Song: Viva La Vida
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In the bustling Staple Center of Los Angeles in 2011, the who's who of the music industry graced the red carpet, sending their fans into a frenzy.
The air was electric as Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Eminem, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, and other A-listers made their grand entrances. As they posed for the cameras, they were interviewed by TurboTax on the red carpet. For some, it was their first time at the Grammys, while others were seasoned veterans of such extravagant events.
Meanwhile, Lucas's ardent fans were eagerly waiting for their idol to make an appearance on the red carpet.
"I hope Lucas isn't late again," one of them couldn't help but say out loud.
"Don't worry, guys. He's just like me, always fashionably late," another fan joked, trying to ease the tension.
Suddenly, a third fan spotted him, "Here he comes!"
Lucas confidently stepped onto the red carpet, and his fans erupted in cheers, vying for his attention. He smiled, by now accustomed to such adulation, and made his way through the crowd, stopping to sign autographs and pose for selfies as he went along.
"Lucas, when are we going to hear a new song from you?" a fan asked as he signed their album. The question seemed to ignite similar curiosities among the surrounding fans.
Lucas hesitated before responding, "Well, you could watch my upcoming film 'Like Crazy'. I sang a new song for that movie. You might just like it… and who knows, maybe I'll have a surprise in store for you all tonight at the Grammys."
He waved at his fans and continued down the red carpet, picking up the pace a bit.
"I'm gonna wait for that film, man! We'll also wait and see what your surprise is for us tonight, you better not disappoint us!" one fan shouted, causing soft laughter to ripple through the crowd. Lucas was taken aback by the fan's boldness but kept walking.
Finally, he reached the TurboTax interview area, where Selena Gomez was just wrapping up her interview after Justin Bieber.
After a series of interviews with up-and-coming and lesser-known artists, it was finally Lucas's turn in the spotlight. He took a seat next to the female interviewer, who began by asking him how he felt about attending the Grammys for the first time.
The interviewer begun, "Lucas, it's a pleasure to have you here at the Grammys. This is your first time attending, isn't it? How do you feel?"
Lucas smiled, "Thank you, it's great to be here. I must admit, it's a bit overwhelming, but I've been to the Golden Globes before, so I'm not a complete stranger to these events. The energy tonight is just amazing!"
The interviewer nodded and said, "That's great to hear! And congratulations on the success of your latest album! 'Perfect' has been trending everywhere, and your album sales are through the roof. How does it feel?"
Lucas grinned modestly, "It's surreal, honestly. I never thought my music would reach so many people. I'm just grateful for the opportunity and the support of my fans and team. It's all thanks to them."
The interviewer then asked, "Congratulations on that! Now, we know you're both an actor and a musician. If you had to choose one, which career do you love the most, acting or being a music artist?"
Lucas pauses as he said, "That's a tough question, but I'd have to say acting. I've always been drawn to storytelling, and acting allows me to become different characters. Music is also close to my heart, but there's something special about bringing a character to life on screen."
Some of Lucas's fans in the crowd were visibly disappointed to hear that he chose acting over music, but they still cheered for him nonetheless, willing to support him no matter what.
The interview continued with Lucas, who, despite it being his first time at the Grammys, had attended the Golden Globes before and managed to maintain his composure, even cracking a few jokes to lighten the mood.
Finally, he entered the venue and took his seat among other artists. Sitting next to him was Esperanza Spalding, who greeted him enthusiastically, "Lucas! It's great to finally meet you!"
Lucas smiled back, "Hey, the pleasure's mine."
"I'm a fan of your songs, by the way, I think they're great! And your acting is fantastic too!" she gushed, beaming.
Lucas blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed since all he did was bring songs from his previous life that didn't exist in this world.
"Can we take a picture together?" Esperanza asked.
"Of course, of course," Lucas smiled, and they posed for a selfie together.
Lucas engaged in conversation with Esperanza, amused by her enthusiasm. He then noticed Drake and Justin Bieber with his mother, Pattie Mallette, taking their seats nearby. It dawned on him that they were all nominees for "Best New Artist" and were seated together.
The Grammys officially started with a tribute to the "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, and various artists took the stage to pay homage. Artists like Yolanda Adams, Christina Aguilera, and others mesmerized the audience.
Finally, it was time for the "Best Pop Duo or Group" award, which went to "Hey Soul, Sister (Live)". Ricky Martin then introduced Lady Gaga, who captivated the crowd with her performance. Afterward, Ryan Seacrest brought Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Janelle Monàe, and other artists on stage for more electrifying performances.
Eva Longoria later introduced Justin Bieber, Jaden Smith, and Usher, who were up next on the lineup.
After Paramore and Pauly Perrette presented the "Best Rock Album" and Selena Gomez and Donnie Wahlberg presented the "Best Pop Vocal Album", David Letterman stepped up to introduce the next act.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special guest tonight," David began, "He's a talented actor who emerged just two years ago in 'Modern Family'. This multi-talented artist then surprised the music industry with his hit song 'Perfect'. Tonight, we have an actor gracing the Grammys for the first time, please welcome Lucas Knight!"
Lucas stood up as he was guided by the event's staff, "Well, I'll be right back," he said to Esperanza, who nodded, "Good luck."
As Lucas walked onto the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. He could feel the weight of their gazes on him.
"Aside from being an amazing actor, did you know that Lucas is also a talented musician?" David continued, feigning surprise. Of course, it wasn't a surprise for someone in the industry to be talented in both acting and singing, so the crowd laughed softly.
"Tonight, we're in for a treat as he'll be performing a brand new song, exclusively for the Grammys. Give it up for Lucas!"
Lucas walked up to the microphone stand as the pre-recorded track he'd given the Grammys earlier began to play in the background. He strummed his guitar and started to sing,
"I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning, I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own"
The moment the opening lyrics left his lips, the entire Staples Center fell silent. The audience, both those watching live at home and the fellow music artists and industry insiders present, were captivated by the hauntingly unfamiliar yet new melody.
"I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
Now the old king is dead, long live the king
One minute, I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me, and I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand."
Lucas continued, his voice filled with emotion.
The audience, both those watching the Grammys live at home or at the Staples Center, and even those gathered outside, were entranced by the haunting melody, the profound lyrics, and Lucas's soulful delivery. Even his own fans were taken aback, never expecting him to fulfill their wish and perform a new song.
"I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin'
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin'
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I can't explain
Once you'd gone, there was never, never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world" Lucas continued, then followed a captivating instrumental break.
Even the A-list artists in the audience, including those who had performed earlier like Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Jaden Smith, Usher, and others, were entranced by the performance.
The audience at home couldn't help but hum along, as did some of the artists present at the Grammys.
"It was a wicked and wild wind
That blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Aw, who would ever wanna be king?"
Somehow, as the artists listened to the song, they could relate just from the lyrics.
Many found Lucas charming at that moment, but many others felt sour and jealous of him, as he was getting so much attention.
"I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin'
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin'
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world"
After Lucas sang the line, he strummed the guitar with a hint of emotion in his eyes as he stared at the crowd before him, making them feel countless while he remained alone on the stage.
"Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh"
He then ended the song with, "I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin'
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin'
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world"
As Lucas finished strumming the last chord, the track faded away, and the crowd erupted into applause, many of them standing up in ovation.
Clay Matthews and Lea Michele, who took the stage to introduce another artist, applauded, with Clay saying, "That was an incredible performance by Lucas! I've never heard such an amazing song before now."
"Absolutely breathtaking. Listening to that song gave me goosebumps I can't even explain!" Lea nodded and said, "Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and moving performance with us, Lucas Knight."
The crowd continued to applaud as Lucas returned to his seat.
"That was incredible!" Esperanza gushed to Lucas.
Lucas blushed and smiled, "Thanks, I'm glad everyone liked it."
Afterward, the event continued with more performances by other artists, but none could quite capture the freshness and impact of Lucas's captivating performance. The show then proceeded with the presentation of an award in a specific category.
Then John Mayer, Norah Jones, and Keith Urban presented the "Song of the Year" award.
"And the Grammy goes to... 'Perfect' by Lucas Knight!"
As soon as his name was announced, the crowd erupted in applause. A beaming Lucas made his way to the stage to accept the award.
"Thank you so much, Recording Academy, and a big thank you to my agent, Vincent," he began his speech. "I also want to thank my friends back in New York: Leonard, Liza, and Paul. Your support means the world to me. And of course, I can't forget the incredible writers of Modern Family, Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, as well as the amazing cast. This award is as much yours as it is mine."
He continued, "Lastly, I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported 'Perfect' since its air in "Modern Family" episode in 2009. It's surreal to finally receive this recognition at the 2011 Grammys, and I couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
The crowd wasn't really surprised that Lucas won the award, considering how well-deserved it was after the success of his song "Perfect" since its release in 2009. It was about time the Recording Academy recognized his talent and the impact of the song.
Next, Jewel and John Legend presented the "Best New Artist" award. Justin Bieber and Drake were both excited and secretly hoping to win. They both thought that if they didn't win, the other would deserve it, but to their surprise, the winner was announced as "Esperanza Spalding." She stood up in shock and disbelief, and Lucas congratulated her as she made her way to the stage to give her speech.
Meanwhile, Drake and Justin frowned nearby.
"I can't believe this," Drake muttered under his breath.
"She must have deserved it if she won," Lucas overheard and said, trying to console him. "The Recording Academy voters must have seen something special in her."
Drake shot a sideways glance at Lucas, feeling he was being a hypocrite. "Yeah, right. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds this unbelievable. What about you? You lost the award to her, don't you feel anything?"
Lucas shrugged, "I'm an actor first and foremost, so I didn't expect to win. And after talking to her, I think she's deserving of the award."
Drake stared at Lucas with a deadpan expression before scoffing, "Whatever."
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Lucas reworked the song "Perfect" in 2010, which led to it being nominated and winning an award in 2011, even though it was originally composed in 2009.