At a contest a young woman begs Ms. Hadley to let her enter, offering a necklace because her father needs $100,000 for surgery. Emma warns that bending rules will look like favoritism, then steps back and leaves the decision. Chaos erupts when someone lunges, shouting they won't let Emma be taken, and a scuffle breaks out. The girl sings and stuns the crowd with a heartbreaking, masterful song. An onlooker recognizes the melody and blurts, "You're my daughter?" Someone shouts, "Get down! Stop!"—her identity and entry remain unresolved.