[Chapter 36: Jackson's Neverland]
As soon as the song See You Again was written, Seymour and Frank both agreed it was time to officially start the production and preparation for Orlando's debut album as a singer.
After discussions with the Warner Records executives, both parties agreed that the best time to release would be between August and October of this year.
The reasoning for this timing was twofold. First, Orlando's debut album was planned as an EP, expected to have about three to five songs. Three songs were already ready. So releasing the EP first, followed by shooting music videos, was completely feasible.
If needed, they could even include Old Town Road on the album, but doing so would significantly affect the ongoing sales of the single, so it was unlikely to be added.
Second, while Old Town Road was still selling strongly, its popularity would eventually decline. Orlando couldn't rely only on one single to carry him through the year. Usually, singles and EPs didn't conflict; often, they worked together to create an effect greater than the sum of their parts.
Almost all major Western artists launched with singles first and then released an album.
---
Once the plan was confirmed, Orlando spent three days in New York recording See You Again.
On the fourth day, June 1st, Frank arranged a commercial performance for Orlando in California. A large shopping mall was opening and invited Orlando to perform Old Town Road.
The single was released on March 20th and by June 1st had topped the Billboard singles chart for eight consecutive weeks. After two and a half months, it had sold over five million copies.
The early May release of the music video greatly boosted sales. The video resonated deeply with Black audiences and was also well received by most progressive White viewers.
The music video itself was a huge hit, pushing the already popular single to almost six times platinum in sales.
Thanks to the rumor involving Madonna, Orlando's fame soared alongside his music career. Performing a song and cutting a ribbon in California could earn him $500,000 -- more than the signing bonus he received from Warner Records at the start!
But Orlando wasn't flying across the country just for the money. The paycheck was a bonus.
His main reason for coming was to attend a party hosted by Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch.
---
"You've been getting all kinds of music industry party invites, but most of those didn't suit you. I helped turn them down," Frank explained on the plane where Orlando was accompanied by his manager Frank, two bodyguards, and two female assistants -- one of whom was Jennifer Lopez.
"Most of the invites from New York's music scene are from the hip-hop crowd, and those parties are wild -- not right for you. But MJ's is different." Frank pulled out an invitation. The black cover was emblazoned with "Michael Jackson" in gold embossed lettering.
"This isn't just a private party. It's more like a charity benefit. So whether it's to return MJ's compliments when Old Town Road first launched or to boost your own image, we have to make this trip to the West Coast."
Orlando nodded. His telepathy assured him Frank was telling the truth.
Michael Jackson bought the Neverland Ranch for $17 million in 1987 and spent three years building and remodeling it, finally finishing this year.
The pop icon, who toured relentlessly for three years and earned $150 million last year alone, originally planned a big party to celebrate the completion of his ranch.
He invited many friends from the music and Hollywood worlds.
But at the last minute, Michael decided to make the event even bigger -- turning it into a charity fundraiser.
This way, more stars and celebrities could attend.
"What's the fundraiser for?" Orlando asked casually.
"Children. To help feed starving kids in Africa."
"Got it."
Whether the rich truly do charity out of goodwill or not, their causes can be endless.
From hungry children in Africa to penguins displaced in South America to polar bears threatened by the ozone layer -- the list is never-ending.
Some charities are so over the top that even releasing 1.5 million balloons counts as a good cause.
Whether Michael's heart was in it or not, from an entertainment industry perspective, this kind of event was just another public spectacle like an Oscar or Grammy afterparty.
Given Michael's status and the fact that Orlando's rise was so sudden and fast, no one dared to criticize him publicly for joining.
---
The plane landed at Santa Barbara's airport in California.
A 40-minute drive later, they arrived at a secluded estate far from the city.
"This is Michael's Neverland, a 2,700-acre private compound with his home, studios, recording booths, and even a personal sports field, amusement park, artificial lake, movie theater, and zoo -- everything you could imagine," said Frank, familiar with the place as MJ's former manager.
"In the past three years, Michael alone has poured at least $35 million into building this, and with the original purchase price, he's spent over $50 million. Maintaining the place costs him a few million every year."
Staff dressed in cute cartoon-themed uniforms drove wooden, animation-style carriages. They carried guests from the parking lot to the main house, built in a St. Georgia style. The sounds of hooves hitting the pavement mixed with the breeze through the trees.
Along the road were perfect scenery and scattered children's playgrounds.
"It really is a dream home..." Orlando marveled.
"Right, Jenny?" he said to the Latina woman among his assistants.
She was visibly trembling with excitement.
This was MJ's ranch -- the estate of Michael Jackson!
For a struggling musical theater actress like her, if Orlando was the sun, then MJ was an entire solar system.
"It's beautiful. But darling, one day you'll live in a place like this, or better. I believe that!" she encouraged him with heartfelt support.
Orlando smiled inwardly.
She was such a thoughtful girl who knew how to prioritize.
"I hope so."
*****
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