Time skip. 2 years.
arc
Grammy 2004.
February 2004.
Billy Carson, 17, is now one of the world's most famous people, with his constant hits and numerous album releases. Since a young age, he's been a success, from his first album Strong, Fallnes, to his latest album, Adventitious, a solitary grace of an album that embodies all the good habits of another big success.
-I'm glad to see that all the fans have liked my latest album, and that's why I can say that many songs I have in mind might be included in my next releases, - Billy commented to the camera.
-It's great having you, the winner of seven Grammys. Do you think you have a chance to take home the trophy in the upcoming rounds? - commented the Grammy gala interviewer.
Billy has won three Grammys for Best Artist of the Year, Best Album, Best Alternative Album, and Best Song. He won two in 2001 and one in 2002, for Best Rock Latin Album and Song with "Malaventurados no Lloran." However, he's had a total of twelve nominations, placing him as one of the best singers of the 21st century.
His new album is expected to be the success he's been waiting for. Winning another four or five Grammys would be the pinnacle of his career as one of Warner's favorites. Billy's music is among the most anticipated of the year.
Billy, now a recognized singer, has formed different relationships with each person...
-Well, nothing beats graduating high school, that's for sure, - Billy commented with a smile. Now with fair skin, blond hair slicked back, shaved on the sides, and several piercings in his ears, cartilage, eyebrow, and nose, his smile melts the hearts of any fan. He usually dresses casually and is often seen doing sports. He regularly practices boxing and some other sports that cause headaches among those around him.
Walking beside him are the band members. Connor, now a skinny boy with brown hair, is covered in tattoos, has a tic, and is always seen drinking Red Bull. Egg of Sugar, who is the second drummer, remains bald but now has a more youthful style despite being almost thirty. Jack Sauce, the band's second pretty boy, is olive-skinned with black hair and a physique similar to Billy's.
-Congratulations on that, -the interviewer commented. Billy just smiled and patted the interviewer's shoulder, leaving the man with more questions. Jack Sauce took care of the rest.
-This year, I'll win in rock, -Avril commented. Besides Billy, her blond hair, wearing a blouse that barely covered her belly button and low-rise jeans, hanging on her hips.
-Sure, how about a bet? - Billy suggested.
-What! Stop being insufferable, - Avril responded.
Billy smiled wickedly.
-Then don't say things you're not willing to follow through on, - Billy replied.
-Tsk, you're as conceited as ever, - the blonde responded, unable to blush despite being teased, even though she was a great singer.
-Fine, let's bet, - Avril commented after thinking it over.
-Great, one for one. Just try not to cry like last time you lost the skate competition; even in that, I'm still better, - Billy said. The cameras snapped photos of their conversation, while in the distance, it could be seen that it was just a normal chat between the two great young rockers of the moment. It's just a gut-churning fantasy to see them in a possible romance, although Avril is in a relationship.
-You're unbearable, - the girl ended up moving to another place in the same way she did before.
The gala continued as all the invited people arrived, in a not-so-romantic way, with shouts and attendees on the side, receiving all sorts of gifts. The tent used for the ceremony was a crowded hallway full of people, with stars on the ground, an annoying inconvenience in a clear way.
-Hey Connor, I think we have a party on our hands, - Billy commented upon hearing the invitation to the after-party at the end of the Grammys. Many people inside and outside the industry were excited to receive news of being part of the Grammys.
-Do what you want; you're not going to listen to me anyway, - Connor commented, seeing Billy so happy, even when they were forbidden to ingest any substance by contract until they were 21. That didn't negate the fact that he caused trouble everywhere, was rude, went against the rules, and got upset about everything; that's Billy.
-Come on, buddy, cheer up. At the Grammys this year, we're also participating as big favorites; we have seven trophies in our hands, and I wouldn't mind reaching ten; it's the lucky number, - Billy said, paying attention to everything happening around him.
The rising group Evanescence, who achieved great success with their new album Fallen, was there, as was Outkast, Black Eyed Peas, and The White Stripes, who continued their line with their latest album. It's an outright standout.
The ceremony was a long platform, the seats in a straight line, and it marked the beginning of a great era, with all the guidelines clear, and how to order.
-Did you bring any food? - Billy asked Spencer, now considered one of the best guitarists, with great skills recognized in the industry. The simple way he played was a plus, from difficult techniques to harmonies, he was a master, purified by sheer devotion to the guitar. He preferred the piano.
-I did, however, food doesn't sit well during performances. Our orchestra depends on you not belching, - Spencer commented, hating the idea of eating before playing. They walked along the narrow path, leaving the photo gala.
-This way, - murmured one of the production team in a low voice, pointing as they would be ready in less than half an hour. They arrived early to manage the entire process.
-Like in London a year ago, you ate so much meat that you felt sick, - Connor said, expressionless, playing along.
-You're not my parents, and I'll eat whatever I want, - Billy commented, furiously, receiving a tap on the back of his head from Spencer, a form of learning; eating before singing is not always good.
-Bahhhh, you guys are always angry, - Billy commented, continuing on his way to take a seat in the sea of people—many people, from businessmen to producers and others; there were at least 200 people all around the place. At the moment the presenter...
-Phew, this is it, a big party, - Billy whispered, tasting a small Burger King burger, as he got ready with the event organizers. The Grammys were held in California. He could see some female stars in the distance; Lindsay Lohan was there, still young and pristine, without years of being involved in bad practices.
In the opening, Beyoncé would perform first, followed by Billy, forming an opening duo. Billy unwrapped a burger while looking backstage, seeing his seats in the second row available, right at the end. They were classified by importance; from there, everything was a brief solution.
-We have the sound prepared for your performance; you'll take place behind the stage, - commented the sound technician, a very beautiful Beyoncé, in a sparkling pink sequin suit, was preparing with Prince on a guitar, while outside the screams could be heard. On the other side, the key was - in ten minutes we start. -
It seemed they would sing "Purple Rain" to energize the stage, followed by two songs chosen by the sponsors. The brilliant night along with Billy's songs was just a celebration threat: "Take Me Out" (Franz Ferdinand) and "No One Knows" (Queens of the Stone Age).
-Stop being rude, -Spencer commented, seeing Billy's fixed gaze on Beyoncé, the scandalous brunette, still single, even without being caught under Jay-Z's claws.
-Sorry, old man, - Billy replied, taking the presentation outfit, a black suit with a white shirt, unbuttoned. He grabbed a hat; they would play a soft, not very rock, more like soft pop-rock, tailored to the needs of the stage due to sound issues. Prince arrived, slender, with black hair styled in a long lock, and a poorly trimmed mustache, wearing a gala suit without shame. Beyoncé's gaze retracted to the well-formed teenager, making him smile.
-I'll start with the guitar, -Prince said softly, as Spencer stood there, mouth agape, seeing such a star, although he knew some of his music heroes.
Prince was a good guitarist, Billy thought, listening to the rhythm of his guitar playing in two fluid rhythms.
-Hi, sweetheart, - Prince said to Beyoncé, more than a flirt, it was a slight smile, a soft greeting from the great artist.
-It's fabulous to be performing with you, - the brunette replied.
Billy just adjusted his suit, tucking in his shirt, taking another bite of his burger.
...