บท 34: Reactions around the world

June 11th, 2021

Los Angeles

The morning after the release of Shape of You was nothing short of chaos—in the best possible way. Ethan woke up to his phone vibrating incessantly. Notifications piled up: texts from family, congratulatory emails from industry insiders, and endless mentions on social media. He groaned, rubbing his eyes, and grabbed the device from his nightstand.

@PopCrave

"Shape of You by @EthanJonesMusic hits 14 million streams in under 24 hours, breaking debut artist records on multiple platforms. The new pop prince is here! 👑🎶 #EthanJones #ShapeOfYou"

@TaylorSwift

"Welcome to the big leagues, @EthanJonesMusic! Congrats on the amazing debut 💖"

"14 million?" Ethan whispered to himself. He hadn't even processed what that meant when his manager, Bill, burst into his apartment.

"Get dressed," Bill announced, tossing a clean hoodie onto Ethan's bed. "We've got interviews lined up all day. Everyone wants a piece of you."

Ethan blinked, still half-asleep. "Can't I just... take this in for a second?"

Bill laughed, shaking his head. "Welcome to fame, kid. You're in demand now, and we're riding this wave as hard as we can. Breakfast's in the car."

Universal Music Group, LA Conference Room

At the label, the energy was electric. Charts and analytics were being projected onto the walls, showing Ethan's trajectory. His debut single had smashed expectations, and now everyone was scrambling to build on the momentum.

Rebecca was at the head of the table, coordinating plans for Ethan's next big moves. "We've confirmed Ethan for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon next week. That performance will cement his status."

Jessica chimed in, "We're also negotiating an exclusive deal with Spotify for a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary about the making of the album. Fans love that kind of stuff—it makes them feel closer to him."

Max Martin, ever the strategist, leaned back in his chair. "The album needs to come sooner than we planned. We want to strike while the iron's hot. Let's finalize the tracklist and start rehearsals for the tour."

"Tour?" Ethan asked, stepping into the room just in time to hear the word. He was still adjusting to the whirlwind of his new reality. Just this morning alone he had attended two interviews

"Yes, tour," Max replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This is how you stay relevant. The song is a smash, but the album and live performances will make you unforgettable."

Ethan nodded slowly. He'd barely slept, but the idea of playing his music live sent a thrill through him.

Reactions from Around the World

As the dust settled after the release of Shape of You, the reactions poured in from every corner of the globe. The song wasn't just a hit in the United States; it had sparked conversations, debates, and celebrations worldwide.

Nigeria

In Lagos, the Afropop capital of the continent, fans had embraced Ethan's song with open arms, sharing their reactions across social media.

@NaijaVibesHQ

"See as @EthanJonesMusic dey blow up everywhere! Naija sef dey feel am 🔥🔥. Shape of You go dominate all playlist this weekend, no cap. #EthanJones #GlobalHit"

@TomiWonders

"Ethan Jones is giving us those soft boy vibes we love! If this song doesn't get a Naija remix with Burna or Rema, we riot o! 🌍🔥"

@NkemThePlug

"Forget all the industry plant talk. Talent is talent. Shape of You na certified jam! Ethan, we dey your back. 🇳🇬✊"

@AJ66^

" omo see song and zlatan dey release that rubbish @EthanJonesMusic God bless you for saving our ears ooo"

United Kingdom

Across the Atlantic, Ethan's buzz was taking over the UK as well. London-based fans were quick to weigh in.

@BBC1Xtra

"Shape of You by Ethan Jones is already being called 'the song of the summer.' Big ups to this rising star! 🌟"

@Elena_StylesFan

"Okay, I'm NOT ready for Ethan Jones to be the next pop sensation. Like, how dare he have such a banger?!"

Japan

In Tokyo, fans discovered Shape of You overnight, with the song trending on Japanese TikTok almost immediately after its release.

@SakuraBeats

"Just heard Ethan Jones for the first time, and wow! His voice has a universal appeal. Pop is truly global. #ShapeOfYou"

@RikuDances

"Shape of You dance challenge? LET'S GO. 🚨💃 I'll be the first to make it go viral in Japan!"

Brazil

In São Paulo, Ethan's single had become a must-hear hit at local parties, with fans praising its danceable rhythm.

@RioPopScene

"Shape of You by Ethan Jones is giving carnival vibes, and we are HERE for it! The perfect soundtrack for summer in Brazil! ☀️🇧🇷"

@BrunaLovesMusic

"Ethan Jones é incrível! Não consigo parar de ouvir a música dele. Novo vício desbloqueado. 🎶✨"

The United States

Back in the States, the reactions continued to pour in, with celebrities and fans alike weighing in.

@LilNasX

"Ethan Jones did THAT. Shape of You is on repeat. 👏🔥"

@GagaDaily

"Little Monsters, let's support this rising star! Ethan Jones is the real deal. We stan talent. 💕"

While all this was happening the star of the whole show was getting ready for the fourth interview today

The song Ethan released wasn't just connecting it was creating a movement. From Lagos to London, Tokyo to São Paulo, the world was falling in love with his music.

P.S please check out my other book The Next big thing you won't be disappointed