Dean kissed his temple as they passed through the theater doors. “Nope. The classic southern diss. But forget about her, let’s enjoy our evening.”
Dean and Colton were shown to their seats, near the front of the auditorium and very close to the stage. Heavy hitters of the music industry were seated all around them…Beyoncé, Madonna, Taylor, Billie, Ariana, Chappel Roan, and all the biggest producers from every genre.
Taylor, seated just one row over, rushed over and hugged them both. “Oh my God! I’m so glad you’re both here!”
Dean hugged her back. “Thank you!” He looked around at all the biggest stars in the industry around him. “And now I’m starting to get really nervous!”
Taylor swatted his arm. “Bitch, please! You have nothing to be worried about.” She kissed both their cheeks and sashayed back to her seat.
Dean’s performance was scheduled for the second half of the show. Because they had close to ninety minutes before their performance, the dancers could watch the first half of the show from the balcony. He rushed up to the balcony to check on his crew. They all brimmed with excitement and were thrilled that Dean came to check on them. Satisfied that his team was properly cared for, Dean went back down and settled in his seat just as the show began.
“And the Grammy goes to…DJ DVLN.”
The audience erupted in cheers and applause, Dean kissed Colton as the camera panned in close. He stood with a huge smile, stepped onto the stage, and received his statue.
Dean looked at the award. He could hear his team screaming and hooting from the balcony as he leaned into the microphone, his voice shaking. “Wow. My first Grammy,”
He sputtered as a tear slid down his cheek. The audience responded with an ovation of cheers and support as he collected himself and began his speech.
“Thank you to the Academy. Thank you to my amazing team. I couldn’t do any of this without you. I’d like to thank the fans of dance music all over the world. We are a culture of love and acceptance, and a good damn party. The world of dance music doesn’t often receive the respect and attention it deserves in shows like this, so I am immensely proud to be here, to shine a spotlight on the world of dance music. Personally, I’d like to thank my fans…you little devils.” Dean smirked, and several sections of the audience erupted in cheers. “I love making music for you, and I’m so humbled and touched that what I’ve created has resonated with so many of you.” Dean found Colton in the audience. “Colton…” His voice broke a little. “Every day, you inspire me to be a better version of myself. You pushed me to never settle for ‘good enough’, to experiment and try new methods and sounds…and this is the result. Without you, I would not be standing here. I love you so much! Thank you.”
As time approached for their performance, everyone gathered backstage and got into costume.
Dean took a moment to look at his crew. They all seemed a bit on edge. “Alright, huddle up everyone,” he announced. Yes, he’d learned from Colton the power of a good team huddle.
Everyone circled up and joined hands. Dean looked around the circle, taking time to make eye contact with each dancer. “I can tell you’re all anxious. Hell, after seeing who’s here, I’m fucking stressed too.” Everyone chuckled nervously.
“You are the most talented people I’ve ever met. We’ve done this thousands of times. We’ve got this. I hate to use the tired old cliché, but we’re a team…and we have each other’s backs out there. If someone struggles, someone else is there to help. Yeah? Lift each other up and be there for one another. Our rehearsals were great, you know how to do this. So, deep breath…because bitches…we’re about toeatthe Grammys!”
“Yes!” Everyone shouted and clapped their hands and Dean immediately felt the anxiety level diminish.
Everyone remained in their little circle, waiting for showtime. Other artists, their backup crews and handlers, also milled around backstage.
Jax looked over Sean’s shoulder, his eyes wide as saucers. “Ahh!” he shrieked. “Beyoncé!”
Everyone whipped around, looking in the direction of Jax’s shriek, just as Beyoncé herself stopped and turned toward them. Dressed in her white and rhinestone cowboy chic, she paused for a beat, then smirked and walked over to Jax.
Jax, overcome with emotion, placed a hand over his heart, his chest rising and falling, his breathing fast and erratic.
“What’s your name, darlin’?” she cooed at Jax, her voice smooth as silk.
“Um, J-Jax. I-I’m a backup dancer for Dean, I mean DJ DVLN,” he stammered.
She reached out and shook Jax’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Jax. Break a leg. I’ll be watching.”
“T-Thank you, Miss…Bee. It’s nice to meet you too.”
She chuckled and lightly patted his cheek. “Relax, baby, this is the fun part.” She winked at everyone and strutted back to her crew.
Jax let out a dramatic exhale as everyone tightened around him.
“Bitch, you just met Beyoncé!” Sean shout whispered, and everyone giggled like schoolgirls.
Dean took his spot behind the deck and waited for his introduction as Taylor walked to the center stage microphone and began.
“Good evening. It is my privilege to introduce tonight’s final nominee for Song of the Year…the first of what I’m sure will be many, many nominations. He’s an insanely talented artist, one of my best friends, and the nicest person you’ll ever meet. Please welcome, DJ DVLN!”
***
