There were several significant occurrences in January. Firstly, Billy was nominated for two awards: the Brit Awards and the Billboard Awards, both internationally renowned in the music industry. However, in the year 2000, there was a major upheaval among many musicians, causing significant disruptions in the music scene. Nevertheless, Billy's album continues to achieve major milestones in music. Selling 5 million copies as a debut album is no small feat, earning numerous gold, platinum, and diamond records in various countries.
Music magazines only lavish praise on Billy's songs, considering them as some of the greatest. Billy lives in a bubble, protected on three fronts. Firstly, his age - it's not good to hassle minors, as for paparazzi, messing with minors is like a losing battle. Secondly, Billy's well-being - although there are some photos, they cannot be published without proper consent. The third aspect is Jerry's care, who has blocked interviews, meetings, sponsorships, and events until he deems it appropriate.
However, the nominations for the awards have been significant, and once again, popularity begins to soar, even to the lofty heights of money. Surprisingly, Atlantic Records is now part of the major label Warner Records.
-You've been nominated for the Billboard Awards. If you win a nomination, your position on the Billboard is a well-deserved showcase of your success, and how that victory can help us in other nominations. You'll probably be nominated for the Grammys in November, which is all we desire now, - said Jerry Wexler.
-I don't think we'll win anything. Shaggy's album has been amazing, and I've heard it. I can see why people say they're great, and besides, my ranking never surpassed the top 10. I've been in various positions for a long time, but never in the top spots. It seems like the rappers are the ones who win that favor, - commented Billy.
-Surely, it's the fault of the lack of marketing. We spent the minimum because you were a complete novice, and the contract only favored one person, expecting your downfall, as they collected little money. I asked for many favors that I might have to pay back on other days, just like you have to pay if I'm no longer around, - Jerry responded, somewhat regretfully, at how everything unfolded.
-Damn merchants, I'm full of doubts. We'd be rolling in it if they had bet. Did they think the songs were great? - Billy remarked.
-They are, they're very good, but I understand the fear. Sometimes you can say the song is as great as me. It's a fear that becomes exhausting because of the risks of losing, layoffs, and reputation. If you bet and lose, there won't be anyone extending a hand if you can. The fact is... no one will fully trust you without having tested the outcome. You'll have more success for the next album, with your recent popularity, it's not far-fetched to win something, as long as you're careful, - Jerry replied.
-They're fools, - said Billy.
-You have a small gig nearby, we'll do some advertising, and there, we'll face everything head-on in the months leading up to the awards. The nomination is enough, - Jerry responded.
The Billboard Awards didn't have that preference for a ceremony, but the Brit Awards did. With Billy's album receiving such a warm reception, they might face off at the next awards.
***
In the following days, everything repeated itself, even with a flurry of nominations, life couldn't be seen in any other way. They needed to focus; the main goal was to become a star.
-You're one of the best singers, kid, surprisingly good, - Jad commented as he trained Billy, throwing punches rapidly.
-It's not that big a deal, old man, - Billy replied.
-Haha, old man. 1, 2, keep dodging, kid. You need to change directions frequently. I'll throw numerous punches to teach you the real deal. Hope you can keep up, - said Jad, throwing punches in rapid succession while Billy narrowly dodged each one.
Matt had gone for auditions for some movies; apparently, his physique was one of the conditions that gave him good opportunities as an actor with minimal acting skills and enough strength to perform certain stunt actions.
-You're doing a great job, - Jad remarked.
-Thanks, Jad. I always try to create the best scenarios when complementing my acting. On stage, I'm the king, - Billy commented.
-I like that, kid. When you box, fight, or combat someone, you have to feel like the king. And only by doing that can you succeed in such powerful professions, - replied Jad.
-That's awesome. When you were a fighter, was the fear of fighting part of every battle... I mean, you guys go out and beat each other up. Must be different from a regular job, - Billy asked.
-More than fear, it was the adrenaline of fighting at every opportunity. Many times, I wanted to fight someone again because I didn't perform well. It's different, kid... What matters now are those things, those little models who can't stop giving you deep looks, - Jad commented, smiling, pointing to a blonde with deep blue eyes, Gemma Jard, a 14-year-old Australian introduced by Jad, whose gaze had been fixed on Billy like a flame, attentive.
-And you're a kid, - Jad retorted.
-It's not that, - Billy replied.
-Look, the girl is your age, you're you, and she's her. Invite her for ice cream, a movie, whatever kids do these days, - Jad suggested, doubling Billy's punch repetitions.
-Same thing, it's just that I have so much on my mind, having a girlfriend sounds silly, - Billy commented.
-Girlfriend? You're not taking it too seriously. Just have fun, buddy. You're in the industry; just play along, and when the time comes, bow out, - Jad commented.
-If you put it that way, you make me sound like an idiot, - Billy commented, reconsidering his options. - But I need to check with my agent; I'm not sure if it would be well-received. I have many rules to follow. -
Jad grimaced; for someone so young, being restricted was a problem. In his youth, it was one of the downsides that led to total rebellion on his part. Counterproductive.
-Don't be too risky, just keep it simple... She's a girl like you, go to the beach in summer. Friend, you're impossible, - Jad commented, finishing the exercise routine with Billy. Now it was time for the jump rope; the morning was present in the gym, and some participants were doing their morning routines.
-Hahaha, sorry, Jad. But Jerry is like a grandfather to me; he's always looked out for me and my mother. He's right; I should consult with the elders, - Billy commented.
-Do the jumps; you need to do about 1200 in 15 minutes if we're lucky, - Jad instructed.
...