The Road to Superstardom: Starting as a Singer

"Welcome to KIIS-FM's morning rush hour live broadcast! I'm Ryan! Today we have a special guest—Jace, who just released his debut album 'Jace Huang' and achieved amazing sales in the first hour!"

Sitting opposite Ryan, wearing headphones, Huang Weijie greeted the microphone in front of him: "Hello everyone, I'm Jace. Thank you for the invitation, Ryan. I'm also very happy to share my self-titled album 'Jace Huang' with our listeners."

In the production room outside the live broadcast studio, Madeline and other team members observed through the glass.

The screen displays real-time listening data: within three minutes of the broadcast starting, the number of listeners had exceeded 180 million.

Ryan started by asking a few standard questions: the album's creation process, interesting stories about working with Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, and the inspiration for the music videos.

Huang Weijie's answers were fluent and natural, with occasional touches of humor, and the Twitter hashtag #JaceOnKIIS quickly gained traction.

"From what you've said about these collaborations, it seems you place a lot of importance on mentoring newcomers." Ryan flipped through his cue cards. "Many listeners haven't heard of names like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran before. Aren't you worried that using your album's resources to promote new artists will divert attention from your own career?"

Huang Weijie adjusted his headphones: "Music is never a zero-sum game. When I hear the voices of Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran, I know they need to be heard by more people."

I believe that even without me, they will still become very famous and successful in the future! This collaboration is simply to let the audience get to know them in advance.

As for attention... true success is when my album is remembered for good music. Solo performances are great, but duets can enrich the music even more.

"But there's a problem, Jace."

Ryan looked at Huang Weijie, "Your album 'Jace Huang' has only eight songs, which is already the fewest tracks on a typical pop album. Seven of them are collaborations, and only 'One Time' is a solo track, which is also an old song from three years ago. Don't you think this will raise questions about whether you actually have the ability to stand on your own? Otherwise, why would you pull out an old song to fill the gap and rely on collaborators to support the album?"

Huang Weijie raised an eyebrow slightly. "I'm not capable of handling things on my own?"

What a brilliant question...

Please, before they worked with me, did the audience even know who they were?

My fame here far exceeds the combined fame of all of them, yet they say "I rely on my collaborators..."

It's like a dung beetle wearing a mask—shameless!

"Ryan, first I need to correct a factual error." Huang Weijie smiled. "One Time is indeed an older song, but I rearranged it and re-recorded the vocals for this album, so it's now a completely new piece. As for the collaboration—"

He adjusted the microphone and chuckled softly.

"I chose to collaborate not because I 'need to rely on' anyone, but because I 'want to create something new'! Taylor's voice infuses 'What Makes You Beautiful' with a youthful vibrancy; Kristen Stewart's performance in the 'Just the Way You Are' music video gives the song a visual narrative; Ariana, Sia, Ed, Kendrick... each collaborator brings a unique touch."

"If I had to use a metaphor," Huang Weijie smiled, "this album is like a meticulously planned banquet, and I'm the chef. Although I'm capable of preparing a whole table of dishes, to show my respect, I invited the best pastry chefs, sommeliers, and plating artists. The final feast is richer and more complete than anything I could have made by myself. Is there a problem with that?"

Ryan tried to interrupt, but Huang Weijie continued:

"As for my solo singing ability... Ryan, I only debuted this year, and my career has only been going on for four months. What I want to show with this album is potential!"

What can I do? Who can I collaborate with? But if someone doubts my ability to create independently because of this…”

He paused for a second, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes:

"Then please remember what I said today. I promise that one day in the future, I will make a completely solo album, entirely solo, entirely composed and produced by myself! At that time, everyone is welcome to scrutinize it with a magnifying glass. For now, instead of worrying about solo or collaboration, let's listen to the music on this album itself. I believe that good works will speak for themselves!"

After this answer was transmitted via radio waves, the online reaction exploded:

"The 'feast metaphor' is brilliant! That's a truly insightful answer!"

"I've noted down what Jace said today! I'm waiting for his solo album to prove me wrong!"

"Actually, those who question it didn't understand this album at all. The fact that they collaborated a lot just proves Jace's inclusiveness and musical breadth."

"He speaks so steadily, he doesn't sound like a 16-year-old at all, but then he showed his sharpness at the end... This contrast really touched me!"

"Good works speak for themselves"—this phrase could be used as a slogan.

"Haters will never understand that the strong are not afraid of cooperation, while the weak cling to their 'solo performance' as a fig leaf."

"What am I going to do, I'm already looking forward to that future album...?"

"This confidence is not arrogance, but a solid foundation built on strength."

"I admire this confident yet humble attitude. That's how talented people should be!"

Ryan watched the listenership data surge in real time.

It has already surpassed 240 million!

He smiled with satisfaction; the topic had worked well.

He then flipped to the next card in his hand.

"Jace, this next question might be a bit direct, but many listeners are curious: you've only been in the industry for four months, yet you have two number-one singles and your album broke sales records in its first hour… It all happened so fast! Some music critics say you're a 'carefully packaged product,' and that your actual creative output might not be as much as advertised. How do you respond to this criticism?"

Huang Weijie did not answer immediately this time.

He was silent for two seconds, then suddenly laughed.

"Ryan, may I ask you a question first?"

"certainly."

"Those achievements you just mentioned: two number-one singles, album sales in the first hour... are those figures accurate, right?"

"Of course, the data from Billboard and iTunes is publicly available."

"That's good." Huang Weijie tilted his head. "To be honest, I don't deny that I have an excellent team, but creative work can't be packaged. If I really have to answer this question, can I have a guitar now?"

The staff quickly handed over the acoustic guitar.

Huang Weijie tested his voice, and when he looked up, his eyes were clear: "Since we're talking about 'real creation,' let's verify it right here. You give me any theme, and I'll write it now and sing it now."

Ryan paused, then asked, "The topic? Now?"

"Yes, anything you want to hear, I can improvise a piece."

This idea suddenly came to Huang Weijie.

Even if Ryan didn't mention this, he himself plans to release a solo album later.

Let's consider this a warm-up.

This is also a good opportunity to respond to these criticisms and, incidentally, show off a little.

Ryan glanced at the producer and saw the producer quickly scribbling a few words on the whiteboard:

"How do I get over a breakup?" Ryan read aloud. "Would this help?"

"Of course, please wait a moment." Huang Weijie closed his eyes and began copying... his creation.

This topic isn't too difficult for Huang Weijie, because all of his songs so far are related to relationships, so "how to get back on your feet after a breakup" isn't exactly outside his comfort zone.

Those present and viewers in the live stream were all eagerly anticipating Huang Weijie's "new work".

When he opened his eyes again, Huang Weijie's expression became focused and absorbed.

The left hand presses out the first chord, while the right hand plucks the strings with a steady and powerful rhythm, a rock-and-roll 4/4 time signature.

The intro was only eight seconds long, simple yet full of tension. Then he spoke, his voice lower than usual:

"You know the bed feels warmer, sleeping here alone

You know I dream in color, and do the things I want

You think you got the best of me, think you had the last laugh

Bet you think that everything good is gone…”

(You know it feels warmer curled up in bed when I sleep here alone / You know I start having colorful dreams, doing the things I want to do / You thought you had completely defeated me, thought you had the last laugh / You must have thought my wonderful life was over...)

wow~

Ryan raised an eyebrow in surprise. How dynamic.

Unfortunately, he didn't look at the staff outside the live stream room. At this moment, the staff outside had more expressive facial expressions. Since they weren't in the live stream room, they weren't afraid of their voices being recorded, so they started shouting "Oh my god!" without restraint!

Huang Weijie's eyes were lowered, and the force of his fingers as he played the guitar gradually increased. As the chord shifted from C to G, the melody began to rise.

"Think you left me broken down, think that I'd come running back

Baby you don't know me," cause you're dead wrong..."

(I thought you had utterly defeated me, that I would cry and want to come back / Baby, you don't understand me at all, because you are so wrong...)

By this point, Ryan had sat up straight. As a radio host, he still possessed basic musical literacy.

At that moment, he could already sense that the climax of the song was about to arrive.

Ryan looked at Huang Weijie expectantly, waiting for his outburst...

Huang Weijie's fingers were already preparing to switch to the chord progression of the chorus; his breathing adjusted slightly, his chest rose slightly, and his lips parted slightly—

Then, he suddenly stopped.

The guitar music stopped abruptly.

Huang Weijie put his hand down, still holding the guitar in his left hand, but no longer playing it.

He looked at Ryan and gave him a slightly apologetic smile.

"Feel sorry."

There was a two-second silence in the live stream.

Ryan was stunned: "What's wrong?"

"That's how improvisation works. Sometimes inspiration comes all at once, but to truly present it in its entirety, it requires more meticulous polishing." Huang Weijie shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Ryan opened his mouth, almost spitting out a "Fuck you!"

Outside the live stream, several staff members simultaneously wailed, then clutched their heads, crying, "Come on! This can't be happening!"

"Yes, the emotional buildup was already quite good..."

"Wow! Did he do this on purpose?!"

Madeline smiled, regardless of whether Huang Weijie did it on purpose or not, the result was good!

She didn't need to read the online comments; just by observing the people around her, she knew that everyone had been successfully piqued by Huang Weijie!

Inside the live stream, Ryan looked at Huang Weijie with a distressed expression: "Wait, you mean that's it? You're not going to sing anymore?!"

"Yes." Huang Weijie nodded seriously. "Improvisation can show a skeleton, but the flesh and blood need to be filled in slowly. If I had forced myself to continue singing just now, it might have ruined the final form of this song."

"Oh no!" Ryan let out an exaggerated scream.

Huang Weijie smiled and said, "Don't worry, everyone. I will definitely improve this song when I get back! If you like this clip, I will release it as soon as the official recording is completed."

The internet exploded:

"No way!!! I already took my pants off, and this is what you show me?!"

"Huang Weijie, are you a devil? You're keeping us in suspense like this!"

"I recorded it! I've listened to those four lines over and over again, and the melody is now playing on repeat in my head..."

"This is a marketing strategy, right? It definitely is! But why am I falling for it so easily?!"

"To stop improvising right before the climax... Is that something a human would do?"

"He's a formidable figure. I admit, if it were me, I definitely wouldn't be able to control myself before reaching climax!"

"I command you to finish writing this song immediately! Now! Right now!"

Ryan's expression was hilarious, like he was saying, "Do you want to hear what you're saying?"

"Jace is right, good work needs polishing. It's just... so frustrating!"

Ryan looked at the real-time data: the number of listeners not only did not decrease, but instead soared to 380 million because of this "abrupt ending"!

The discomfort he felt suddenly disappeared. If this discomfort could bring him such a high number of listeners, he would be willing to feel this discomfort every day!

"So," Ryan said, his professional smile returning, "does this song have a name?"

"Hmm, let's call it 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)'."

(What doesn't kill you makes you stronger)

"Wow, Jace, I have to say... your performance was stunning. If this was improvised, then you've redefined my understanding of 'creative talent'!"

Faced with Ryan's praise, Huang Weijie smiled, but his calm smile concealed an arrogant statement: "Thank you, music is like breathing to me. When I have something to say, the melody will come naturally."

Outside the live broadcast room, Madeline watched Huang Weijie chatting and laughing with the host, and whispered to Jesse next to her, "Make a note of this, prepare for the copyright registration of 'Stronger'."

I had just finished explaining when I discovered that the host inside had asked another inappropriate question.

"Jace, one last question, this is a question we collected from our online audience."

Ryan looked at the screen. "This listener said: 'In just a few months since your debut, you've worked closely with two young actresses, Taylor Swift and Kristen Stewart, and have been photographed with them privately, especially Kristen, on multiple occasions. Some people think you're using these personal relationships to create buzz, and even implying that your private life is chaotic. What's your response to this?'"

"Oh?"

When Huang Weijie heard this question, he first raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing a slightly surprised expression.

It's as if they're saying, "I never expected to hear this kind of question in a music interview."

Faced with Huang Weijie's surprised (and smug) expression, Ryan maintained his smile and quietly watched him.

"First of all," Huang Weijie shrugged, "I am very grateful to this listener for their concern about my private life. But I want to clarify one fact: Taylor is a partner I greatly respect in music. We met through music, and all our interactions are based on professional collaboration."

Kristen is a very talented actress, and of course, she and I are good friends in real life. We had a very pleasant collaboration, both in "Baby" and in the "Just the Way You Are" music video.

So, my relationship with Taylor and Christine is very simple: we are mutually respectful partners and colleagues who appreciate each other's talents. That's all!

At this point, he sighed softly again:

"It's been four months since my debut. During this time, I've basically had no rest time in order to release this album. If I have the energy to manage what is called a 'chaotic private life,' then I really admire my time management skills."

"But the reality is that all my energy is focused on music! I'm sitting here today for my album 'Jace Huang,' which has eight songs, and I've poured my heart and soul into each one. If you really care about me, I hope you focus on these works, not some unfounded speculations."

"Finally, if anyone thinks they can attack me with such low-level speculation just because I'm a newcomer, then I can only say... you've misjudged me. My music will speak for itself, my achievements will speak for themselves! As for everything else, time will prove everything!"

This response was not at all inappropriate, but it was subtle yet firm, maintaining composure while clearly defining the boundaries.

Fans watching the live stream online were also deeply distressed by the situation.

"He was clearly angry, but he maintained a smile and politeness the whole time. Damn those rumor-mongers! Even his mother doesn't want him anymore! He won't have a place in heaven either!"

"Those who fabricate this kind of fake news are disgusting. They want to make good music but they get smeared with dirty water."

"Jace is still too gentle. You shouldn't respond to this kind of boring idiot. Just focus on your own path. Always support you!"

"Actually, every sentence he said was saying, 'You are not qualified to discuss my private life,' but he said it in a very elegant way."

"Protect our Jace! Reject malicious speculation!"

The live stream ended at 9:00 PM.

As Huang Weijie took off his headphones, Ryan came over and shook hands again: "I must say, you handled it very well. I will apply to have that impromptu performance featured on the official website homepage."

"Thank you." Huang Weijie shook hands with him.

The two exchanged awkward pleasantries before exchanging contact information and then parting ways.

"That improvisation was amazing!" Madeline said as soon as she got in the car. "You should record 'Stronger' properly."

"We'll talk about it later." Huang Weijie leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and asked, "What are the plans for this afternoon?"

"Entertainment Weekly cover interview, starting at 2 PM at their Los Angeles headquarters. The shoot and interview are expected to last four hours."

Madeline flipped through her tablet. "You'll have plenty of time to rest tomorrow morning, then an interview with MTV News at noon, followed by a roundtable discussion with the Los Angeles Times at 3 pm—all for album promotion. Your flight to Milan is at 7 pm, so time is tight."

"Oh, by the way, you have a live stream on MySpace tonight."

"Live broadcast?" Huang Weijie opened his eyes and looked at Madeline.

"Right, you forgot. I told you before that you need to complete three radio live interviews, two online live broadcasts, and one Entertainment Weekly cover interview during the week of the album's release."

"Well..."

"I know what you're worried about. We're flying to Milan in a couple of days, and it'll be too late to participate in all of these. I've pushed back as many as I can for you, but we can't just skip everything on MySpace..."

"OK, OK!" Huang Weijie rubbed his temples.

Damn it, I promised to play something different with Christine tonight and clear my QQ cache, but now it seems...