CHAPTER 809: SAPPHIRE’S WORLDWIDE REACTION II: HOME COUNTRIES’ CELEBRATIONS

As the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards unfolded on the grand stage of ArtReam Hall, the world outside was buzzing with anticipation, pride, and excitement. This year, as in every year, the Sapphire Melody Awards proved itself to be not just a celebration of music within Sakura Abode Country, but a global phenomenon. Fans, musicians, and media from every corner of Azure Star were tuned in to watch, their eyes glued to their screens as they waited to see which artists would take home the coveted sapphire trophies.

While the ceremony itself took place in Catadrid, the cultural capital of Sakura Abode Country, the impact of the awards could be felt in real time across the globe. Fans from Eagle Country, Nordic Country, K Country, and beyond were all eagerly watching, despite the varying time zones. Some had woken up early or stayed up late into the night just to catch their favorite artists competing for the industry’s highest honors. The ceremony only finished its first hour, but the winners from the other countries had people from their homelands already celebrating their victory.

Eagle Country – A Pop Sensation’s Victory

In the heart of Eagle Country, it was the middle of the night when the announcement was made that Lily Ross had won the Best Pop Song award for her empowering anthem "Breaking Free." Despite the late hour, fans gathered in living rooms, bars, and cafes to witness one of their own take home a Sapphire Award. The news of Lily’s win spread like wildfire, igniting a wave of pride and celebration across the nation.

In Newlyon, one of the largest cities in Eagle Country, fans flooded social media with their reactions. Crowds in downtown areas had gathered in cafes and 24-hour diners, eagerly watching the awards on large screens. Despite the fatigue of staying up until nearly 2 a.m., when Lily’s category was announced, the energy in the air was electric.

[@LiliRocks22]: "YES! Lily did it! Stayed up all night for this and it was so worth it. ’Breaking Free’ is the song of the year. #LilyRoss #SapphireMelody2024"

[@PopFanatic]: "I’ve been following Lily since her first single and now she’s a Sapphire Award winner!!! So proud of her. #BestPopSong #EaglePride"

Inside Lily Ross’s hometown of Haverbrook, a small city in Eagle Country, fans gathered at the town square, where a giant screen had been set up to broadcast the awards. People cheered and clapped as Lily’s name was called, and a few even broke into tears of joy. For many, Lily’s victory felt personal—she had risen from humble beginnings in their community to become an international star.

"She’s one of us," said one fan, tears streaming down her face as she waved a homemade sign that read, "Lily, We Love You!"

The news channels quickly picked up the story, showing images of fans celebrating across Eagle Country. Talk shows and morning news programs dedicated segments to her victory, analyzing what this win meant not only for Lily’s career but for the country’s influence in the global pop music scene.

Nordic Country – The Triumph of Winter’s Bite

Meanwhile, in Nordic Country, where the time was early morning, the mood was equally jubilant. The band Winter’s Bite had just taken home the Best Rock Song award for their chilling anthem "Frozen Throne." Despite the cold, fans gathered in public squares, bundled up in coats and scarves, watching the awards live on outdoor screens set up by local venues. The rugged beauty of Nordic Country’s snow-covered landscape served as the perfect backdrop for the celebration.

In the capital city, Fjallstad, where the band originated, the streets were alive with the sound of fans cheering. Bars that had opened early to show the Sapphire Melody Awards were packed with people, many of them long-time supporters of Winter’s Bite. The band, known for their atmospheric, frostbitten sound, had always carried a deep connection to the cold, mystical lands of their homeland, and their win felt like a victory for the entire nation.

[@FrozenThroneFan]: "Winter’s Bite has done it! The kings of rock are bringing that Sapphire award back to Nordic Country. Couldn’t be prouder. #FrozenThrone #BestRockSong"

[@NordicMusicLover]: "No one does rock like we do! Winter’s Bite has taken over the world and now they have a Sapphire Award to prove it. #NordicPower #WinterIsHere"

In Nordic Country, Winter’s Bite had long been seen as more than just a band—they were icons of a cultural movement that embraced the harsh beauty of the north. Their music, often described as a mix of haunting melodies and heavy rock, resonated deeply with the people of Nordic Country, who saw in them a reflection of their own national identity.

On the morning talk shows, commentators praised Winter’s Bite for their ability to bring a distinctly Nordic sound to the global stage. "This is a band that has stayed true to their roots," one commentator said on the national news. "They’ve taken the soul of Nordic Country and made it resonate across the world."

Back in Fjallstad, the local newspaper ran a headline that read, "Our Own Rock Legends Triumph on the Global Stage." It was a headline that captured the pride of the entire country.

K Country – Celebrating a Global Pop Phenomenon

In K Country, the vibrant and bustling cities were still awake in the late hours as fans tuned in to the Sapphire Melody Awards. The country’s pop group, Viper, had been nominated for Best Pop Song, and although they didn’t win, the fans still cheered for them as the girls were still running in other categories. However, the celebration wasn’t just about winning or losing—K Country had long been a cultural powerhouse in the pop world, and their continued representation at the Sapphire Melody Awards only solidified their global influence.

[@KPop4Life]: "No win this time, but Viper still slayed the red carpet and showed the world why K-pop is unstoppable. Can’t wait for next year! #KPopWorld #SapphireMelody"

[@ViperForever]: "Viper or no Viper, we’re here for it. Our country is always represented at these awards, and it’s amazing. #KCountryPride"

In Seoul Tower, where the awards were broadcast on a massive screen overlooking the city, fans waved light sticks and banners with pop groups who were nominated for the Sapphire Awards as it wasn’t only Viper who was nominated. Though Viper hadn’t won the first award they were nominated for, the energy remained high, and the spirit of celebration persisted. K Country had long been a cultural hub of the global pop scene, and being nominated at the Sapphire Melody Awards was a mark of honor that their artists proudly wore.

National television networks and news stations highlighted the international success of their artists, with commentators discussing the ever-growing influence of K Country’s music industry on a global scale. "Viper may not have won tonight," one commentator said, "but the fact that they’re consistently nominated at events like the Sapphire Melody Awards shows how powerful the K-pop wave continues to be."

Pangu Country – Han’s Triumph in Traditional Music

Though not in the pop or rock categories, Han’s victory in the Best Traditional Vocal Performance category had sparked celebrations in Pangu Country as well. Known for his deep connection to his cultural roots and his dedication to traditional music, Han’s win was a triumph not only for him but for the preservation of Pangu’s ancient musical traditions.

Fans of Han, many of them lovers of traditional music, had gathered in quiet tea houses and cultural centers to watch the awards. When his name was announced as the winner, the room erupted into applause and cheers, a mixture of joy and pride filling the space.

[@PanguCultureFan]: "Han has brought our traditions to the world stage, and he just won a Sapphire Award! Couldn’t be prouder of our heritage. #PanguPride #BestTraditionalVocal"

In Xiyun, one of the oldest cities in Pangu Country, a group of elderly musicians who had taught Han in his youth gathered to celebrate his victory. They raised cups of tea in his honor, tears of pride glistening in their eyes as they watched his acceptance speech. For them, this win wasn’t just about a trophy—it was about seeing their cultural legacy preserved for future generations.

"We knew he would do something special," one of Han’s former teachers said in an interview. "He has always had a deep respect for our music, and now the world knows it too."

The Sapphire Melody Awards had once again proven that music was a global language, one that crossed borders, united people, and celebrated the best of human creativity. From the bustling streets of Eagle Country to the snow-covered hills of Nordic Country, the night was a reminder that, no matter where you were in the world, music had the power to bring people together in celebration.