Before she became a worldwide sensation, before anyone knew her name, she began as a nightclub act. Lauren Rivers had almost cancelled the gig, but something had told her she should be there that night. She brushed her hair, slipped on a sultry red gown, and stepped one hoof at a time out on the stage of the nightclub.

She felt her skin crawl, like ants were moving over every inch of her. Lauren had performed in front of crowds before, but tonight she had almost felt like she might collapse from stage fright.

Lauren took the microphone in her hand, wrapping her other arm around it and giving her best sultry wink out towards the crowd. She closed her eyes and began to sing, focusing on the words. All she had to do was make it through the song, and she could do this.

The zebra felt the music, the piano player to her left providing her accompaniment. She reached a pause, and just when she thought she might have to excuse herself, she saw him. The ram in the front row held his drink in his hand, but he hadn't touched it. He had been transfixed on her, raising his glass in approval.

Lauren felt her body warm, her heart surged, and her voice strengthened. She sang as if only to him, as if he was here to see her and only her. Pouring her heart into every note, she finished the song, and excused herself from the stage.

After her song, she returned to her dressing room. Less than ten minutes later, there came a knock at the door. She rose, opening the door to see that same ram from earlier.

"Excuse me, but my name is Christopher Hartley, and I work for Hooved Records, the largest record label on the face of the planet. I just wanted to ask if you were doing anything for the next few weeks, I've got a space for some new talent, and if you don't mind my saying so, I'd like to take you to dinner tonight to discuss it..."

And the rest, is history.

Note: This is not canon, of course, but it is a nice story, don't you think? :)

Art by  tenaflux