[Chapter 43: AMA Awards Ceremony]
♫ Like a moth to a fla, burned by the fire ♫
♫ My love is blind, can't you see my desire? ♫
♫ That's the way love goes ♫
...
A long limousine quietly stopped not far from the Los Angeles Music Hall. Inside the car, the stereo was playing That's the Way Love Goes. Linton closed his eyes, concentrating on listening to the song while humming along to get into the mood.
From the direction of the red carpet ca waves of excitent, fans shouting their idols' nas loudly, most of them female fans screaming.
The traffic gradually started moving forward, and they could already see the many fans gathered along the red carpet. dia photographers took pictures of the red carpet while also glancing toward their direction.
Mira began helping with last-minute adjustnts -- the clothes, makeup -- all had to be as perfect as possible.
...
The car stopped in front of the red carpet, the security from Universal was in position, and Danny opened the car door outside. Linton stepped out and waved toward the fans holding signs with his na on them.
The crowd erupted with a thunderous cheer shouting "Linton, Linton!" followed by a synchronized chant, "Linton takes flight, stars follow bright," which caught everyone's attention.
"Linton! Over here!"
Reporters called out Linton's na, urging him to look at their caras. Following the pre-arranged plan, Linton paused where familiar dia gathered, then struck a pose for photos.
"Linton, what do you think about tonight's awards?"
"Linton, tell us about your performance of That's the Way Love Goes."
The dia questions were tactful and safe, which Linton handled casually.
He kept his signature smile, shaking hands and exchanging greetings with familiar reporters, then signing autographs for fans.
...
After the red carpet, Linton went to the host outside for an interview. The discussion focused on his album sales, confidence in winning awards, and tonight's performance.
...
After breezing through the interview, Linton entered the music hall. After embracing Daniel, who was waiting inside, Daniel said, "Let's go in quickly." He led Linton inside.
Along the way, people Linton knew greeted him, and he responded with smiles and handshakes.
The group found their seats in the front row, and Linton's seat was one of the best and most prominent.
His seat was slightly to the left in the front row, while the center was occupied by superstars like Madonna, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, and Paula Abdul.
...
At 7 PM, the awards ceremony started on ti. Soon, the first award related to Linton was announced: Favorite R&B Album. This award was unlikely to be won by them since Linton's debut album was released too late that year; otherwise, their chances would have been high.
When the cara focused on him, he gracefully applauded the winner.
"The nominees for Favorite New Soul/R&B Artist are... Linton Anderson!"
Hearing his na read from the envelope, Linton quickly smiled and waved at the cara. "And DJ Quik, and..."
Daniel smiled and gently rested a hand on his shoulder, whispering, "Whatever happens, keep your composure."
"I know, I know," Linton replied.
When nominated artists don't win, showing disappointnt or frustration on TV damages their popularity. Most viewers consider it bad sportsmanship or petty, unable to handle a loss gracefully.
Usually, only spoiled divas break this rule, or those who feel misled by organizers.
For example, Michael Jackson at the 1988 Grammys was nominated six tis, had been hinted he would win, and prepared a spectacular performance. But he didn't win any awards that night. This disappointnt showed on his face, and he later cut ties with the Grammys, never attending again.
"The winner is: Linton Anderson! Congratulations, Linton!"
Now there was no need to fake it. Linton enthusiastically applauded, stood up with arms wide open. "Congratulations!" Daniel hugged him tightly. "You deserve this."
"Thank you, Daniel," Linton said.
He gave a thumbs-up to the caras, hugged those beside him one by one, and walked to the stage to receive the sharp triangular transparent trophy from the presenter.
"Thank you, thank you to the AMA organizers, Universal, Daniel, Lisa, Jimmy, all my fans, and everyone watching here and on TV. I love you all! Thank you!"
...
After the award, Linton returned backstage to his dressing room. "Hurry, hurry," Mira and assistant Molly swiftly helped him out of his suit and into his performance outfit.
The stylist and makeup artist adjusted his look and stepped back. "Perfect. You're going to conquer the AMA tonight, Linton."
"Hope so," Linton said, pointing at his cup. Mira quickly handed it to him.
He took a small sip to soothe his throat.
Soon staff urged him to move. Linton walked to the edge of the stage as an award winner gave speech.
...
When the stage lights dimd, musicians, backup singers, and dancers took their places.
Linton stepped onto the stage and stood exactly where he had morized during rehearsal.
"That's the Way Love Goes, from Linton Anderson!"
The host finished the announcent, Linton signaled the band, and music started. A spotlight shone on him.
"Hey, friends! How you all doing?"
Linton shouted, receiving energetic cheers from the audience.
♫ Like a moth to a fla, burned by the fire ♫
♫ My love is blind, can't you see my desire? ♫
♫ That's the way love goes ♫
...
Linton gave his all, singing and dancing vigorously. The band, backup vocals, and dancers were perfectly in sync, making the live performance even better than rehearsals.
Especially in his sleek outfit, he exuded explosive energy, passion radiating off him. His pheromone-filled aura was almost tangible, incredibly sexy and infectious.
During the performance, the crowd kept screaming nonstop. At the end, Linton playfully lifted his vest to reveal his well-toned six-pack abs, which pushed the audience's screams through the music hall's roof.
After over three minutes of song, the entire audience stood and applauded thunderously. Daniel whistled loudly, "Linton's performance tonight was amazing, bravo!"
...
After the performance, Linton rested briefly backstage, changed back into his suit, and quietly returned to his seat, receiving praise from Daniel and the others.
...
When the Artist of the Year award was announced, the winner was Madonna. She was the reigning queen of pop at the ti -- bold, scandalous, and surrounded by rumors. In terms of reach, fanbase, public buzz, and comrcial value, she was unmatched among female stars.
Madonna wore a shimring low-cut evening gown with a thigh-high slit, exuding imnse sexiness.
On her way to accept the award, she stopped by Linton, embraced him, and whispered into his ear,
"Linton, you're amazing. I heard you said on TV you liked . I'll be waiting for you tonight," she said, handing him a hotel room key card.
This move sparked teasing from those nearby, who envyingly joked, "Linton, good for you, you are so lucky!"
Linton thought to himself, "Thank goodness they didn't see the card, or it would've been even more embarrassing." He never imagined that one casual comnt on a talk show would get her attention like this.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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