1246-1250

*Chapter 1246: Witnessing Glory*

The air was gradually heating up, and the intertwining emotions of excitement and tension were palpable, spreading through the venue.

The Grammy Awards ceremony had reached its final moment, with only one award left to present. This was the crown jewel of the evening—the most prestigious and highly anticipated award of all.

Although there were only five nominees in this category, every guest in the Staples Center was fully engaged, with anticipation climbing higher and higher.

Amid this, one could almost feel a prickling heat on their skin, an involuntary sensation of being swept into a whirlpool of suspense.

Even for those who tried to stay calm and unaffected, it was impossible to avoid the dry mouth and racing heart. Their boiling blood seemed to burn quietly beneath the surface.

Perhaps, Anson was the only exception.

To be honest, he wasn’t nervous at all. On the contrary, he was thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere.

Regardless of who won the award, he planned to stand up and applaud sincerely. After all, their sole objective of delivering a standout opening performance for the second half of the show had already been accomplished. Moreover, the August 31st Band winning Best New Artist earlier in the evening had exceeded all expectations. Anson felt that tonight’s Grammys were already perfect.

“Did you notice? The Wanderer Choir?”

“Yeah, I did. Dry lips, right? But it’s not surprising. Their double-CD album this year was exceptional. They’ve been overlooked all night. If it were me, I’d probably have dry lips by now, too.”

“Missy Elliott’s smile is practically frozen.”

“Ah, not surprising either. This is definitely her big chance. Who wouldn’t want to win?”

“You.” Miles glanced sideways at Anson. “You seem particularly calm.”

Anson shrugged lightly. “Hey, it’s all about being content. We’ve already hit the jackpot.”

Miles carefully studied Anson but couldn’t detect even the slightest hint of nervousness or unease. Anson’s relaxation and ease were obvious, leaving Miles a bit embarrassed. He sighed softly.

Anson noticed. “What’s the matter? Still nervous?”

Miles shrugged lightly. “A little.”

Though Miles had been trying to remain composed, being at the Staples Center, surrounded by countless eyes and lights, with heat prickling his skin, he couldn’t entirely suppress his nerves.

Lily and Connor felt the same.

They kept telling themselves to relax, that tonight’s achievements had already exceeded expectations and that greed wasn’t necessary. But still, they couldn’t stop themselves from hoping.

Anson wasn’t surprised. “It’s normal.”

“Being nervous means you care and that you’re hopeful. If there ever comes a day when you feel indifferent, thinking all of this is a given, it’ll turn into arrogance and overconfidence. By then, it’ll be too late to recover your original passion. This kind of nervousness is something worth savoring.”

Miles froze for a moment, then laughed lightly. “Alright, I’ll let myself be a bit more nervous.”

Anson patted Miles’s shoulder gently. “You can add a little more.”

A smile crept onto his lips.

Amid this atmosphere, the presenters, under the spotlight, took the stage.

Carlos Santana and Faith Hill, two legends, stepped out together, triggering a thunderous wave of applause and taking the energy in the room to a whole new level.

To generate buzz, tonight’s Grammy presenters had all been pairs of one musician and one actor, adding creativity within the ceremony’s usual framework. However, for the final moment, the formula was broken—

Both presenters were musicians.

Carlos was a Latin music icon whose guitar work had left an indelible mark on music history. Faith was a country music legend and two-time Grammy winner for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

The Grammys’ decision to have these two legends present the Album of the Year award clearly carried significance, hinting at a historic moment.

But… everyone speculated about the reasoning behind this choice, yet no one could be entirely sure if it aligned with their guesses.

A quiet yet surging tension filled the Staples Center.

Though the audience was silent, the undercurrent of restlessness and excitement was unmistakable, pulsating in every vein and refusing to stop.

Even the two presenters weren’t immune to the heat, under the gaze of countless eyes and the blazing spotlight. The intensity seemed to seep through their clothes and into their veins, gradually igniting them.

Carlos, keeping a straight face, cracked a joke.

“Stop staring at me. I don’t know what’s in the envelope either.”

The audience chuckled softly.

Carlos turned to Faith, signaling her to open the envelope and reveal the winner.

But Faith handed the envelope back to him. “Carlos, I think you should do it. I’m afraid this envelope might catch fire in my hands.”

Another round of laughter followed.

Carlos didn’t refuse. He took the envelope, smoothly tore it open, and pulled out the card inside.

The entire sequence was so fluid, without any deliberate suspense, that the Staples Center struggled to keep up with the pace. Before anyone could react, Carlos had already seen the result.

For a split second, every heart in the room tightened. Absolute silence fell over the crowd.

All eyes were fixed on Carlos, searching for any clues in his expression that might confirm their guesses and hopes.

Carlos froze slightly, glancing toward the audience seats.

In that direction was…

The Wanderer Choir?

Could it be that the Wanderer Choir had won?

But then, unexpectedly, Carlos handed the card and envelope back to Faith.

“Ladies first.”

Carlos politely gestured for her to proceed. Faith accepted the card again, looked down at it, and gasped softly.

“Oh.”

The audience collectively held their breath.

What did that gasp mean? Why did she react like that? What did it signify?

Hearts were on the verge of exploding.

Then Faith looked up, smiled at the audience, and spoke into the microphone without further delay.

“‘Midnight Summer,’ by the August 31st Band.”

Wait, who?

Gloria froze, instinctively jumping up but hesitating, worried she might have misheard. She glanced around in confusion.

When she looked back at the screen, the live camera had already zoomed in on Anson.

Ah!

Gloria went wild, trembling from head to toe as if an electric shock had surged through her body.

Ahhh!

She mumbled incoherently, “Midnight Summer! Midnight Summer!”

Finally unable to contain herself, she screamed.

“Ahhh! Midnight Summer!”

She jumped and cheered, her entire being ablaze with joy.

Archie, meanwhile, stood frozen with his mouth agape, staring blankly at the screen. His brain short-circuited, and tears suddenly flowed uncontrollably before switching to uninhibited laughter.

He looked utterly ridiculous but couldn’t care less.

Following Gloria’s lead, he began jumping and shouting in excitement.

In his mind, one thought echoed relentlessly:

Midnight Summer, Midnight Summer—this summer of their youth will never end.  

At that moment, the 46th Grammy Awards reached its highest viewership, surpassing the 33 million peak of 1988 with a staggering 35 million viewers, marking the most-watched moment in 20 years!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1247: A Tribute to Dreams*

"‘Midnight Summer,’ August 31st Band!"

Instinctively, Anson started to stand and applaud, but he froze mid-motion.

Wait, who?

The next second, he saw the camera lens zoomed in close, the red light indicating the live broadcast was still rolling.

Thoughts and reactions surged through him like a tidal wave, and a smile involuntarily spread across his face—

They had won again.

This time, it was for Album of the Year, the most prestigious award of the night.

It all began with a chance encounter on the streets of Manhattan.

Life is full of surprises. It delivers countless lows and setbacks, problems that seem unsolvable and questions that remain unanswered.

But at the same time, life offers adventure, miracles, and dreams. Within the limited span of our existence, we find courage to explore its infinite possibilities.

This—all of this—feels so inexplicable, yet so... indescribably wonderful. With just one courageous attempt, one bold adventure, they opened the door to a new world, unveiling boundless potential.

Joy surged through his chest.

Suddenly, Anson shot to his feet, unabashedly reveling in his excitement.

He glanced around. Connor looked stunned, Lily seemed to be seeking confirmation, and Miles was utterly dumbfounded, his gaze scattered and unfocused.

In a haze of disbelief, none of them could process what had just happened.

"It's us. It's us!"

Anson hugged Miles, then Connor and Lily, one after another, grounding them with the force of his embrace and helping them regain their bearings.

Then, he strode toward the stage—

Clap.

Clap, clap!

Applause began to ripple through the venue, growing louder and more unified.

At the Staples Center, scattered figures began to stand like falling dominoes, faster and faster, until every guest in the audience rose to their feet, clapping with all their might.

An upset?

Yes, undeniably. From a rational perspective, this was an unexpected win.

Yet, after the initial shock, a wave of joy and elation swept through the crowd, too genuine to deny, revealing their true emotions—

After the breathtaking, electrifying opening performance, who could resist the August 31st Band?

Pure and simple. Sincere and passionate. Innovative yet authentic. Boldly breaking boundaries while returning to music’s essence.

Their unfiltered honesty infused music with life.

Even now, long after the performance ended, the echoes of those intertwining notes and drumbeats still resonated effortlessly in the mind.

Thump, thump.  

Thump, thump, thump!  

Hearts pounded against ribcages as indescribable excitement and joy bubbled over, ultimately manifesting as applause—a roaring celebration.

The August 31st Band deserved it.

Miles and the others followed behind Anson, their footsteps light, as though walking on clouds, while a tidal wave of applause cascaded over them with fervent intensity.

Oddly enough, a wave of mixed clarity surged within Miles.

Tears streamed down his face.

He thought he was calm and rational, immune to losing control.

But he was wrong.

Lily noticed and burst out laughing, mercilessly teasing him. But before she knew it, her own tears joined her laughter. Panicking, she wiped her cheeks, laughing uncontrollably despite herself.

Connor watched them with a worried expression: "What’s happening? Are they both losing their minds?"

Ahead, Anson had already climbed the stage amid the thunderous cheers and applause, accepting the fourth gramophone trophy of the night from Carlos.

Anson exhaled softly, looking up at Miles. But he noticed something peculiar—the three of them had instinctively stepped back, making space for him. Each one awkwardly tried to hide their tears, heads bowed, standing side by side like children summoned to the principal’s office.

Seeing this, Anson couldn’t hold back and broke into laughter.

He understood what they meant. They had already had their moments in the spotlight; now, it was his turn to bask in the applause.

They’d all thought winning Best New Artist was the band’s final chance tonight. None of them had expected this twist.

This was his moment.

Anson didn’t refuse it.

Turning, he strode to the microphone, stopping to gaze at the gramophone trophy in his hands.

Even though this was the fourth one tonight, it wasn’t until now that he could calmly take it all in. The trophy still felt strange and unfamiliar.

The golden glow swirled in the horn of the gramophone, its weight grounding him as it pulled on his heart with a gravity that felt almost tangible. He let the feverish excitement of the moment wash over him entirely.

This trophy weighed more than he’d expected.

Looking up, he saw the entire audience still standing. Their eager, exhilarated gazes gleamed under the golden lights, creating the illusion that he was standing at the center of the world.

From the Emmys to the Grammys, Anson never anticipated reaching this day.

One was a cameo; the other, a side project.

Yet, just like life itself, the unexpected had blossomed into something extraordinary. It was the projects approached with a carefree heart, fully enjoying the moment, that first bore fruit.

Happiness. Joy. These were what truly mattered.

But it still didn’t feel real.

“Carlos, Faith, are you sure you didn’t make a mistake with the results?”

His quip drew laughter across the venue.

Someone immediately heckled, “Double-check it!” and “Maybe they read it wrong!”

Anson shrugged lightly. “If it’s a mistake, please confirm it quickly. Otherwise, I refuse to return this trophy—it’s a one-way deal.”

The room erupted with laughter. Whistles, jeers, and cheers rippled through the crowd.

Even Anson’s smile bloomed without reservation.

“It’s hard to believe, but everything started with a chance encounter on the streets of Manhattan. A few young people who loved music and performing met, and we decided to try something new, something challenging.”

“Not because we believed we’d someday stand on the Grammy stage, soaking up envious glares…”

The crowd burst into laughter.

“…but because we believed in music—in its power, its warmth. We believed music is a miracle that brings different souls together, creating sparks and ripples.”

“And then, this happened.”

“I don’t think we’re unique. I believe that right now, viewers watching this broadcast—maybe not live…”

More laughter roared through the crowd.

The applause surged again, sweeping through the venue like a tide.

Anson was probably the only guest tonight bold enough to poke fun at the time delay in a live broadcast.

Backstage, Higgins couldn’t help but facepalm. Anson would always be Anson. Even at the last moment, he was cracking jokes. The director’s furious voice blared through Higgins’s headset, but this time, Higgins took it off.

The ceremony was almost over; there was no need to stay tense until the end.

Why so serious, right?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 1248: A Fresh Perspective

“—Maybe not synchronized, but I believe our hearts are in harmony.”

As Anson spoke, he clutched his chest with a sincere expression, as if to say, I really don’t mean to imply anything about CBS’s delayed broadcast. Honestly, I don’t. Please don’t misunderstand.  

However, the unintended humor made it even funnier.

The audience erupted in laughter, applause, and cheers that seemed endless.

Perhaps the only exception was the man himself.

Anson looked innocent, as though he had no idea what was causing such a commotion at the awards ceremony.

“I have always believed that music has power, just like dreams do,” he continued.

“People instinctively look up to untouchable stars like Carlos Santana or Faith Hill, but trust me, even if you’re just a kid who loves music like I am, your music holds power too.”

The laughter rolled on, wave after wave.

This time, even Carlos and Faith, the presenters, were laughing so hard they could barely stay upright.

Yet, Anson didn’t pause. Shifting gears, he continued.

“The magic of music doesn’t lie in a flawless performance—hitting every high note, nailing every rhythm, or perfecting every pitch. Its magic lies in its ability to awaken emotions buried deep in our souls and memories, allowing us to rediscover the vibrant colors of life.”

“So.”

“Every single person matters. Without listeners, a melody is just an arrangement of notes. Music’s power comes from the performer’s genuine emotion and the listener’s resonating response.”

“Never doubt yourself. Even the faintest glimmer of light is illuminating the night sky in its own way. Keep believing in music, keep believing in dreams, and keep embracing all of life’s surprises with passion.”

“And then, let’s look forward to rounding a corner on the street and finding our own summer twilight. Before the season ends, let’s revel in the midnight glow and let ourselves shine.”

“Thank you.”

Higgins couldn’t help himself. His heart raced, and his blood surged with excitement.

He instinctively clapped his hands with all his might, his vision blurring again.

This was the true essence of tonight’s August 31st Band performance: returning to the roots of music, believing in it, igniting dreams, and chasing them.

When the band received their nomination and learned they would perform at the Grammy Awards, they had begun preparing for this moment.

Awards? Yes, they’re important, very important. But not so important, because winning involves luck, and the decision isn’t in your hands.

The performance, however, is what truly matters.

The August 31st Band poured their heart and soul into their performance, using every ounce of their energy to bring the music to life.

Words were inadequate to describe Higgins’s emotions at that moment.

He simply gazed at the stage and clapped enthusiastically with all his strength.

A beat later, Higgins realized he wasn’t alone.

The entire audience was on their feet, applause thundering through the Staples Center.

Looking around, a sea of people stood united, clapping with fervor. Some even raised their hands high above their heads, cheering with every ounce of their energy.

From the music to the performance to the speech, the August 31st Band had infused their thoughts and energy into every note, culminating in their album Midnight of Summer. At last, with Anson’s acceptance speech, their surprise win for Album of the Year was justified, affirming the Grammy’s wisdom in making this choice.

Standing under the spotlight, Anson was just as everyone remembered him—

Charming, elegant, and exuding a charisma that made it impossible to look away.

A “pretty face,” indeed. This man’s appearance seemed tailor-made for the limelight.

But now, looking at this “pretty face,” people saw more than just his outward appearance.

His intellect, his insight, his talent, and his determination.

Stripping away the glamour of his exterior, his true self was revealed layer by layer, radiating a depth and brilliance that outshone his surface beauty. He captivated the audience, taking them on a kaleidoscopic journey, spinning and soaring until they finally descended into a dreamlike state.

It seemed unbelievable to think, “Anson is the lead singer of the August 31st Band” and “The August 31st Band’s immense talent has received widespread recognition” were no longer news. Yet stubborn biases and arrogance had kept people looking down on them, refusing to open their hearts or acknowledge the truth hidden in their music.

Until tonight.

To witness it firsthand, to be struck by its impact, to see it with their own eyes and feel it with their own ears—the year-long journey of passion and artistry finally erupted tonight.

Applause. Cheers. Acclaim.

Growing louder and stronger, the waves of sound surged like a tidal wave, shaking the Staples Center to its core.

From the inside out, the entire venue was roaring.

After some hesitation, the live broadcast director decided not to cut any part of Anson’s speech, airing his playful jab at the delayed broadcast in its entirety—

After all, it wasn’t exactly a secret; the media had already covered it extensively.

And besides, Anson’s remark was merely lighthearted banter, entirely harmless.

With the delayed live broadcast aired as-is, the second half of the awards ceremony unfolded with yet another layer of reaction rippling outward. From all directions, waves of energy surrounded the Staples Center, one after another, continuing unabated.

Tonight, no one would sleep.

With the revelation of the Album of the Year award, the 46th Grammy Awards came to a close, bringing this star-studded evening to its conclusion.

But the aftermath had only just begun.

The explosion in viewership alone was a clear sign—this was undoubtedly the most successful and sensational Grammy ceremony in twenty years. The ever-climbing ratings left everyone astonished.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. The impact of the awards ceremony on the music industry—and even Hollywood—was only beginning to unfold.

When the dust settled, the Grammy landscape became clear—

R&B reigned supreme, solidifying itself as the dominant genre of the new millennium. Yet the Grammy’s approach of using popularity and sales as benchmarks drew criticism for lacking professionalism and depth.

Catering to the market is necessary; groveling before it, however, strips away dignity and integrity.

It seemed the Recording Academy had become aware of this. Even at the nomination stage, they exercised restraint—Beyoncé and Luther Vandross did not dominate the four major general categories. And during the ceremony, they went a step further, holding their ground amidst the wave of pop trends.

Three of the four major awards went to rock music—

A genre that had faced decline and near extinction, only to rise again and make its voice heard amidst fierce competition.

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 1249: The Ultimate Winner*

The Grammy Awards, the highest honor in North America's music industry, hold a responsibility akin to Spider-Man’s famous mantra:

*"With great power comes great responsibility."*

The awards ceremony is far more than a simple celebration or festive gathering.

Consider the contrast: The Golden Globes, often touted as the only event capable of rivaling the Oscars in viewership, still falls short in industry prestige. Why?

In North America, the four major entertainment awards are collectively known as EGOT:

- The Emmy Awards (television)

- The Grammy Awards (music)

- The Academy Awards (Oscars, film)

- The Tony Awards (theater)

Noticeably absent from this list is the Golden Globes.

The primary reason lies in the Globes’ focus on "predicting the Oscars." Rather than awarding based on the intrinsic quality of the works or performances, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association often prioritizes a project's momentum and prospects during awards season, thus solidifying its reputation as an "Oscar barometer."

As a result, the Golden Globes are often relegated to being an appendix of the Oscars.

EGOT, however, is different.

These four awards carry the weight of their industries, and each decision can have a ripple effect throughout its respective field.

Take the Grammys as an example:

Last year, all four major categories were awarded to Norah Jones' Come Away With Me.

This once-overlooked album skyrocketed to the top five in annual sales and achieved over 10 million global sales. Moreover, it revived public interest in jazz—a genre once shining brightly but now often overlooked.

A single trophy can indeed influence an entire industry.

The same principle explains Hollywood’s enduring love for biographical films: the Oscars consistently favor them for Best Actor and Actress awards.

This year was no exception.

The Grammys not only embraced R&B and hip-hop to align with market trends but also turned a spotlight back onto rock music.

Rock has always been a genre characterized by its adaptability and inclusivity. Originating from folk, it later gave birth to new styles like punk and incorporated a variety of cultural influences over time:

- Glam. Hardcore. Metal. Gothic. Britpop.

Not to mention the revolutionary innovation of bands like Queen, who infused opera into rock.

In the new century, bands like Linkin Park have blended rap with rock, Coldplay has introduced electronic elements, and the August 31st Band has incorporated classical music, breathing new life into the genre.

Two years ago, Linkin Park burst onto the scene, earning three Grammy nominations but walking away with only one win—a lukewarm reception that disappointed fans.

Now, two years later, Coldplay and the August 31st Band have emerged victorious, defying the odds to claim major wins. While their individual awards might not seem shocking, their collective impact tells a different story.

The Grammys have taken a bold and meaningful step forward.

The aftershocks of the ceremony have only just begun.

For independent bands, record labels, and the general public, the full impact of this year’s Grammy decisions will unfold over the next year, much like what Anson said in his acceptance speech:

*"For those who are still chasing their dreams, hold onto hope—your moment might be waiting just around the corner."*

Everything is just beginning.

And that’s just one side of the story. The 46th Annual Grammy Awards left a far-reaching impact in other areas as well.

As the ceremony concluded, the overwhelming acclaim was directed toward Beyoncé, who emerged as the evening’s biggest winner:

*Five Grammy trophies!*

For many artists, a single Grammy is a monumental achievement. Yet Beyoncé, making her debut as a solo artist after leaving Destiny's Child, soared to new heights with five awards in one night.

It’s worth noting that in nearly half a century of Grammy history, the record for the most awards won by a male artist in a single night stands at eight—held jointly by Michael Jackson and Santana.

(Santana, the band led by Carlos Santana, who presented the Album of the Year award tonight, achieved this feat four years ago, tying Jackson’s 1984 record.)

For female artists, the single-night record is five awards.

Lauryn Hill (1999), Alicia Keys (2002), and Norah Jones (2003) each made history. This year, it was Beyoncé’s turn.

For three consecutive years, female artists have rewritten Grammy history, showcasing unparalleled talent and signaling the golden age of women in the music industry:

- Alicia Keys, R&B.

- Norah Jones, jazz.

- Beyoncé, R&B.

Notably, all three achieved this feat with their debut solo albums. Both Alicia and Norah also won Best New Artist in their respective years.

Beyoncé, however, missed out—not even earning a nomination.

This has led some to wonder: if Beyoncé had won Best New Artist, she would have taken home six Grammys, setting a new record. So, what happened?

The answer: the August 31st Band.

While Beyoncé's five Grammy wins are undeniably remarkable, there's a lingering sense of “what if?”

Was Beyoncé truly the biggest winner of the 46th Grammy Awards?

Let’s not forget: the August 31st Band won four Grammys, including two of the most prestigious awards—Best New Artist and Album of the Year.

In terms of both quantity and quality, the August 31st Band emerges as the true hidden champion.

And it’s not just about the trophies; it’s about influence.

While Beyoncé’s opening performance sparked discussions, the buzz quickly faded. By the end of the ceremony, all anyone could talk about was the August 31st Band’s performances.

They also closed the night as the final award recipients, cementing their presence.

Ratings data show that the band’s influence exceeded expectations. The buzz surrounding them was so pervasive that even Hollywood couldn’t ignore it.

In every sense of the word, the August 31st Band left an indelible mark.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 1250: An Absolute Sensation

"August 31st Band's stunningly talented and extraordinary performance dazzles at the Grammys!"

"Making their professional debut, the August 31st Band proves with substance why they’ve swept across Europe."

"Beyoncé’s mesmerizing opening act, but the August 31st Band steals the Grammy spotlight."

"Best New Artist. Album of the Year. The August 31st Band emerges as the biggest winner at the Grammys."

"Anson Wood: Is he really just a pretty face?"

Stunning. Awe-inspiring. Applause—

The entire North American media erupted in a wave of heat, with headlines centering on the August 31st Band.

Not only in North America, but media outlets worldwide also turned their focus on them.

"The August 31st Band spearheads a rock revival."

"The 46th Grammy Awards conclude, bringing rock back into mainstream consciousness."

"Grammy ratings hit a 20-year high—Anson Wood deserves much of the credit."

In 1984, the Grammy Awards wrote a monumental chapter in history when Michael Jackson swept eight awards and made his album Thriller legendary. The ceremony drew an unprecedented 57 million viewers, setting a record that remains unmatched and nearly untouchable.

Since then, not only has no ceremony reached 50 million viewers, but none have even surpassed 40 million. That night’s glory is still spoken of today.

This year, 20 years later, the Grammy Awards experienced a resurgence, drawing 37 million viewers and marking a remarkable comeback. This number even surpassed last month's Golden Globes—

The August 31st Band played a pivotal role.

From the numbers, results, and accolades, the Grammys emerged victorious.

Of course, alongside the praise, the ceremony also faced criticism.

Whether it was the August 31st Band or Beyoncé, neither represented the pinnacle of artistic creativity this year. The Grammys’ decision to honor them seemed less about professional merit and more about chasing popular trends. This contrasts sharply with the bold and innovative choices made in last year’s awards, leaving many disappointed. The Grammys should have seized the opportunity to innovate and push forward instead of riding the wave of mainstream popularity.

Nonetheless, this critique hardly dampened the widespread Grammy fervor.

Inside and out, top to bottom, everyone was buzzing about this year’s Grammys—

The Recording Academy was the ultimate winner.

Meanwhile, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences found itself in an awkward position.

As the Grammy Awards concluded, setting aside ratings, red carpet hype, and award outcomes, one standout aspect emerged:

Anson Wood.

During the opening act of the second half, Anson's talent stunned audiences. His emotional depth, musical performance, stage presence, and songwriting abilities left a lasting impression. This young man delivered a performance that could only be described as breathtaking.

Previously, he was merely a name whispered in passing.

In 2003 and 2004, the internet's reach was still limited. The hype surrounding the August 31st Band’s European tour might not have reached everyone. Even though their name appeared frequently on the Billboard charts, they lacked the impact of direct exposure.

Moreover, apart from a brief appearance on The Tonight Show before the band’s formation, Anson and the August 31st Band had never performed publicly at a formal event.

Street performances?

Amateurish.

Anyone can perform on the streets, and the public might cheer for such casual acts because they don’t recognize what constitutes true professionalism. It’s akin to those who think they’re musical geniuses, only to realize their tone-deafness during American Idol auditions.

Unsurprisingly, few took the praise surrounding Anson and the August 31st Band seriously.

That is, until Grammy night.

Impact. Shock. Amazement.

Praise came pouring in, wave after wave, unstoppable.

In Hollywood, Anson had long been dismissed as just a “pretty face”—

Either seen as another Johnny Depp, dabbling in rock bands for fun while primarily being an actor, or a Will Smith type, packaged as an idol to fill a demographic void.

That was the extent of public perception.

But now, the Grammys stage shattered these assumptions, creating a ripple effect that refused to fade.

It was undeniable: Anson was far more than just a pretty face.

Some skeptics had previously speculated maliciously that Anson’s songwriting credits were ghostwritten, perhaps entirely by Miles, while Anson merely took the credit.

However, the live performance at the Grammys dispelled any doubt. With no lip-syncing or ghost performers, the talent was on full display, silencing critics.

The impact exceeded all expectations.

From every angle, Anson emerged as the biggest winner of the Grammy Awards, forever altering his “pretty face” image.

Just weeks earlier, the Golden Globes had sparked controversy—

Should Butterfly Effect or Elephant have won? Did they even deserve nominations?

Back then, the Academy stubbornly dismissed Anson as a “pretty face” and refused to grant him special recognition, sparking debates over attendance.

And now?

All eyes in Hollywood turned to the Academy.

Are they regretting their decision? Are they scrambling to invite Anson to the Oscars to save face?

The Grammys’ success inadvertently taunted the Oscars, and in the end, it was the Grammys that had the last laugh—

What a spectacle.

Watching the usually untouchable Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences falter was nothing short of satisfying. Even within Hollywood, agents, actors, and producers were quietly pleased to see the outdated, rigid Academy leadership finally eat humble pie.

Although many of them were Academy members themselves, the stagnant, conservative management had left them frustrated for years.

This was a rare spectacle, one not easily replicated.

The Academy leadership, of course, refused to acknowledge defeat. Pretending nothing had happened, they carried on as if oblivious to the uproar.

But this time, the Grammy aftermath spread far and wide, leaving no room for denial.

Anson. Anson. And more Anson.

Anson Wood’s rise was unstoppable.

In the week following the ceremony, the “Midnight in Summer” album returned to the top of the Billboard album chart, selling an astonishing 370,000 copies—a 300% increase from the previous week. Despite already selling five million copies over the past year, it still found untapped momentum.

A phenomenon, to say the least.

It was unimaginable that the market still had this potential. “Midnight in Summer” was riding a new wave of popularity.

The Academy: frustrated.

Simultaneously, “Long Live Life” and “Wake Me Up” surged back into the Billboard singles chart, both climbing into the top 10.

The Academy: vulnerable. Helpless. Defeated.

---

(Chapter ends)