209 Chapter 209: VMA (2)
[Edward POV]
As the chorus of "Believer" filled the air, I was escorted towards the stage, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As I stood up from my seat, I leaned over and planted a gentle peck on Taylor's cheek, followed by Selena, both of whom cheered for me wholeheartedly and stood up to celebrate my winning before making my way to the stage.
Eminem who was nominated was nodding in acknowledgement, while K looked a bit dissatisfied when the camera panned out to show his face.
Upon reaching the stage, the energy in the room was palpable. Megan Fox handed me the trophy with a light hug, and I reciprocated with a grateful smile. I then extended my hand to Jack Black, who warmly shook it.
"Congrats Ed." Megan Fox said.
"Congrats Kid." Jack Black said.
"Thank you both." I said to them. "Also, I really loved Kung Fu Panda and the School of Rock." I said to Jack Black, making him laugh.
As Megan and Jack took a step back, the spotlight centered solely on me, standing alone in the center of the stage. The crowd's anticipation filled the air, and I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before I began my speech.
"Hello everyone. I'm Edward Newgate," I began, my voice projecting confidently as the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, showing their support and enthusiasm. A smile of disbelief crossed my face as I soaked in the overwhelming response who didn't stop for almost 15 seconds.
As the atmosphere quieted down a bit, "First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to MTV for bestowing this incredible award upon me. Music has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember, and receiving this recognition today holds immense significance to me."
I took a moment to compose myself, gathering my thoughts before continuing. "I want to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to my dads. To Ted Newgate, who raised me with love and support, and to my new dad whom I recently met a few months ago. I stand here today because of him; Pepper Saltzman, the CEO of Entertain, who believed in me before anyone else would, and for that, I am eternally grateful. "
As I spoke, I noticed Pepper who was sitting at the CEO's seat, visibly moved by my words and tearing up. His support had been instrumental in my journey, and I was proud to acknowledge his impact on my success. All of my sentences were met with incredible cheer from the fans, and some artists there.
"I also wanted to give a special mention to the family I'm close with, and my aunt Camila. Additionally, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to one of my dearest friends and most important people in the world, Taylor." The crowd erupted once again as I mentioned her. I directed my gaze towards her, witnessing her wiping tears of joy, which only fueled my own happiness.
"I can vividly recall our first meeting and the tremendous support she's provided throughout my career. I'm forever grateful for your company and guidance."
"I'd also like to give a special shoutout to Phil, Claire and their children… Selena… my band members, Eminem who has my back, Coldplay who I'm really sure you will be seeing up here soon enough , my dear friends from school, and everyone at Entertain agency who has shown… unwavering belief in me. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Lastly, and I didn't forget you guys!! …To all of my fans, I love you guys so much! Thank you!" I waved my trophy to the crowd.
The crowd cheered as I made my leave with Jack Black and Megan Fox backstage. The big screen showed my journey as an artist as I went away as they changed the presenter.
This showed my journey from the start of my career– my first ever video of me singing in a cafe, and getting to where I was today. I left my award with my staff member before rejoining the audience. There, Taylor hugged me excitedly as I came back and said, "Damn it, you ruined my mascara."
Eminem walked towards me and congratulated me too. "Since you already said that I got your back, that means you're part of my squad. So don't worry about nothin'. I will make sure none can mess with you." Eminem said.
"That great and all, but have you talked to Rihanna yet?" I said jokingly.
"Soon!" Eminem answered curtly before he left.
Next up was for the Best Pop Video Category, presented by Nelly Furtado and Kristin Cavallari. The nominees were : Britney Spears – "Womanizer", Beyoncé – "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", Cobra Starship (featuring Leighton Meester) – "Good Girls Go Bad", Lady Gaga – "Poker Face".
"And the winner is, 'Britney Spears– Womanizer!'" The announcer said.
I enjoyed watching the show and cheering for the other winner when I was called backstage to get ready for my performance.
"And now, presenting the award for Best Female Video, Taylor Lautner and Shakira!! –"
I smiled as I heard the announcement. "I wonder if she'll be happy with my surprise." I mumbled as I looked into Taylor's direction– the girl, not the boy.
…
[General POV]
Back to 20 minutes before, in LA, Jay's house, there was a viewing party to watch the VMAs together.
Edward's friends group, the extended family, Ted, Frankie, Sage (Anna) and Camila were all inside Jay's living room.
As they saw Edward win the award, they burst into cheer, and were especially excited and focused when he was saying his speech.
Phil cried immediately, "He mentioned my name. I'm special to him. I'm like the dad he never had."
Ted heard Phil's mumbling and shrug in confusion and disbelief. The only reason he didn't go there today was because he had a major check up for his liver problem, and Edward told him to stay behind.
Claire cried too and said while hugging Phil, "I'm so proud of him."
Cam was offended, "Why does Phil get special mention when all of us fall under 'the family he's close to'... in the general term?!"
Mitchell was holding Lily and he said casually, "Cam this is his time to shine, not yours. He doesn't owe you anything."
"But–"
"No buts." Mitchell stopped Cam's unreasonableness immediately.
Jay was slouching on the couch, drinking whiskey as he watched the show. "When will this be interesting?" He asked Alex who was sitting nearby with her friends.
"I don't know.." Alex replied honestly. Jacob was looking extremely depressed, and when Elsa asked him why, he replied, "He didn't mention me as his best friend."
"Ugh!" Elsa groaned in disgust after hearing Jacob's answer.
"Wait. Britney won? Pepper owes me 50 dollars." Mitchell said as the award show continued.
Gloria brought some empanadas to the living room to give to her son, "Here. I made your favorite food!"
"Mom, you're smothering me again." Manny said, hiding his annoyance.He had been acting distant towards Gloria for the past week, and it was starting to take an emotional toll on her.
Suddenly, all of them gasped as they were watching the TV.
In another house, Mrs Henderson was watching the awards show alone, and she showed a rare affectionate smile as she watched Edward receive the award.
In Cuba, the MTV awards show was played inside a huge old mansion. Miranda, Edward's mother, watched the award show with a complicated expression. "He didn't even mention me…" She mumbled to herself.
Back to MTV, as the nominees for the Best Female Video was announced, K, the african american hip hop celebrity was looking down on his empty liquor bottle.
The nominees for the Best Female Video were played on the screen.
Taylor S. – "You Belong with Me"
Beyoncé – "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Kelly Clarkson – "My Life Would Suck Without You"
Lady Gaga – "Poker Face"
Katy Perry – "Hot n Cold"
Pink – "So What"
It was the first time Taylor got nominated, and she couldn't help but cover her mouth with excitement.
"And the winner is…" Shakira opened the envelope with anticipation and she smiled before reading it. Both of them announced together, "Taylor S. You Belong With Me!"
Edward clapped for Taylor while he was at the performance stage which was located to the left side of the hall. She was confused and baffled when she won. She hugged Selena before walking to the stage.
Senior stars like Pink were especially excited for Taylor. Pink was glad to see another girl made it to the industry, and she was giving Taylor a standing ovation.
Taylor hugged Shakira and shook hands with Taylor Lautner – a guy who tried to hit on her before, but she didn't reciprocate his feelings. Lautner and Shakira took a few steps back as they gave Taylor the award.
The crowd cheered thunderously as Taylor grabbed the microphone and said, "Thank you so much!!" As the crowd calmed down a bit, Taylor continued, "I would always dream what it would be like to maybe…win one of these, someday…But I would never actually felt that it would've happened."
She was extremely grateful to win the award, and continued, "I sing country music, so thank you so much for giving me the –"
Suddenly, the camera stopped screening her speech as one member of the audience had stormed the stage. K, obviously intoxicated, grabbed the microphone from Taylor and interrupted her speech.
"Taylor. I-I'm really happy for you, and I'mma let you finish," He said while Taylor was feeling uncomfortable by his action. He turned to point at another member of the audience and said, "But Beyonce has the best video of all time!" He then gave the microphone back to Taylor and jumped down from the stage.
The crowd was flabbergasted by K's action, and they started booing him. However, the young girl standing on the stage thought that the jeer was for her. The female artist stood up and shouted Taylor's name to support her, but she couldn't hear any of that.
Taylor's body became tense, and she froze while standing in front of the crowd. Her breathing becomes erratic, and her eyes become teary. Edward rushed to the stage when he saw K climbing it, but he was too late.
Pink, the punk rock artist, went directly to K's seat and shouted to his face, "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU! YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!!"
The screaming and accusation to K was so bad that he had to be escorted out of the venue.
Beyonce covered her mouth as she didn't expect it to happen either. Feeling grateful for K's action never even surfaced inside her mind. She was disgusted by his actions instead.
As Taylor was frozen, the MTV live broadcast was changed into a short comedy clip of Eminem and Tracy Morgan, an SNL like clip where Tracy had to train to get the best artist award under Eminem's direction.
The audience could only see a short scene where Edward ran to Taylor before the clip was cut to the comedy scene. People all across the world were curious as to what was happening to the MTV award, and the editor of the show saw it as a perfect opportunity to get more ratings for the program.
…
[Edward POV]
As I witnessed that despicable person climbing onto the stage, my body reacted instinctively, propelling me in their direction.
"Shit. It happened here too?" I muttered, overcome with disbelief. How foolish was K to still attempt to storm the stage when it was clear that the music video was a success? I had been so certain that this wouldn't happen that I had become complacent in my planning. I blamed myself for this turn of events.
Rushing towards Taylor, who stood there pale and shaken, I called out to her softly, "Hey, listen carefully. They're not booing you."
Taylor's eyes finally refocused, and she saw me. "Ed," she spoke with a shaky voice.
"Listen," I said, pointing to my ear. She looked confused for a moment, but then she could finally hear what the people were saying.
"TAYLOR, YOU'RE AWESOME!"
"IGNORE HIM!"
"TAYLOR, DON'T DOUBT YOUR SUCCESS!"
Her tears finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She cried as she embraced me in front of the thousands of people, and I held her tenderly, offering comfort. Some were surprised by the brazenness, but no one thought it was excessive given what had just happened to her.
Once she had calmed down a bit, I suggested, "Let's go backstage. We can leave the show if you want." Taylor had yet to make a decision, so we decided to leave the stage first.
Before we departed, I took the microphone from Taylor's hand and addressed the entire crowd, though my words were directed at the organizers. "You guys surely know how to manipulate ratings," I spoke venomously.
"Dozens of security guards, yet you couldn't stop one person. We'll leave the award here. When you decide to present it to her properly, only then will she accept it."
Leaving the tainted award in the center of the stage, I walked away with Taylor. I wanted to go after K, maybe hit him once or twice, but he was already kicked out from the venue.
My words left the organizers speechless and panicked, while many other celebrities followed suit, choosing to leave the venue. Pink, in particular, was disgusted by MTV upon hearing my statement, and she left the hall directly, without anyone being able to stop her.
Carl Matthew, one of the show's producers, immediately asked the staff member to stop the guests. He was one of the few who wanted to stop the live stream the moment Kanye walked up the stage, but was objected to by the other directors. Now, the show had to cut to a commercial break, which was a huge incident during a live show.
Beyonce went backstage with her mother, and she also wanted to leave the venue when Carl stopped us by standing in front of our passage.
"Wait. WAIT!" He shouted while breathing heavily. "Don't leave yet." He said, trying to convince us. "I shouldn't tell you about this, but there's a way we can fix the whole thing, but it needs to happen right here! At the show!"
I looked at Taylor to see if she wanted to solve this and got the answer. "We're listening." I replied while holding Taylor's hand.
…
After a few minutes, Taylor and I found ourselves in the waiting room, waiting for her to calm down after the emotional incident on stage.
"Hey, Ed..." Taylor called out to me.
"What is it?" I responded, looking at her with concern.
"I'm okay now," she said, her face now devoid of tears. "You should go. It's time for your performance."
I paused for a moment, considering her words. "Well, I actually made the performance especially for you, after your win today. If you weren't there to see it, it would feel meaningless for me to perform."
Taylor was stunned for a while. "What?" Taylor exclaimed, a mix of confusion and excitement in her voice.
I nodded, a smile forming on my lips. "Yeah. Why else do you think my performance is scheduled right after you won the award?"
"You're kidding," she said, disbelief evident in her tone. "Wait—does that mean you already knew all the winners here today? I told you not to do that!" Even though she pretended to be angry, her curving lips exposed her true feelings.
I chuckled and asked, "Even if… I was to tell you now…that Best Female Video wouldn't be the last award you'll be receiving tonight?"
Taylor's eyes widened in surprise, and she suddenly stood up, grabbing my arm. "Wait. Really?"
"I don't want to spoil the surprise, but yes," I said, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "So make sure to watch my next performance, okay?"
She nodded, a mix of obedience and curiosity in her expression. Then, she answered coyly, "I guess I should. I wouldn't want you to put all that effort into it for nothing."
I scoffed at her who smiled mischievously while looking at me. She grabbed my chin to tease me as if I was a cat.
"You really don't want me to do anything to him? I could snipe him with a poison needle, HIV needle, take his car brake out, even hire some guy to jump him?"
Taylor laughed at my offer before she said, "No- There's no need. If we retaliate, then we will be the ones under fire."
"Yeah. The country is pretty shitty that way. They always come after the victim, and not the bully." I replied before shrugging nonchalantly, "Still. I could still do it."
Taylor smirked and gave me a kiss suddenly. As we slowly separated, she said hesitantly, "There's no need. Ed…there's no easy way for me to say this…"
I held her hand and locked into her eyes, "Then, let me. Yes, we should try anal–"
She pinched both of my cheeks and pulled it hard in anger! "That's not what I was going to say!"
"Oww-Oww, then, Threesomes?"
"NO!!"
I pretended to be shocked, "FOURSOMES!!"
"AHHHHH!" She pulled my cheek harder, making it become red.
At this moment, Selena came and gave Taylor a huge hug to comfort her together with Taylor's mom.
After getting her to her support group, then I returned backstage to get ready. It was already 5 minutes past the time I was supposed to perform, but I no longer care about MTV. The producers noticed that but they couldn't say anything because they were the ones at fault here.
…
[General POV]
Miranda Cosgrove– The main character from ICarly, and Adam Brody, another actor, walked to the stage to present the next performance.
Adam Brody, dressed in his elegant black suit turned to the teenage Miranda Cosgrove who was wearing a low cut dress, and said, "I believe the next performer is the one in your tweet which you said you have a crush on?"
Miranda was flabbergasted and said, "No. I mean, who wouldn't? Without further ado, presenting, the prodigal pop star, the handsome prince, Edward Newgate!"
Adam Brody was shocked to hear Miranda's description as they were supposed to only say his name. He laughed at the teen girl's antics and clapped his hands together as the curtain was drawn, revealing the lone figure of a charming boy sitting on the piano chair underneath the spotlight.
Edward took the stage in a striking ensemble that exuded both elegance and a hint of intimidation. He donned a pristine white tuxedo suit, pairing it with a partially unbuttoned white undershirt that revealed a glimpse of his chest. Around his neck hung a chain necklace, adding a touch of edginess to his attire.
His black trousers, expertly tailored, featured a delicate golden lining running along the sides, accentuating his sleek silhouette. However, it was the unexpected accessory that caught everyone's attention—a vibrant green and red scarf cleverly cinched around his waist, serving as a unique and eye-catching belt. It was Haley's idea to add the scarf, and it immediately turned his outfit into an iconic essamble.
As Edward began his performance, his hair was immaculately slicked back, exuding a sense of refinement. Yet, a few artfully tousled strands escaped, framing his face and lending a touch of effortless charm. The combination of his polished appearance and the subtle disarray of his hair created a captivating contrast, drawing the audience's gaze.
The presentation was a stark contrast from all of the other performances tonight, which focused mostly on pop music. It made the audience hold their breath as Edward pressed the piano keys gently.
[♫♪JVKE - Golden hour♫♪]
The refreshing melody stunned a few people. At this moment, Robin released the drones to support Edward in the performance. An illusionary, faceless figure of a long blonde haired woman dressed in a beautiful golden dress appeared on top of the piano, startling everyone.
Edward's melodious voice reverberated all across the hall, "♫♪It was just two lovers…Sittin' in the car, listenin' to John (elton)...Fallin' for each other ♫♪
Pink and orange skies, feelin' super childish,No one to bother.♫♪"
"♫♪Missed call from my father
Like, "Where you at tonight?"
Got no alibi♫♪"
Some of the artists there scoffed, "Basic shit."
"♫♪I was all alone ♫♪" Edward continued while looking at the illusionary and fairy tale-like woman. Countless light shows flying animals flew all over the venue, making the performance a spectacle."
Suddenly, the light on the back turned on, revealing the figure of the entire LA Philharmonic orchestra!
Edward crooned with a goosebump inducing voice."♫♪With the love of my life!! She's got glitter for skin. My radiant beam in the night~! I don't need no light to see you–♫♪"
"Shine~~~~!!!!!
It's your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)♫♪"
The entire world becomes mesmerized by the show. The Orchestral combination and Edward's singing turned the ordinary show into an extravagant spectacle.
"You slow down time~~!!!!!
In your golden hour~~!! (Oh-oh-oh)"
Lady Gaga exclaimed, "HOLY SHIT!!!" She rubbed her arms from the chills she got. Then, she become extremely furious, "If K didn't act out– FUCK! He almost RUINED AN AWESOME SHOW!"
A lot of people shared the same sentiment. TaylorXEdward shippers were especially mad at K for the bitter taste they were feeling, and attacked him on social media.
The performance continued with the accompaniment of the violin, "♫♪We were just two lovers, Feet up on the dash, drivin' nowhere fast, Burnin' through the summer, Radio on blast, make the moment last, she got solar power, Minutes feel like hours,She knew she was the baddest, Can you even imagine fallin' like I did?♫♪"
The illusionary figure hopped down to the floor and started dancing all around Edward.
"♫♪For the love of my life…She's got glow on her face…A glorious look in her eyes…My angel of light…♫♪" Edward's affectionate voice turned Miranda Cosgrove into an almost puddle of water.
"♫♪I was all alone with the love of my life
She's got glitter for skin
My radiant beam in the night
I don't need no light to see you~♫♪"
The light turned off for a moment before a golden light filled the entire stage.
"♫♪♫♪Shine~~~~!!!!!!♫♪♫♪"
"♫♪♫♪It's your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)♫♪♫♪"
Taylor was mesmerized when she watched the whole show, and the bitter feeling from having her moment taken away, disappeared. Her short moment that was taken from her, turned into a legendary moment that would be talked about in decades after this performance.
"♫♪♫♪You slow down time~~
In your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)~~♫♪♫♪"
As the orchestra played the instrumental outro, the crowd stood up to give Edward a standing ovation.
However, the orchestra music slowly turned sinister, making people stunned. The soft golden light turned into dark red ominous light, and the logo of Iron Man helmet was shown on the screen.
Coldplay appeared on the stage, and the drummer hit his drum, playing a discordant ominous music. Edward took the second when the light was off to change his jacket into a black Tommy's jacket.
The melody fits perfectly with the orchestral music, and Edward grabbed a golden microphone as he stood in the middle of the stage.
[Imagine Dragons - Enemy || Arcane - Orchestral Version (Extended). The beginning part before the vocal.– On Youtube]
"(Look out for YOURSELF!)" Chris Martin sang in the background while Edward stood up from the piano and gave a middle finger to the direction that Kanye left.
(Some of you might hate me for letting it happen again, but the impact of the incident was actually HUGE! Even the president was involved in it. It restructured the whole 'rude to everyone' hip hop culture, and even changed the way the industry works after that.
I don't remember the producer's name, but he actually exists, and played a crucial role in fixing the incident. Pink's reaction, Beyonce's reaction, and even Taylor's reaction for wanting to leave the show was taken from the incident itself. It only because of him that Beyonce stayed and Taylor continued performing next. )
