Yes. They need a good recording of my song, but I, uh...

I don't have anyone to help me record it.

-Mm.

Wow.

Gail, that was, uh...

That was beautiful. It was really amazing.

Thank you.

Well,

it sent, so...

Thank you.

I think it's time we take off some jackets.

Hey.

Good mornin'.

We need to talk.

I'm sorry. I should've been honest with you sooner.

You should've.

Look, I'm sorry I pushed you so much, Jeremy. I just...

I really thought we'd end up together.

Scarlet...

we just weren't right for each other.

I'm sorry.

You got a huge place in my heart.

Always.

Bye, Jer.

Hey.

Was this all some game to you?

What?

Am I some fling? To make Scarlet jealous?

Some toy in your complicated relationship? I mean, we just...

Why did I trust you?

It's not what you think.

I know what I saw.

Does it matter?

I mean...

you were always on borrowed time here, Gail.

What is that supposed to mean?

The world needs to hear that voice of yours.

You can't do that from here.

What you did last night...

you don't belong here.

There's nothin' for you here.

I don't want you here, Gail.

-So, that's it then?

This is how we say goodbye?

Lila, I'm so sorry. My phone got destroyed.

Um, I crashed Jewel.

I'm on my way to LA,

and, boy, do I have a story for you.

I go live Christmas Eve.

Bye. Talk to you later.

Is she gone?

I had to let her go.

Couldn't have been the reason she stayed.

You should've heard her sing.

Oh, honey.

I'm sorry.

Gail Travers has landed. Miss Travers has landed.

- Hey, you Miss Travers? - Hi.

Great.

Follow me.

What's your 20?

Stepping in.

Thank you.

Well, you know, I never thought I'd be sitting here in this chair

ready for the new Sia album

- and a mystery Christmas album at that. - I know, right?

But we like to keep things interesting around here.

We sure do. And you know what,

we're gonna take a quick commercial break

and when we come back, we're gonna talk about

our big Christmas Eve Special

and our five lucky opening guests.

Cut. That's a cut.

Let me see that video again.

Yeah. It's so good.

So good.

Can't wait to meet her.

Have all five landed yet?

Gail. Gail Travers.

- Hi. - Hi, I'm Miles.

- With EP Records. - Nice to meet you.

Once iHeart puts you on the map,

we, the record label, will take care of everything else.

And I sense a real fast track to success.

I'm serious. It's in the eyes. I can always tell.

Contract needs to be in my inbox before EOD, okay?

And once you sign, you're mine.

Totally kidding. We're gonna have some fun.

PA Nation,

last of the opening acts is ready for hair and makeup tests.

Crazy day, right?

Big question. Do you want this?

It's all I've ever wanted.

Oh, that's a star.

Ready to meet the other contestants?

Gail. You, period. Look, period.

Iconic, period.

Amazing.

How do you feel?

- What? - Mm.

Where are the other guys? Guys?

- Hey! - Oh, my God.

We are the five best voices in all of America.

#winners!

Okay. Guys, let's take a selfie.

Yes. Selfie time.

Gail, smile. With your teeth.

Okay, no, okay. Yes.

- Did you get it? - I got it.

Hold this. It's life-changing. iHeart winning contestants, in your face.

Let's get out of here. Craft services. Pomegranates. Cake pops. You heard me.

Let's go.

- Gail? - Yes.

Walker. We spoke on the phone.

The producers have attempted a mix of your tape.

A mix? It's an acoustic song.

Uh, Miles said you won't need your guitar. We got a fresh one.

Sis and Amy have clearance questions on the intro segment.

- Can you handle that? - Already done.

So, iHeart loves you.

The label just has some thoughts.

Main thing, your song's now called #thisis.

One word. Very mysterious. True crime is so hot right now. "This is what?"

"Find out, click here." Bait, bait, bait.

Gen Z is gonna love it.

Can you hold on one second?

Cody, I told you to never...

Yeah, that was good. Can I get a little more in monitor one?

Thank you.

Great job.

- Break a leg. - Thanks.

- Gail Travers? - Yes.

- Hi, I'm Sisanie. - Hi.

So nice to meet you.

We're so excited that you're here. We all watched your tape.

Your song "This is Christmas," loved it.

Thank you.

Obsessed. And with this outfit, wow. I'm Amy.

- Hi. - Yeah, and we're just so excited

to hear you perform live.

- Yeah. - Yeah. Congratulations.

- Thank you. - Good luck.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Added. Perfect. - Excuse me.

- Hmm? - So, what's happening now?

Uh, blocking, walk for tech. We'll make it perfect later.

- Label had a little switcheroo. - Mm.

Kira.

- Dunno. It came to me. - Huh?

- Kirsty. Kirsty Cassidy. - Love it. Ah!

But my name is Gail.

Huh.

Gail.

Gail.

- Gail. - Gail.

Just kinda feels weird in the mouth, right?

- Thick. - Thick.

Can you hold on one sec?

- Can we get a jacket or something? - Can we get a jacket?

-The look, it's... It's just not clicking for me. -Flying in a jacket.

Fast, fast, fast.

Okay.

One option, Tiffany?

Ooh.

- No, this is actually really cute. - That's...

I'm sorry. My blood sugar's low.

- I don't know, I'm all over the place. - That's Sarah, by the way.

- Then who's Tiffany? - You fired her.

That does track.

- Oh, you can go up now. - Mm.

Lose the bag.

- Really? - Just watch this.

Okay.

I feel like... I feel like something's a little off.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I just need a moment. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

- Sorry, sorry. - Okay. What, what's goin' on?

-Excuse me. What are we doin' here?

I just need a minute. I need... I need a minute.

- Kirsty? Kirs... - My name is Gail!

- Oh. - It's Gail.

- Gail. - I need to... I need to go to the bathroom.

-Okay. -All right, great. Just get back soon.

Okay. Okay.

Keep it quick.

There.

-We won't need it. -We could make us... That's true.

- We won't need it. - Well, maybe, we won't.

Hello?

Hello?

Don't, who is it? Don't tell me you have to

- go to the shop. - Oh, hey, honey.

It's Gail. Hey, hey, hey, honey.

Are you okay? Is everything all right?

How many times have you asked me that now?

Hurry up.

I sure wish I could see your face.

You're gonna need a new phone for that.

What's goin' on?

I didn't know who else to call.

I don't know what to do. Everything...

Everything here is just so different.

What do you mean?

There's just so many people. So many people.

They're just trying to plan my style,

my identity, my future...

There's just so many voices

that I feel like I'm losing mine.

Oh.

Okay.

When you started singing,

what did you want out of all of it?

What do you mean?

I want to sing because I love it.

But why this way?

Fans.

Because?

Well, they're the only ones who ever stuck around for me.

Oh.

That's not what fans are for, that's what family's for.

Now I know that you didn't have one for a very long time...

but now, you have us.

And sweetheart, no matter how far, no matter how long you're gone,

you can always come back here, Gail.

Harmony Springs is here for you.

And listen, if those fans don't love you for who you truly are...

I don't think you really want this.

Maybe you're right.

I'm probably overstepping here,

but, um, Jeremy told me what happened.

And I just... I just need you to know that

it wasn't what you thought.

Jeremy told Scarlet how he really felt...

about you.

He just didn't wanna be the reason that

you second-guess this opportunity.

Okay. Well, we love you.

I love you, too.

All of you in Harmony Springs.

- Oh, Van? - Yeah?

Could you remind the kids to sing from the heart

tonight at the gala? The county is not gonna know what hit 'em.

I just wish that I could be there to see it.

Thank you.

Bye.

-She's right, you know.

Your mom.

Oh, she's not... She's not my...

Anyway, um, I'm sorry that you had to hear all that.

You don't have to explain.

I've been exactly where you are.

But, Gail, you're good.

I mean, really good.

With or without that record label.

Thank you.

And do you know how many times people have tried to get me

to be cuter, girlier,

more country, less country. I mean...

I can't keep up.

But I learned to hold on to my favorite version of myself.

So you've got to hang on tight to what makes you you.

You have to remember that's what got you here.

And I promise if you do that, Gail, the sky's the limit.

Thank you, Amy.

My travel agent's info, it's in your inbox.

So, I want you to know, if you need to get to that gala,

you got a plane ticket, you got a car service.

Seriously, whatever you need you decide.

- But what about my bus? - It's handled.

Done.

Good luck, Gail Travers.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

Us girls gotta stick together.

Yeah.

'Kay, bye.

Sisanie, I think I have an idea.

Oh, yeah?

Hello?

Ma'am, this is Amy Brown from iHeart Radio.

I'm thinking maybe you can help me with somethin'.

Deep breath.

Release your intentions.

I'm sure those are really great intentions, guys.

- You made it! - Yes!

How in the world could I miss it? You guys look great!

Wow.

Okay, people. Look alive. We're on in three minutes.

Okay, let's all head toward backstage, okay? Come on.

- Come on. - Okay. Come on, people.

- I'll be there in a minute. - Come on. Let's go, let's go...

Okay.

Hey, what's goin' on, Rosemary?

It's just, there's... There's a lot of people out there.

Our class was small and...

I can't sing in front of that many humans.

Hey. Hey...

You taught me that being perfect isn't better.

Whatever happens out there,

it's you.

And I haven't met one single human who hasn't loved you.

Show 'em you, okay?

You got this.

You know...

the whole "If you love her, let her go" thing...

doesn't work every time.

Sorry. That whole, uh...

That whole Scarlet thing...

I know.

I know.

You... You know I took Parker from his dream.

Couldn't do that with you.

He made a choice and now I'm making one.

I always hoped that somehow my singing would bring me to a home of my own.

I've never felt more loved or seen than I do right here.

I always thought that I couldn't write songs because I wasn't good...

but now I realize that I just needed something...

someone to write songs about.

- What's your plan? - Here's my plan.

I stick around and keep teaching the music program,

if you'll have me.

Uh, I can't do that. We just gave the job away.

Oh, man.

-I'm kidding.

You might just save the program.

Speaking of which, we... We'd better go.

Come on, we got a show to watch.

- Let's go. Let's go. - Let's go.

Wow. Yay!

Come on, come on. Can we get another round of applause

for the Canton County Bear Cubs?

And up next, we have our final performance of the night,

your host city, the town

of Harmony Springs.

Light cue one.

Harmony Springs! Whoo!

Oh, my God.

Come on. Come on, let's give it up

for the Harmony Springs Middle School.

All right!

What's happening?

The winner of the One Hundredth Annual Henderson County Christmas Gala is...

Harmony Springs!

- Okay. Here you go. - Okay. Yeah.

Okay, all right. Now I need to do something,

call the iHeart Live Streaming on Facetime.

- I, I got this. Okay? - I...

- Do you have the number we're supposed to call? - Oh, yes.

- Thank you. - All right. All right.

Okay. Now all you have to do is point the camera end...

it's right there...

- straight towards Miss Travers. - Okay.

- Great. Okay. - Okay?

-I think I got it. -Let's try horizon... That way. There we go.

-Maybe you wanna get... -That's means to the side. Okay.

A better angle from downstairs?

Oh, good idea.

- Okay. - All right.

Yes.

Okay.

Okay.

- Is this thing on? - Okay.

We want to invite our music teacher to the mic please.

- What? - Miss Travers?

To thank you for believing in us...

- Aw. - and teaching us to sing from the heart...

- We wanted to do something for you. - What are you doing?

Please sing for us!

What?

This is crazy!

Aw. Thank you.

Wow.

Wow.

Wow, wow, wow.

I am so proud of all of our amazing kids.

Thank you all so much.

You really want me to sing?

I was gonna sing this song...

on national television...

but singing it right here, right now...

feels even more special to me.

Thank you, Harmony Springs...

for teaching me what it means to have a home.

This is, this is my...

Our original song...

"This is Christmas."

And now, our final special performer, Gail Travers.

Performing her original song...

This is Christmas from Harmony Springs, Oklahoma.

Yeah, Gail!

Oh, my gosh!

Congratulations, Gail.

Thank you.

Yes!

- Did you get it? Yes! - Yeah. Yeah.

- One point nine million people just watched you. - No... What?

How did you do that?

Sisanie and Amy from iHeart set it all up.

- What? - Merry...

- Merry Christmas, girl! - Yes!

Okay, hey! Hey, Harmony Springs on three, yeah?

- One, two, three... - Two, three...

Harmony Springs!

Let's go!

If teachers were apples, we would pick you.

Every time.

Who's ready to rock?

Yes!