Rise To Stardom - Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Bachelorette Economy
It, was a rainy day.

And for Kyle and Oliver, both of whom had needed to travel over from Canada to L.A for the Grammies, their four-hour flight, ended up getting delayed earlier in the day due to how heavy said rain was.

Unsurprisingly, the young man wouldn’t be the only celebrity to have his flight delayed as many others, around the world whom had been invited to the prestigious award, faced the same issue.

Still, considering the Grammies typically had two ceremonies –– The Premiere Ceremony and The Award Ceremony –– most celebrities would be fine as long as they got to the Award Ceremony itself.

Still, Kyle had hoped that he’d be able to attend the Premiere Ceremony.

Although, they presented some less important awards (such as Best Score Soundtrack For Videogames, Best Song Written For Visual Media, Best Music Video), one a person could argue, paled in comparison to the more important ones at The Award Ceremony which was mainly broadcasted and televised live (but not livestreamed), it would’ve, undoubtedly, been a worthwhile experience for him.

Also, Kyle liked being punctual, for what it was worth.

But unfortunately, by the time he and Oliver eventually boarded their plane, it was clear to both individuals that their only hope, was to at least, reach The Award Ceremony on time.

* * *

(A few hours later…)

At the Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown L.A, a multitude of high-class vehicles could be seen, either parked before the venue, or coming to a halt.

Multiple artists, well renowned and less renowned, alongside famous celebrities, most escorted by their bodyguards, friends or families, shielded themselves with their umbrellas as they walked into the venue.

Due to the heavy rain, reporters and paparazzi alike were allowed to stay at the reception lobby of the grand hall which had been repurposed to serve as the typical red carpet entrance for the night.

Obviously, the repurposing ensured that the carpeted red walkways and golden ropes lining up the walkways that led into the grand hall, was every bit as flamboyant as it possibly could for an event as prestigious as The Grammies.

The ceremony itself would start in about thirty minutes’ time so a lot of reporters on site were currently interviewing various celebrities whom were willing while the paparazzi, clicked photos of those who posed for the cameras.

In the corner of the room too, was Tony Sprouse and his Glam Bot, celebrities frequently walking over to have their glam shots taken.

It was the very first time the Grammies were having them on ground so the excitement in that corner of the room was palpably radiating.

That said, one of today’s Grammie Awards guest presenter was currently being interviewed by a reporter for a well-renowned Hollywood magazine.

“So, who do you think might win Best New Artist?” the pretty reporter whom was elegantly dressed in her own right, questioned Justin.

“I have no idea really. I was just invited here to present an award so I’ll be finding out soon, same as you.” Justin responded with a polite, well-trained smile, his answer as PR-perfect as possible.

“So you don’t think Kyle Kestis might win?” the reporter ‘innocently’ questioned, her smile as invitingly formal as possible.

A crack.

A noticeable hint of genuine disdain.

It almost slipped into his expression and tone.

But Justin caught himself in time to respond with the same smiling façade he wore, smart enough to not fall into the reporter’s trap.

The entire incident with him causing so much trouble on the set of [Level Up 2] had died down a few weeks ago and he really, wasn’t interested in getting himself into another controversy anytime soon.

Still…

“There’s a lot of promising artists in the bracket so I don’t know why you’d only ask about him but, we shall see.”

“Besides, aren’t there other brackets you should be more curious about.” Justin subtly called out the reporter in a backhanded way, one the lady seemed to grasp as she reluctantly nodded and quickly switched topics.

…

…

…

There was just the right amount of an energetic yet playful mix of chaos and camaraderie in the grand hall of the venue as celebrities, mirthfully chuckled and laughed out loud while others, sipped on signature cocktails.

The hall itself, shaped like a massive amphitheater, had a sophisticated yet modern feel to it as sleek, crystalline chandeliers, hanged overhead and the walls were draped with the finest curtains.

Added to that, was the perfectly situated LED screen above the stage itself, the soft golden lights bolstering the high-class ambiance and the elegantly arranged tables and chairs, draped in the finest of velvets.

“So, the 63rd Grammie Awards! It’s the only Award Show that actually starts on time so welcome everyone. Welcome to you in the room, welcome to those of you at home!”

Noah Wiles, the handsome and charismatic host whom the Grammies, never seemed to have any plans on changing for the foreseeable future, pointed at the live cameras as he opened up The Award Ceremony with his monologue.

Mid-monologue though, he’d playfully and frequently jab jokes if he spotted a celebrity strutting in or walking into the grand hall, most of whom were fashionably and elegantly dressed.

“Whoa! Alison! You go girl! I’d give you the award for ‘Best Entrance’ but that dress is so dazzling, one could mistake you for the Grammie trophy itself!”

A small wave of laughter cascaded over the hall as Alison Reyes herself, a rising musician in recent memory who was also nominated for ‘Best New Artist’ same as Kyle and dressed in a beautiful, metallic-gold, satin mermaid formal dress, similarly joined in with a coquettish giggle of her own.

As Noah similarly chuckled, he briefly yet professionally glanced over to the seat where some celebrities were supposed to be.

Seeing that some were not around just yet, most notably due to the heavy rain, the host decided to make his jokes anyway.

“Word of advice to any of you ladies… and gentlemen out there who might be hoping to take first place in this the Grammie’s very first Glam Shot rankings…”

“It’d be in your best interest to target second place downwards.” Noah stated, earning raised eyebrows from most in the hall as he continued;

“Seriously, that force of nature they call Kyle Kestis, can’t be beaten.” he deadpanned and almost everyone in the room, burst into laughter as he kept speaking;

“He’s gonna fill his seat soon though I’m sure and when he doe–”

No sooner had he almost completed the sentence, the celebrity in question, alongside his agent, suavely and confidently walked into the room with such impeccable timing, Noah pivoted on the fly!

“Speak of the devil and he appears?! What sorcery is this?!” he gestured in the young star’s direction and another wave of laughter mixed with cheers and applauses erupted in the hall, one that had Kyle slightly curious yet evidently intrigued by whatever it was the host had been saying.

But Noah wasn’t done yet as he continued improvising with a snap of his finger while pointing;

“Watch, everyone. Watch, as the local economy of bachelorettes lights up as Kyle walks past those tables.”

“Look at the magic ladies. Not you gents. Just the ladies.” Noah made a gesture with his hands to enforce his point, the cameras following the rows of tables the young man walked past.

This time, Kyle’s previously intrigued smile, turned into one of genuine laughter as he made his way over to his reserved seat, Oliver taking his seat right next to him while similarly smiling in amusement.

The rest of the upper class present in the grand hall were also laughing as of the moment but they all knew that the host hadn’t been exaggerating one bit when he spoke.

Kyle’s entrance alongside his agent’s had been turning heads and still was, some female celebrities and models around his table, subconsciously even fixing themselves up a bit.

Kyle’s dress-code today, was the same as his agent’s; a pristine, three-piece black suit that stuck to his body like second skin alongside sleek, black leather shoes and a platinum, Rolex Day Date 40 wristwatch.

Even his voluminous raven hair was all gelled backwards, subtly mirroring Oliver’s usually suave visage, a choice that further bolstered Kyle’s tasteful features.

“Hello Kyle. Pleasure to meet you. I’m a big fan!” one of the gorgeous ladies, an upcoming indie artist whom was seated across his table alongside other celebrities, excitedly extended a handshake over first, one that the young man received with a charming smile.

“Thank you for saying that. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Miss?” Kyle respectfully questioned in response.

“Jane! Jane Brooks!” she excitedly responded, her excitement palpable.

No sooner had Kyle responded, the other celebrities and models around the table, did the same, all of them briefly exchanging pleasantries with the young man and his agent.

“Evelyn Rose. I absolutely love all of your works! The 10th Curator was a revelation!”

“Clara Redford. Big fan! And please, call me Clara.”

“Dustin North. Pleasure to meet you. Unpopular opinion, but your favorite song of mine’s [Spark].”

As the group of celebrities exchanged their pleasantries, same as many other in the grand hall whom were just arriving, Noah simply continued his opening monologue as the celebrities listened in interest.

And yet, a few minutes later, another celebrity whom was invited to the award show as a guest presenter for one of the awards, was welcomed by Noah, this time with a congratulatory bravado!

“Give it up ladies and gents! It’s, the one… the only… 11th Curator!”

The crowd cheered and applauded as Lily, dressed in an elegant, body hugging, gunmetal, Talisa maxi dress, strolled in with a light smile, her gaze scanning the sea of celebrities discreetly until she spotted whom she was looking for.

Purposefully yet gracefully, she casually walked over and gave her greetings in Hybrid fashion, her cherry red lips pursed into a beautiful smile reminiscent of the first dew of spring, setting in.

“Hello, you clever man~. Fancy meeting you here.”

“Clever? Is that our gimmick now? Or is that a conjecture on my part?” Kyle’s entire mannerisms flipped to the 10th Curator in an instant as he continued;

“Well, regardless, I think Brilliant, is, brilliant.”

“Not as brilliant as Clever.” Lily arched an eyebrow in defense, the celebrities around them finding their interaction unexpected yet amusing to say the least.

One of the cameramen, although had generally being focusing on all the celebrities in the room, did a perfect job on zooming in on both of them as of that exact moment so their entire conversation could be lip-read if viewers at home were willing.

But for the two individuals in question, their interaction soon dissolved into close friends, actually greeting each other in the warmest of tones.

“It’s so nice seeing you again dreamboat. And you can dance too, wow!” the lady widened her eyes in genuine surprise as she gestured for a friendly hug.

“I gave it my all.” Kyle grinned in response after which he then partook in said hug with a smile;

“And it’s so nice seeing you again too, Lily. Your run as the 11th Curator was superb.”

“Thank you!” Lily beamed in response as both disentangled from the hug.

The 11th season of The Curator, which had aired from the first of January to the middle of March, although not as record smashing as Kyle’s 10th season or the 5th season, had been exceptionally well-received by fans and the audience alike, further cementing the show’s glorious revival.

Lily’s portrayal as the 11th Curator, especially, had been an interesting take on an iteration of The Curator whom was more of a pragmatic yet simultaneously resourceful inventress than anything else, ‘clever’ being her favorite word.

Needless to say, a lot of younger fans and even most long-time fans, enjoyed her run.

In any case, as Lily settled into the seat on Kyle’s left, which was also her reserved seat, the rest of the award show proceedings went on and a few other artists soon walked in, Noah pitching harmless little yet still quite funny jokes at them whenever he could.

Ever since The Recording Academy had started realizing that more and more celebrities were finding even the slightest jabs offensive, they had decided to recruit Noah who was a comedian, that had an effortlessly natural talent for making jokes that was entertaining but not too offensive.

And now, at the 63rd Grammies, he was hosting the award ceremony for the 3rd time.

That said, after a few more monologues and jokes, Noah gave it up for ‘Marilyn Aiko’, a very famous musician whom had written a hit pop-ballad called ‘Birds of A Feather’ last year to perform her hit single.

The performance as one would’ve expected from someone invited to take the stage at the Grammies, did not disappoint and it was obvious by the fact that most of the celebrities seated were grooving, some even vibing and dancing as they got off their chairs.

A few minutes later, Marilyn was done with her performance, paving the way for the charismatic host to take the stage again.

“Alright,” Noah whom was currently atop the stage, spoke, a charming smile on his lips, and an envelope, in his hands;

“Here’s the first award of the night.”