CHAPTER 805: A POP PHENOMENON: NIJI’S ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE

The roar of applause that filled ArtReam Hall after Yuko Matsumoto’s heartfelt acceptance speech for Best Traditional Album slowly began to fade as the lights in the hall dimmed once again. The cameras panned across the stage, signaling to the audience that the show was entering a brief break before the next major award. The crowd, still buzzing from Yuko’s emotional win, began to relax in their seats, engaging in quiet conversation or checking their devices to catch up with the online reactions flooding the internet. A few seconds later, a brief message appeared on the screens across the hall:

"We’ll be back in a moment after this short break."

The world watching at home took this time to grab a quick snack or share their thoughts on social media, but the excitement never truly waned. The atmosphere inside the hall, though quieter, remained charged with anticipation. After all, the Sapphire Melody Awards were known for delivering unforgettable performances, and up next was one of the most anticipated acts of the night: Niji, the sensational pop group that had taken the world by storm.

Niji was not just any pop group. They were a powerhouse of talent—a seven-member girl group from Sakura Abode Country whose music had transcended borders and languages. They had multiple hit albums, international tours, and a legion of devoted fans who followed them passionately. Their unique blend of catchy pop melodies, infectious energy, and high-quality choreography had made them global icons, and they had already won the Best Pop Group award twice in previous editions of the Sapphire Melody Awards.

The crowd inside ArtReam Hall knew what was coming next, and the air was thick with anticipation as the break ended and the lights on stage began to flicker back on.

A low hum of electronic beats started to pulse through the venue, immediately recognizable to anyone who had ever heard one of Niji’s iconic songs. The large screens surrounding the stage lit up, flashing images of cityscapes, vibrant colors, and abstract patterns, creating a dazzling visual spectacle that hinted at the electrifying performance about to unfold. The audience sat up straighter, their eyes locked on the stage, waiting for the first glimpse of the group.

Then, the music hit—a sharp, pulsating beat that sent a wave of energy through the hall. The lights brightened, and in perfect synchronization, the seven members of Niji appeared on stage, striking a pose as the opening bars of their first song, "Starlight Dreams," filled the room. The crowd erupted into cheers, the sheer presence of the group enough to send excitement rippling through every corner of the hall.

Niji, dressed in their signature vibrant costumes—each member sporting a different color to represent their unique personalities—looked every bit the pop superstars they were. Their outfits were sleek, modern, and reflective, catching the light as they moved in sync with the pulsing beat of the music. Their long, flowing hair shimmered under the stage lights, and their confident smiles lit up the entire venue.

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The first song, "Starlight Dreams," was one of their most iconic hits—a track that had topped charts across Azure Star for months and had become a staple in their live performances. The song was a perfect blend of pop and electronic elements, with a catchy chorus that invited the audience to sing along. As soon as the first chorus hit, the crowd couldn’t help themselves; they began to sing and sway to the rhythm, their voices joining as a group in an almost hypnotic unity.

"Starlight dreams, shining bright, take us higher through the night," the audience sang along, their voices merging with the powerful harmonies of the group.

On stage, the members of Niji danced with precision and grace, their choreography as tight and polished as ever. Each member moved effortlessly across the stage, executing complex dance moves while still maintaining perfect vocal control. The seamless synchronization of their movements and voices created an experience that felt larger than life as if the entire hall was caught in the gravitational pull of their performance.

After the second chorus, the music transitioned seamlessly into the next song, "Electric Heartbeat," another massive hit that had taken dance floors and radio stations by storm. The beat quickened, the lights flashed brighter, and the visuals on the screens behind them shifted to fast-paced, neon-colored animations that reflected the high-energy vibe of the song.

The crowd, already fully engaged, couldn’t resist moving to the driving rhythm of the song. Hands clapped in time to the beat, and heads bobbed to the infectious pulse of the music. Even those who weren’t avid pop fans found themselves swept up in the energy of the performance. It was impossible to stay still.

"Electric heartbeat, feel the fire, burning through the wires," the crowd chanted along with the group, their voices blending into a wave of sound that reverberated through the hall.

The choreography for "Electric Heartbeat" was more intense than the first song, featuring sharp, fast movements that mirrored the song’s pulsing electronic beat. The seven members of Niji moved as one, their feet gliding across the stage in perfect time with the music. Each member had their moment to shine, whether it was through a solo vocal run or a brief dance break, showcasing their individual talents while still maintaining the unity that made them such a formidable group.

As the song reached its crescendo, the stage lights flashed in time with the music, creating a dazzling display of color and motion that filled the entire hall. The energy in the room was electric, and it seemed as though everyone—whether they were seated at the artist tables or in the balconies—was caught up in the euphoria of the moment.

But Niji wasn’t done yet. As the final notes of "Electric Heartbeat" faded, the group paused only for a brief moment before launching into the final song of their medley—"Rise Up." This song was a fan favorite, an anthem of empowerment and resilience that resonated with listeners all over the world. The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch as the familiar opening chords rang out.

"We rise up, we stand tall, we fight through it all," the crowd sang along, their voices filled with passion and admiration.

The group’s choreography for "Rise Up" was more fluid and emotional, with sweeping arm movements and powerful stances that matched the uplifting message of the song. Their voices soared as they sang the powerful chorus, each note filled with emotion and strength. The performance felt personal as if the group was sharing a piece of themselves with the audience, inviting everyone to rise up with them.

The crowd, already entranced by the energy of the previous songs, was now fully immersed in the performance. Some stood up from their tables, dancing and swaying to the beat, while others waved their arms in the air, their faces glowing with excitement. The connection between Niji and their audience was palpable, a shared moment of joy and celebration that transcended the usual boundaries between performer and spectator.

As the final notes of "Rise Up" echoed through the hall, the members of Niji struck a final pose, their arms raised in victory. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, the sound filling the entire venue with a thunderous roar. It was clear that the group had once again delivered a performance that would be remembered for years to come.

Breathless and smiling, the members of Niji bowed deeply to the audience, their gratitude evident in the way they waved and smiled at the cheering crowd. The lights on stage began to fade, but the energy in the room remained electric, as if the performance had left an imprint on everyone present.

As the applause slowly subsided, the lights in the hall brightened once more, signaling that the show would continue. But the impact of Niji’s performance lingered in the air, a reminder of why they had become one of the most beloved pop groups in the world.

The crowd, still buzzing with excitement, settled back into their seats, ready for the next Chapter of the Sapphire Melody Awards. But for a few moments longer, the echoes of Niji’s performance—their voices, their energy, and their message—remained, a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift.