[Chapter 15: NBA Halftime Performance]
The next step was arranging interviews with magazines and newspapers. The newspaper interviews were straightforward. Universal's PR team had already prepared scripts, so Linton just had to follow along.
However, magazine interviews were a different story. Besides answering questions, he had to pose for cover shoots, constantly changing outfits and striking different poses as the photographers directed. It was exhausting. Still, the photographers were full of praise for his image. One of them, who was likely gay, had eyes practically glowing at him, but as long as nothing inappropriate happened, Linton let it slide.
---
Bella worked quickly. With Mira's help, she secured an office in a commercial building near Universal. It was on the fourth floor, about 2,700 square feet, and reasonably priced. She also submitted a proposal and budget for organizing a fan club. Linton reviewed it, found it satisfactory, and gave her the green light to proceed.
Given the overlap between the upcoming fan meet-and-greet and the fan club's formation, Bella and Mira were included in this leg of the publicity tour. It was also a good opportunity to scout potential fan club leaders in each city.
---
On June 11, at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Linton performed Believer, setting the crowd on fire. ABC broadcasted the festival live, and the response was phenomenal. He met several industry peers, including Mariah Carey and the Backstreet Boys, but no deep connections were formed.
---
June 12, United Center, Chicago.
Linton arrived early. An NBC reporter approached him with a mic in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are live from Chicago Stadium. Tonight is a huge night for the Bulls' Game 5 of the NBA Finals! The Bulls have won three games already. One more victory, and they'll claim the 1990-91 NBA Championship!"
The arena DJ hyped up the crowd, fueling the excitement.
"We have a special guest tonight, the talented singer Linton! He's a Bulls fan and is here to support his team. Let's hear from him!"
"Hey, Linton! Great to see you here at the Finals!" The reporter handed him the mic.
Linton smiled. "Yeah, this is a huge night! I love Jordan. No way I'd miss this."
"Ha! Of course. What's your take on the game?"
"The Rockets aren't as strong as us. I think tonight's the night we take the championship."
"Confident, huh?"
"Of course! We're the Bulls. We have Jordan. We're the champions tonight, it's a done deal. No one can stop us."
Linton played the part of a die-hard fan perfectly.
"Any words for the Rockets?"
"I don't think they have a chance. This is their last game of the season," Linton grinned.
"Alright, thanks for your time, Linton! Back to you, hosts!"
The reporter moved on to his next interviewee.
...
"Linton, can I get an autograph?" A fan approached him with a notepad.
"Of course." Linton smiled, signing his name and adding a short message.
As more fans gathered, security stepped in to break up the impromptu autograph session, it was, after all, an NBA Finals game, not a meet-and-greet.
The teams took the court for warmups, and Linton finally got a chance to sit down.
"Linton looks nervous..." the arena DJ commented as cameras showed him intently watching the game. With the Finals at stake, there wasn't much room for off-court chatter.
And Linton was nervous. He had just confidently predicted a Bulls win, if they lost, the series would head back to Houston, and the media would tear him apart.
...
At halftime, the arena DJ announced, "Now, let's welcome the incredible Linton to perform Believer!"
As the high-energy intro played, Linton's powerful voice filled the stadium.
♫First things firstI'ma say all the words inside my headI'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh-oohThe way that things have been, oh-ooh♫
The crowd went wild, standing up and dancing along.
...
After the exhilarating performance, Linton returned to his seat. Duke, the PR manager sitting next to him, threw an arm around him. "Linton, did you see that? The whole arena was with you! That was perfect."
The game resumed, and the intensity skyrocketed. The Rockets controlled most of the fourth quarter. In the final moments, Pippen sank a crucial three-pointer to tie the game. Then, with seconds left, Jordan dished an assist and hit the final free throws.
The stadium erupted. The Bulls had done it, 108-106! The crowd roared, deafeningly loud.
Jordan had 30 points and 10 assists, playing flawlessly. At that moment, he was the undisputed king of Chicago.
Fans stormed the court. Linton, being near the front row, rushed forward, only to find himself caught in the chaotic celebration. Jordan was at the center, surrounded by ecstatic teammates, tears in his eyes, his first NBA championship.
"Oh..."
Linton hesitated for a split second, seeing the sweat-drenched players. Then, he made his move'arms open, leaping into the celebration.
He knew millions were watching this historic moment on NBC. He had to seize this exposure.
The crowd grew denser, squeezing in tighter. Security moved fast, clearing a path to escort the Bulls to the locker room.
...
Linton's halftime performance had been a massive success. Before the performance even ended, Linton could feel his popularity surging, triggering his power to accelerate on its own.
The boost lasted until late into the night, leaving him stunned. The sheer impact of performing at a global sports event was undeniable. A thought crossed his mind, when his media empire took shape, should he buy a top-tier sports team? The publicity would be unmatched.
The game had been broadcasted live not only across the U.S. but internationally. The synergy between Believer and the Finals had been perfect. His live performance had electrified the stadium, and now, with the broadcast spreading worldwide, his fame skyrocketed.
It was no surprise when Duke came back with an update.
"Linton, Believer is about to shatter records. This week, it's reclaiming the #1 spot on Billboard!"
The last Billboard rankings were released on June 9th. Mariah Carey's I Don't Wanna Cry held the top spot, Numb was second, and Baby was third. Mariah's reign continued, but Linton's Believer was on its way to taking over.
With his rapid power growth, Linton realized he would reach level 5 of the first stage by early July, much sooner than expected.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.