The Greatest Showman #739 - Ballad Rise

The rise of seven hundred and seven folk songs... Romance Chinese.com is updating the latest chapter of Daxigu at the fastest speed!

Renly's album Don Quixote and the single Cleopatra led to six Grammy nominations, making him the biggest winner of the 54th Grammy nominations stage, surpassing even Adele and Bruno Mars. This moment was nothing short of epic, recalling memories of Leanne Remus, Nora Jones, and Alicia Keys—each of whom made a massive impact with their debut albums and swept multiple trophies at the Grammys the following year.

These artists represented the evolution of their genres: Lean captured the pinnacle of country music, Nora brought jazz back to the forefront, and Alicia's victory marked the dominance of R&B. But what about Renly?

By 2011, the Grammy Awards had long removed the "folk song" category, with most folk music being classified under rock due to the genre's fusion with rock through artists like Bob Dylan. This shift was partly due to the decline of traditional folk, which gradually found its place under the umbrella of rock, such as in the form of folk rock.

But this year marked the resurgence of independent folk music at the Grammys.

Bon Iver, nominated for Newcomer of the Year, received three additional nominations for Song of the Year, Production of the Year, and Best Alternative Album. Before the Grammys, Bon Iver was an unknown figure—more obscure than Renly. His debut album had been released over six months prior but hadn't seen sales anywhere near Don Quixote's. Renly was initially considered the biggest dark horse in the nominations, but Bon Iver's name soon caused people to ask the same question: "Who?"

The London-based indie folk band Murphy Sons, with five nominations including Production of the Year, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song, was another surprise. Although this group was more widely known in the UK and North America than Renly, they, too, were considered underdogs in the Grammy race.

In addition, the indie electronic rock group The Foster Family received two nominations.

While the Grammy Awards no longer feature a dedicated ballad category, independent ballads saw an unprecedented rise, with seventeen nominations—a feat unseen in the 21st century.

Rock music, which had long been in decline, showed little vitality in recent years, with no breakthrough bands emerging to claim dominance. U2 and Maroon 5 were the only rock acts to win major awards after the millennium. However, in the 54th Grammy nominations, indie folk dominated—not only in the number of nominations but also in the four major categories.

In Production of the Year, Adele's Fall Into the Abyss, Bon Iver's Bon Iver, Bruno Mars' Grenade, The Blessed Sons' The Cave, and Renly's Cleopatra all competed—three of them representing indie ballads.

In Song of the Year, Kanye West, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Adele, Bon Iver, and Renly each had nominations, with indie ballads holding two spots.

The Album of the Year category also saw indie folk taking center stage, alongside Adele, Bruno Mars, Spitfire, and Miss Gaga.

As for Rookie of the Year, Renly and Bon Iver stood out as the leading contenders.

What's even more significant is that these indie folk artists—Adele included—were all signed to independent record labels, while the major five record companies found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Was this just a coincidence, or was it part of a larger Grammy reform?

While the true impact of these nominations will only be revealed at the ceremony, there's no doubt that Bon Iver, The Blessed Sons, Adele, Bruno Mars, and Renly's Don Quixote have all garnered renewed attention.

This is expected to lead to a boost in album sales, and with the release of Anti-Cancer Me this week, Renly's name will undoubtedly continue to dominate headlines. What impact this will have on the album's success and the overall awards season remains to be seen.

As reporters flocked to JFK Airport, asking about his Emmy nominations and the unexpected six Grammy nods, Renly's reputation continued to soar.

From War in the Pacific to Buried Alive, Crazy Love to Fast & Furious 5, Renly continually shocked the public, and just when it seemed he couldn't go higher, his momentum only accelerated. Now, with Don Quixote and Anti-Cancer Me on the horizon, the question looms: What's next?

Roy Lockley glanced at Renly, still trying to suppress his grin. "I guess you've heard the news?" Roy asked, trying to hide his amusement.

Renly, looking disheveled yet unfazed, responded with a hint of playful sarcasm, "Did you forget to tell me something? As my manager?"

Roy quickly apologized, understanding that the delay in communicating the news was due to time zone differences. When the Grammy nominations were announced, Renly and the team had just boarded a flight, and due to some miscommunication, Roy couldn't reach him immediately.

In the background, Jennifer, Donald, and the others laughed, teasing Renly about his unkempt appearance. "Baby, want a photo for the memory?"

Renly turned to them with a polite smile, but his gaze was sharp, "I'll ask the reporters for it if I need it. After all, there's quite a crowd today. Don't you think that's enough?"

The teasing stopped immediately. Donald quickly waved his hands, "No, of course not."

Jennifer called out, "Drive! Drive! Quickly!" as the car door was slammed shut, and the vehicle sped off.

Renly chuckled, shaking his head. "I need a hot bath and some rest," he muttered, more from muscle soreness than jetlag.

Roy followed up with a casual question, "Renly, are you going to attend the Grammy Awards?"

Renly shrugged, nonchalantly, "Depends on the progress of Edge of Tomorrow. The invitation hasn't been sent yet, right?"

Roy nodded, "Teddy and I were just on the phone about it. The Grammy nominations have sparked a lot of interest. Radio shows are calling to ask if you want to promote it, and there are plenty of magazine interviews lined up."

Renly paused before answering, "Please confirm with Andy. I'll only be in New York for three days. If the schedule fits, I'll be happy to attend."

This was an opportunity for Don Quixote and for Renly's career. His album had been a dream project for him and his team, and now it seemed like that dream could lead to both artistic success and financial reward. Renly had no reason to refuse.