How is Amanda’s plan progressing, and what behind-the-scenes moves are unfolding to bring it to life? The answer comes in a series of deliberate choices and small victories that build toward a bigger moment. Michelle and Chloe have spent days refining the logistics, lining up sponsors, recruiting volunteers, and mapping a program that balances charity with performance. They want the fundraiser to feel welcoming, uplifting, and truly accessible to families across Canada and the United States, with Culture Shock serving as a vibrant hub for the event and its stories.
Michelle and Chloe lay out the plan for Kate in clear detail: a fundraiser at Culture Shock that will spotlight a rotating lineup of performers, all united by a single goal. The event aims to raise money for children facing financial barriers so they can participate in The Next Step experiences. Kate instantly recognizes the opportunity for good and community exposure, and she grants her approval with a smile. The night will feel like a friendly talent show, designed to entertain while highlighting real lives and possibilities.
James and Noah are set to perform at the fundraiser, but Noah grows anxious about carrying a song. They decide to open auditions for a lead singer to ensure a standout voice anchors the lineup. Amanda steps into the spotlight with a voice that captivates the room, and she earns the role of lead singer. Her presence shifts the rehearsal dynamic, injecting energy and a hint of friendly competition that raises the stakes for everyone involved.
At Culture Shock, Giselle issues a playful challenge to West: a popcorn-throwing contest with a lighthearted, cheeky bet. The match goes back and forth, ending in a draw, and the two pivot to a dance-off to crown the real winner. The routine blends rhythm, style, and audience reaction, turning the contest into a crowd-pleasing moment that fans remember long after lights go down.
Back in the rehearsal room, James, Noah, and Amanda are about to start polishing their set when Lucian rings in with a surprising discovery. He has spotted a loophole in the rules: a team can win any regional competition to advance to Nationals. Amanda makes a quiet, strategic move and slips away to join Elite for the upcoming challenge, hoping to influence the outcome from a different angle while the others stay focused on their performance plan.
In the studio, Giselle and West’s tie persists, forcing organizers to declare a final challenge at the fundraiser. Yet the supposed finale also ends in a stalemate, leaving everyone on edge and the audience buzzing with anticipation. The sense of an unresolved battle adds tension, driving the performers to push harder and improvise under the spotlight as the clock ticks down toward the big night.
Elite clinches the Regionals title, earning a coveted spot at Nationals. The win sends ripples through the group, shifting dynamics and elevating the pressure as they head toward the national stage. The victory also raises questions about loyalty, ambition, and what it takes to carry a team’s name with confidence when every move is under a national lens.
Amanda is a no-show at the fundraiser, and James seizes the moment to persuade Noah to perform. Their duet turns into a standout moment, delivering a powerful performance that resonates with the audience and keeps the fundraiser on track. The pair’s chemistry and polished delivery remind everyone of the power of collaboration, especially when plans go off script and the team rises to the occasion.
The next morning, Amanda tells James that her absence was due to a family emergency. Kate storms into the scene, furious after hearing about Elite’s regional victory and demanding answers. Amanda clings to her lie, insisting she has no idea what’s been happening, even as the tension between the teams thickens and sets the stage for forthcoming conflicts. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as everyone wonders what Amanda will do next.
What is Amanda planning next? Find out next week on The Next Step, Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Family Channel!