CHAPTER 803: SAPPHIRE’S WORLDWIDE REACTION I

As the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards unfolded on the grand stage of ArtReam Hall, the world outside was buzzing with excitement. Millions of viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony live on TV and through various streaming platforms. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, from excited fans to industry insiders sharing their thoughts on the unfolding events. The evening had already delivered moments of magic, and the world was watching intently, eager for more.

The night began with the breathtaking performance by the Oracle and Kodai Orchestras, a collaboration that had left the audience in awe. On the internet, praise for the orchestras poured in from all corners of Azure Star, with users sharing their emotional reactions to the opening act.

[@MelodySeeker22]: "I have never seen anything like that in my life. The blend of modern and traditional instruments was absolutely perfect. I’m still crying! #SapphireMelody2024"

[@ClassicalHeart]: "The Oracle and Kodai orchestras just set the bar for every opening performance. My heart is full. Classical music is alive and thriving! #RespectTradition #SapphireMelody2024"

[@GlobalMusicLover]: "Who else was completely floored by that opening? I didn’t expect to tear up, but WOW. That was an emotional journey. #SapphireMelodyAwards"

Fans of classical music were particularly vocal, sharing their admiration for how the two orchestras, each representing a different facet of Sakura Abode Country’s heritage, managed to seamlessly come together to tell a story through sound. Traditionalists who cherished the ancient sounds of instruments like the koto and kokyū found themselves in awe of how these sounds had been preserved and celebrated on such a grand stage.

[@CherryBlossomFolk]: "The Kodai Orchestra brought me back to my childhood, listening to my grandparents play traditional music. I’m so happy the world gets to see this magic. #SapphireMelody2024"

[@OrchestraNerd]: "The way the Oracle Orchestra captured the spirit of modern classical music was just incredible. They’ve reminded the world why orchestras matter. #SapphireMelody #OrchestraLove"

As the ceremony moved forward, the announcement of Mariko Han’s victory in the Best Traditional Folk Song category sparked another wave of reactions, particularly from her devoted fans. Mariko, already beloved for her ability to weave emotion into her music, had touched many with her song "The Weeping Willow’s Lament."

Her win was celebrated not only in Sakura Abode Country but worldwide, as her emotional acceptance speech struck a chord with viewers.

[@WillowTearsFan]: "MARIKO DID IT! ’The Weeping Willow’s Lament’ deserved that win so much. I’m crying just as much as she is. #SapphireMelody #ProudFan"

[@FolkMusicLover]: "Mariko’s song made me think of my own grandmother. Her speech was so touching. Folk music is more than just songs—it’s history. #SapphireMelodyAwards"

[@Music4Life]: "That performance clip from Mariko Han... those notes gave me chills. A well-deserved win! #SapphireMelody2024"

For Mariko’s fans, her win was a validation of the power of traditional folk music and its ability to resonate in today’s world. They flooded social media with tributes to her performance, many sharing personal stories of how Mariko’s music had touched their lives. The community around folk music felt a shared sense of pride, knowing that their cherished genre had been honored on such a prestigious night.

Meanwhile, in Pangu Country, the atmosphere was electric. Han, who had just claimed the Best Traditional Vocal Performance award for his hauntingly beautiful song "Echoes of the Yellow River," was a rising star, and his win sent waves of celebration across his homeland. His emotional speech, in which he dedicated the award to his grandmother and the traditions she passed down to him, struck a chord with his countrymen.

In cities like Guantang and Xiyun, celebrations erupted as Han’s win was broadcast live on screens in public squares, bars, and homes. For the people of Pangu Country, this victory was not just for Han but for their rich cultural heritage, which he had brought to the global stage. Fans of Han took to social media in droves, their pride evident in every post.

[@YellowRiverEcho]: "HAN WON!! Our boy did it! His voice brought our history to life. I’m so proud of him and what this means for our country. #HanForTheWin #SapphireMelody"

[@PanguHeart]: "Echoes of the Yellow River is more than a song. It’s our story, our ancestors’ voice, and Han made the world hear it. So proud right now. #SapphireMelody #PanguPride"

[@TraditionalistSoul]: "Han’s voice carries the soul of Pangu. His grandmother would be so proud. I can’t stop crying after his speech. #SapphireMelody2024"

Even people who hadn’t been familiar with Han’s work before were now discovering him, moved by his powerful performance and humble acceptance speech. The Pangu diaspora, scattered across different countries, found themselves united in celebration, their pride swelling as one of their own was honored on the world stage.

[@PanguInExile]: "Watching from Eagle Country, but my heart is in Pangu tonight. Han’s win made me feel connected to home in a way I can’t describe. Thank you, Han. #SapphireMelody #HomeIsInTheHeart"

[@GlobalPanguFam]: "As someone living far from Pangu, seeing Han win made me so emotional. It’s amazing how music can bring us all together. #SapphireMelody2024 #PanguFamily"

As the ceremony progressed, viewers remained glued to their screens, eager to see what would happen next. The first two awards had set the tone for a night that celebrated tradition, emotion, and the deep connection between music and heritage. Fans of different genres, from folk music to classical, felt a sense of unity as they experienced the ceremony together, no matter where they were in the world.

And then, the anticipation for the next category, Best Instrumental Performance, began to build. This award celebrated the artistry and technical mastery of musicians who conveyed emotion without words, relying solely on their instruments. For many viewers, this category held a special place in their hearts—instrumental music was often considered the purest form of musical expression.

The nominees for Best Instrumental Performance spanned a wide range of genres and traditions, further showcasing the diversity of music celebrated at the Sapphire Melody Awards. As the nominees were presented, clips of their performances played, each one leaving a lasting impression.

[@InstrumentalFan]: "The Best Instrumental Performance category is STACKED this year. So much talent, it’s going to be tough to choose a winner! #SapphireMelody2024"

[@PianoLover]: "I’m rooting for that piano solo, but honestly, every nominee deserves this. Instrumental music speaks without words, and that’s what makes it special. #SapphireMelody"

As the presenter announced the winner, the camera panned to each nominee, capturing their nervous smiles and the anticipation on their faces. And then, the moment came.

The award for Best Instrumental Performance was given to a virtuoso violinist from K Country, Kim Yujin. Her piece, "Whispers of the Forgotten Stars," had been hailed as a masterpiece of technical skill and emotional depth. The audience erupted in applause, and online, her fans celebrated the recognition of her remarkable talent.

[@ViolinVirtuoso]: "YES! Yujin did it! ’Whispers of the Forgotten Stars’ is a masterpiece, and she absolutely deserves this win. #SapphireMelody2024"

[@InstrumentalSoul]: "That performance was a journey. No words, just pure emotion through sound. I’m so glad she won. #SapphireMelodyAwards"

In K Country, celebrations erupted just as they had in Pangu earlier in the evening. For many, this win was more than just an award—it was a moment of national pride, a recognition of the artistry that their country had produced.

[@KCountryPride]: "Our violinist just won the Sapphire! ’Whispers of the Forgotten Stars’ has taken our music to the world stage. This is HUGE for us. #SapphireMelody2024 #KCountryMusic"

[@KCountryClassical]: "A violin performance that transcended time and space. So proud of our artist for representing us so beautifully. #SapphireMelody #ProudToBeKCountry"

As the night continued, the public’s reactions flowed across the internet, with every award and performance sparking conversation, celebration, and admiration. For fans watching from all corners of the world, the Sapphire Melody Awards were more than just an event—they were a celebration of music’s ability to unite people, to tell stories, and to bridge the gap between generations, cultures, and borders.