"Next, please welcome Kelly Clarkson to bring us Moran's new song 'Call Me Maybe!'" Jay Leno raised his hand and the stage suddenly dimmed.
Then, the music video for the song played on the big screen behind the stage, and the music began to play.
"I threw a wish in the well
Don't ask me, I'll never tell
I looked to you as it fell
And now you're in my way..."
Kelly's powerful voice sang the song, bringing a unique flavor to the studio.
What makes a song truly loved? Laila's understanding was that it needed to have a certain sense of rhythm, lyrics should be simple and easy to understand, and it was best if the audience could hum along quickly.
Just like "Baby," when Roy sang the second half, even if the audience at the Super Bowl heard it for the first time, it didn't stop them from swaying and singing along with the lyrics.
And now, the song Kelly was singing was quite similar. You could first feel the vitality in the song, then you would be drawn to the rhythm and could quickly hum along.
But that wasn't the focus. The outstanding part of this song was not only the music but also the music video. The audience couldn't help but shift their attention to the little story in the MV, watching Kelly's character do funny things to attract a man she had fallen for, as well as her bandmates' support to help her get closer to him. When the man finally gave his phone number to one of the guys in the band, everyone was stunned.
Of course, both the live and TV audience were stunned, but after the initial shock, laughter erupted.
This was an unforgettable MV, and Laila knew she had made the right decision to invest time in creating it, judging by the enthusiastic response from the audience.
After the song ended, the audience gave the most enthusiastic applause to Kelly. Her singing and the MV were both outstanding, something that couldn't be ignored.
Jay Leno, after the applause from the audience finally subsided, turned to Laila with an astonished expression and brought Kelly over to sit next to Laila. "I'm really amazed! Laila, where did you find this young girl? Her voice is truly remarkable!"
Laila didn't want to steal the spotlight and smiled, saying, "You should ask her that question. I think she can answer it better than me."
This was Kelly's first time in this kind of setting, so she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous, but with Laila by her side, she quickly regained control of her nerves.
After hearing Jay ask the same question again, she shyly replied, "I first met the BOSS at a bar in New York. I was working there as a cocktail waitress."
"A bar? A cocktail waitress? Wait a minute!" Jay made a comically confused expression. "Are you telling me that you didn't learn to sing professionally?"
"Yes, my family was very poor, and just a week ago, I was making a living by selling cocktails and handing out flyers."
Kelly's words elicited gasps from the audience; they were extremely interested in her story. What had happened to turn a girl who was selling cocktails and handing out flyers, into the singer of Laila's new song, and such a good one at that?
Jay's curiosity matched that of the audience as he asked, "Why did Moran choose you?"
"It's because of Roy, Roy Seasonstar. He heard me sing at the bar and recommended me to the BOSS." Everyone in the company referred to Laila as "BOSS," and Kelly had also adopted this term.
"I need to process this," Jay said, still looking surprised. "You met Roy, and by chance, Moran needed a talented singer, so he recommended you, and Moran chose you, is that right?"
Kelly nodded with a smile, "Yes, that's right."
"God, you're one lucky girl!" Jay voiced the thoughts of many. She truly was fortunate. Just because she had sung and Roy had heard her, she was recommended to Laila, who happened to be looking for a female singer, and she got the opportunity to perform. It was an incredible stroke of luck. After hearing her song and her performance just now, everyone believed that this girl had a bright future. And all of this happened because of Moran's impulsive decision!
What an incredible ability to create stars! Those struggling for years in the music industry should take note. More people also realized that it only took one song for a girl who had been distributing flyers and working as a cocktail waitress to become a rising star. Jay asked Laila, "Why did you decide to use Kelly? She's indeed outstanding, but I'm curious how long it took you to decide on her after hearing her sing?"
"Singing? No, I didn't hear her sing before giving her the song to perform," Laila shrugged.
"What? Are you saying you never heard her sing even once before handing her a precious song?" Jay was truly astonished this time.
Shouldn't there have been some auditions or a selection process to ensure that the valuable song was given to the right person? How could you make such a decision without ever hearing her sing even once?
Laila nodded with a smile, "That's right. Roy said she sang very well, and I trust Roy's judgment, so I chose Kelly."
Jay rubbed his forehead, exclaiming, "My goodness, you must be the luckiest boss I've ever seen. To think that you can discover a talented singer like this without even listening to her sing."
"No, I don't think you understand it correctly," Laila replied seriously, "I've always said that opportunity comes to those who are prepared. If Kelly's singing wasn't good, she wouldn't have caught Roy's attention, and, of course, Roy wouldn't have recommended her to me."
She then turned to the camera and said, "Never give up on your dreams and set a goal for yourself. That way, every step you take forward brings you closer to achieving your dream. Isn't the process beautiful?"
Her words resonated deeply with many, including those watching on TV. They couldn't help but reflect on where their buried dreams had gone and why they had given them up. Some of those who had been tirelessly pursuing their dreams couldn't help but shed tears. Yes, as long as you persist, your dreams might come true. But if you didn't, they definitely wouldn't!
Laila's words shook many hearts, including those of some parents who found her to be an ideal role model to teach their children.
....