"This is Michael's first variety show in his life, do you understand? This is the first variety show he's ever taken on!"
"Didn't Michael Jackson appear on variety shows before? I remember he was on quite a few."
"No, this is completely different. Before, he was at most a temporary guest. This time, he's an associate director, producer, and a mentor."
"I don't care about associate director or producer. A mentor, do you understand what a mentor is? This means he will record an entire season of the show!"
"Just being able to see him on TV all the time makes me feel so happy. This will be an unprecedented experience. I'm practically crying with excitement. Thank you, MGM, thank you, Eric Cooper."
"Heh heh. Even if Michael Jackson just sits there and doesn't say anything, you'd still climax, wouldn't you?"
"Damn it, this guy is an Eminem fan, get out, you son of a bitch!"
"Janet, I love Janet so much. That slap she delivered was so cool. What's that bastard Justin up to now? Who knows?"
"The two old men he severely injured woke up and have sued him. The trial will begin in a month. He doesn't seem to have shown his face for a long time."
"How dare he show his face? Now he's probably trying every possible way to prepare for immigration or escape, or be like Polanski."
"Hahaha, Fox is really unlucky. I really want to see what a mess American Idol has been cut into. Have you seen the trailer?"
"Yes, I've watched it several times. There's no Justin in the trailer, only Eminem, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell."
"So, Fox cut out all of Justin Timberlake's scenes? But can the show still air if they cut him out? It'll definitely be fragmented."
"To be honest, I actually still like Simon Cowell. Even though he's venomous, it's quite satisfying to watch him scold people. Of course, Eminem and Randy Jackson should both be thrown in the trash."
"Who cares? The Voice is a must-watch. I've already gotten my Lionheart Network membership in advance, it was free for liking something."
"I envy people with many Facebook friends. I can only buy it at half price, but for only $7.5, I can watch my Michael, which is incredibly worth it."
"I like Celine Dion too. I wonder if she'll sing 'My Heart Will Go On'."
"I'm telling you, don't just focus on The Voice. Lionheart Network's original dramas are also great. Haven't you seen the trailer for house of cards, Oscar winner Kevin Spacey's first American drama? I feel like this show is going to be legendary!"
"And there's a bunch of Japanese anime. MGM is really strong. They've silently pulled off something big. Eric Cooper has my heart."
"Agreed, Eric Cooper, you have my heart!"
"Agreed!"
Before Lionheart Network went online, online discussions had already exploded, especially among young people, causing a frenzy.
Facebook's registered users have now exceeded 70 million, and active resident users are around 60 million. The current total population of the United States is only about 290 million, so it's roughly 1/4.
Looking at the current market environment, most young people have already joined, and a considerable number of adults have also joined, almost reaching saturation, so growth is now very slow.
If MySpace could be eliminated, registered users would likely see another surge, but an opportunity still needs to be found.
Two months ago, Facebook began to expand into Mexico and Canada, but unfortunately, negotiations have not yet been successful.
The United Kingdom, however, loosened up quickly. MGM and Michael Dobbs' cooperation became more and more pleasant. Spending money doesn't matter, as long as you get things done.
Based on the solid foundation laid by Facebook, YouTube's registered users are also very impressive, currently exceeding 25 million and growing rapidly.
Ever since Eric set an example for them, young people suddenly became enlightened and created all sorts of video types.
The Shoulder Dance craze had just passed, and now something called the Bubble Dance was becoming popular.
It also attracted celebrity singers to gradually join, and the website is currently negotiating with major music companies, hoping to obtain their authorization.
In this way, while making videos, YouTube could also be simultaneously built into the world's largest online music platform, preparing for the digital music model that will eventually arrive.
And protected by its two big brothers, Lionheart Network's memberships sold out as soon as it launched on Saturday.
Furthermore, with the support of four super popular mentors, their fan base is simply enormous. Spending a few dollars to support their idols and also watch some new dramas, why not?
Silicon Valley.
"Boss, boss, the situation is gratifying, the situation is gratifying, it's unexpectedly good!"
Seeing Eric arrive, Robert Millen excitedly hurried up to deliver the good news.
Eric checked the time: "Exactly one hour. How many members have we reached?"
"Boss, you'll be surprised. According to the data monitored by the backend, our membership has already exceeded two million."
"OMG! Two million! This is truly unimaginable. Looking at the history of internet development worldwide, no website has ever reached this number in one hour."
"I must admit, I underestimated myself. I thought fifty thousand would be good. My goodness, this is like a dream!"
Looking at Robert, who was so excited he was a bit incoherent, Eric patted his shoulder, signaling him to calm down.
"You're so happy with just two million. Don't forget that Lionheart Network is moving forward on the shoulders of Facebook and YouTube."
"I've invested hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising, and with the current big buzz, no other website has been treated as well as Lionheart Network. Our goal isn't a mere two million."
"Yes, yes, I was just too excited." Robert Millen composed himself.
"Hmm, what's the breakdown of these two million members?"
Robert counted on his fingers: "First, there are the free members from promotions, about 150,000 people. I don't understand why there are so many! My Facebook account only has a few dozen friends."
Carol smiled, silently looking at this middle-aged man who clearly had a bit of a recluse tendency.
"Then there are the basic members, about 300,000 people, not a very high proportion. It seems people don't like ads."
"Standard members are the most numerous, about 1.2 million, with the remaining 350,000 or so being premium members."
"I think many people might not understand the significance of Blu-ray quality. Once they experience it, they'll understand. It's an enjoyment."
Eric nodded in satisfaction: "The distribution of components is acceptable. As long as basic members don't make up the majority, it can drive the website to achieve a virtuous cycle."
"Continue to closely monitor the data, and don't forget what I arranged."
"Understood. Helen is in charge of satisfaction surveys. She's the best among us at dealing with people."
"Hmm."
Walking through the corridor to his office, he hadn't been here for a month, but it was cleaned very well.
"Boss, this Robert Millen is quite interesting. Besides you, he's the highest person in charge, yet he personally went to pour coffee. You can't feel any arrogance from him."
"Heh heh. Robert specializes in technology. The most core secret of Lionheart Network was developed by his team. His social skills are indeed a bit lacking."
"I don't think it's just a bit lacking. I noticed that the employees here don't really greet you when they see you. At most, they nod and then leave, completely different from MGM."
"Hmm, this is the work atmosphere of Lionheart Network. I actually quite like it: concise, efficient, and everyone performing their duties."
Bringing over the coffee, Robert hesitated before speaking: "Boss, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Watching the two leave, Carol boredly opened the website and clicked on The Voice of America, which currently had the highest discussion.
MGM released 6 episodes at once, which is half a season. Carol glanced at the progress bar; the first episode was an hour and a half long.
As the screen transitioned from dark to light, a man in a casual suit stood there. Behind him was a giant hand sculpture, holding a microphone and making a 'yay' gesture.
The man was James Corden, who had not yet risen to fame and whose physique had not yet expanded. Eric had brought him in to be the host.
He could not only perform but also host and sing. Aside from being a bit green, he was definitely a good prospect.
In the future, giving him his own talk show or 'Carpool Karaoke' would also be good.
James Corden began: "This is a unique singing talent show because our primary focus is on vocal ability."
The scene shifted, and the screen suddenly became brightly lit, with the camera focusing on four red chairs.
"Today, four of the most influential people in the music industry will be entrusted with the important mission of finding the heavenly voices of the United States."
"Their combined album sales exceed 700 million, and they have countless fans in the United States and globally. They have transcended the label of singers and become symbols of popular culture."
"Michael Jackson, he is the King of Pop, with the highest record sales worldwide. His legend needs no introduction."
"Celine Dion, a super diva with a heavenly voice, 4 Grammys, 10 World Music Awards, a musician praised by various countries."
"Janet Jackson, an incredibly popular singing and dancing queen. Her album 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814' is the only album in music history to produce Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles for three consecutive years, and also the only album in history to have seven singles enter the top five of the singles chart."
"Jay-Z, a genius of gangsta rap, creator of the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The Source gave his album 'Reasonable Doubt' a perfect score, hailing him as the contemporary King of Rap."
"These four superstars will work together to unearth the fifth superstar. First, they will show everyone the charm of superstars."
As his voice faded, the lights dimmed, and the camera focused on the center of the stage. A tall figure stood faintly there. Those familiar with her could recognize her at a glance: Celine Dion.
"Deep within each heart."
"there lies a magic spark."
"that lights the fire of our imagination."
"And since the dawn of man."
"the strength of just I can."
"has brought together people of all nations."
She sang 'The Power of the Dream' with a light yet powerful voice. This song was a piece she had performed at the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics.
Using it as an opening here today also held special significance, encouraging aspiring singers to believe in the power of dreams.
And this season indeed achieved that. Although three of the top four were predetermined, those three were indeed very strong.
Especially Fruit Sister, in terms of singing ability alone, the four mentors gave completely consistent evaluations: an undisputed champion!
Mars Bro, on the other hand, had extraordinary comprehensive strength. When he started singing and dancing, you couldn't take your eyes off him.
The only Mei Mei was slightly inferior. She lost out due to being too young, her voice not fully developed, and lacking in professional vocal training compared to the other three.
But it didn't matter. Eric liked her, and that was enough for her to break through.
Plus the inclusion of the ordinary Cyril, wasn't this about believing dreams would come true?
"Every woman, child and man."
"it's the moment that you think you can't."
"you'll discover that you can."
"Feel the flame forever burn."
As Celine Dion's performance neared its end, the background music gradually faded.
Suddenly, a dynamic and strange electronic sound cut in, and then the background music rose, smoothly transitioning to DJ scratching.
The audience, who had just been applauding, quickly started swaying along. Jay-Z appeared on stage from somewhere, his mouth rattling like a machine gun.
He performed his hit song 'I Just Wanna Love U,' heating up the atmosphere even more.
After performing for a moment, Jay-Z looked to his left in surprise, only to see Michael standing there with his backup dancers.
He wore a white suit, standing out among the black suits of his dancers, making it impossible to take one's eyes off him.
Oh!
In the venue, the audience's cheers instantly threatened to blow the roof off. The background music once again became Michael's'Smooth Criminal'.
His body swayed with the song, his joints seemingly screwed on. Finally, a group of them moonwalked to the center of the stage.
Aow!
Accompanied by Michael's iconic squeal, every one of their movements was incredibly smooth and perfectly synchronized.
When Michael and his dancers performed the zombie walk, the music abruptly stopped with one step.
Immediately, the camera moved to the right side of the stage, where Janet Jackson also stood with her backup dancers.
Bang!
A violent drum sound exploded, and Janet's classic song 'Rhythm Nation' began.
She led her sister group in that classic dance. As the recognized best female singer-dancer, Janet's dance was full of dynamism and power, and her timing was completely on par with her brother.
"With music by our side."
"To break the color lines."
"Let's work together."
"To improve our way of life."
With light dance steps, Janet gradually moved to the center of the stage.
When the siblings met, they interacted, appearing like a contentious scene where neither would yield to the other.
Although the audio didn't capture what they were saying, it was clear from simply watching that they were arguing.
The argument then turned into a dance battle. The two, each with their dance troupes, engaged in a PK, with dazzling and spectacular dance moves making it hard to decide where to focus one's attention.
Finally, with the reappearance of Celine Dion and Jay-Z, fireworks brilliantly lit up the stage, and the opening show finally ended.
Only two words remained in everyone's hearts—shocking!