Ep 2. Come as You Are

Instant Star is a Canadian television show that follows the life of an aspiring young singer named Jude Harrison. This talented teenager won a music competition and is now starting her way on a journey that she never dreamt of at such a young age. Instant Star season 1 episode 2 is called "Come as You Are" and is the second episode of this series.

In this episode, Jude is still adjusting to her new life as an overnight sensation. Jude and the rest of the teenage contestants in the competition were given the chance to record a song, with the winner landing a record deal. Jude won the competition, and now, as part of her winning prize, she records her first single.

Jude is excited to have a chance to start her music career. However, she quickly realizes the music industry is much harder than she anticipated. The pressure of being an instant star becomes a little bit much to handle, and she feels stifled trying to maintain an image that isn't really her. She feels pressured to change her style and look in order to appeal to a broader audience.

Meanwhile, Jude's newfound popularity is causing problems. Her schoolmates are beginning to treat her differently. They look at her as if she's no longer one of them because she's become famous. It's hard for Jude to find a balance between her two worlds. Her music producer wants her to remake herself into a pop star. However, Jude is having a hard time adjusting to this new lifestyle. She soon realizes that maintaining a facade comes with a heavy price, and it's not worth it.

The pressure to please others, along with the new attention, both come as a sudden shock. The episode does a great job of demonstrating that while being a star sounds glamorous, it really isn’t the ultimate solution for all of one's problems.

Jude is lucky to have some refreshing support from her long-time best friend, Jamie. He is the only one who still treats her as the same young girl he grew up with, and he gives her the much-needed advice and encouragement that she needs to take back control of her life. Jamie reminds her that she is still the same girl who used to sing at small gigs. He tells her that the only way to feel good about her music is to be true to herself and never compromise on her values.

The song "Come as You Are" is an essential part of this episode. The song essentially tells the audience what Jude is trying to stand for - being true to oneself. The lyrics "come as you are" reinforce that message. Jude's producer initially pushes her out of her comfort zone, but she discovers that it's better to be who you are. She realizes that she should never try to dress up in anything that doesn't feel natural. Conforming, just because someone else wants to, will never allow her to be the artist she wants to be.

The episode ends with a performance of the song which, as usual, show's Jude’s vocal talents. It is one of the strongest moments in the episode, a reminder that at the end of the day, despite all the pressure, Jude is still a beautifully talented girl with a fantastic voice. The song showcases Jude's effortless vocal range, and the lyrics show that she is doing what she loves and still being true to herself.

Overall, Instant Star season 1 episode 2 is an engaging follow-up to the first episode. It tackles the realities of the music industry and fame while highlighting the importance of remaining true to oneself. It also captures the teenage experience of struggling to find the right balance between who you are and what others expect you to be. It's a relatable episode for anyone who feels lost or pressured in their life, and for music enthusiasts, it shows that music, at the end of the day, is all about your unique style.