Chapter 89: Lois first week number
"You’re not going to believe this," Valery said, her voice still half in shock. She could hardly believe the numbers herself.
"Hm, now you’ve got me hooked. Send me the numbers," Dayo said. The excitement in his voice was clear — and for a good reason.
Lois’s album was the first full project he had produced since he reincarnated, and he had put his heart into it. He made sure to include some of his best-written songs, especially the lead single H.E.R., along with others that had an R&B feel — tracks like
1. Un-break My Heart – Toni Braxton
2. We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
3. No One– Alicia Keys
4. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
These songs were one of the best songs on R&B in his world so he had been hard on Lois so she as to honor the artist work.
He had worked tirelessly on the production, mixing, and arrangement. Deep down, he knew the album would do well, but the first-week numbers would tell just how far it would go. So when the message finally came in, he couldn’t wait to see it.
The moment Dayo’s eyes landed on the screen, his mouth dropped open in pure disbelief.
"....."
Spotify: 57.8 million streams
Apple Music: 23.5 million streams
YouTube (album tracks + visuals): 61.3 million views
iTunes/Apple Store purchases: 122,000
Physical copies (vinyls & CDs): 178,000
Total first-week equivalent units: ~420,000 units sold
Billboard 200 debut: #179
Billboard Global 200: #102
Top Song: H.E.R — Lois ft JD (31.9 million streams in 4 days)
It took a moment for Dayo to calm down before he spoke again.
"Are you sure these are the numbers?" he asked.
"Yes," Valery replied simply.
Dayo smiled faintly. "That’s insane."
Valery laughed. "Yeah, it is. I couldn’t help but notice the timing. When you said we should wait before releasing it, I thought maybe you were trying to show Lois who’s boss."
Dayo laughed softly. "Haha, no. I’m not that petty. I just told you to trust me."
"Hm. You did. But can I ask—how did you know the album would sell this much without even doing a market analysis?"
Dayo smirked. "Hehe... a magician never tells his secret."
Valery sighed and gave up. "Alright, fine. I hear you."
Dayo leaned back on his chair, smiling. "Still, I’m proud of this one. And it’s just my first work."
Valery nodded. "It really is. Everyone at the studio was blown away. But..." she hesitated a little, "I need to tell you something."
Dayo raised an eyebrow. "What’s that?"
"There are already some sharks circling," she said quietly. "A few big labels have been making calls, trying to dig out more info about Lois. I think they’re planning to make her an offer."
Dayo frowned a little. "That fast?"
"Yeah. The success of this album caught their attention. You know how it works — they see numbers, and they move quick."
He sighed and rubbed his chin. "Well, that’s expected. Still, keep an eye on her. She’s new, and they might try to use that."
"I already am," Valery said. "But I thought you should know. Lois respects you, but we both know how tempting big offers can be."
Dayo smiled faintly. "True. But let them try. I might not have their power, but I’ve got something better — I actually care about the music."
Valery smiled softly at that. "You always say that."
"Because it’s true," he replied simply.
"Alright then, I’ll handle the rest. Just make sure Lois stays focused and doesn’t let all this fame get to her head," Valery said.
"Yeah, I will. Thanks for the heads-up," Dayo replied.
"Anytime. And goodnight, superstar."
Dayo chuckled as he hung up. Valery’s playful tone made him smile. She was usually serious, so he figured the album’s success had lifted her mood.
****
The next morning came quickly. The entire building was busy with movement and chatter. Staff, crew members, and contestants filled the lobby, packing bags and preparing for the announcement everyone had been waiting for.
Most of the contestants who were disqualified had already left the previous night. Now, only fifteen people remained — the top fifteen who had made it to the semi-finals.
The atmosphere was bright and full of excitement. Some were taking pictures, some were talking about their performances, and others were just relieved to still be in the game.
Dayo stood with Maya, Min-Jae, Emily, and Misha, all of them gathered in one corner of the hall.
"Feels strange, right?" Maya said, smiling. "Some people were here just yesterday, now they’re gone."
"Yeah," Dayo nodded. "That’s how this competition works. One stage ends, another begins."
Just then, one of the organizers walked up to the stage at the front of the hall and held a mic. "Good morning, contestants! Congratulations once again for making it this far!"
Everyone clapped and cheered.
The man smiled as he looked around. "You’ve all come a very long way. Some of you came here scared, some unsure, and some full of dreams. And look at you now — you made it through round after round. You’ve grown, improved, and showed the world your best. That alone makes you winners already."
The hall went quiet, everyone listening closely.
He continued, "In every competition, people go home, and that’s okay. Because what matters most is not just the trophy — it’s the journey that got you here, the effort you gave, and the people you’ve become along the way."
He smiled warmly. "So before I announce the next destination, I want all of you to remember something — no matter what happens next, be proud of yourself. You’ve done what millions of people only dream of. So hold your heads high and keep going strong."
The contestants clapped loudly, some even whistled. The energy in the room lifted again.
"Now," the man said, his voice louder, "the semi-finals will be held in the United States of America!"
The hall erupted in cheers and screams. People hugged, laughed, and jumped around with excitement.
"For real?!" Misha shouted, eyes wide open.
"Yup," Emily said, smiling brightly. "We’re actually going to the U.S.!"
Min-Jae raised his hands in the air. "Finally! I’ve missed my apartment!"
Even Dayo couldn’t hide his smile. It had been more than a month since they left home, and though they’d adjusted to being away, hearing that the next stage would be in the U.S. felt like a dream.
Maya laughed. "Guess we’re going home for the semi-finals!"
"Yeah," Dayo said quietly, smiling. "Home turf."
The man on stage wrapped up the meeting. "You’ll should rest well today. Tomorrow, we fly out together. And once again — congratulations, top fifteen. The world is watching now. Make them proud."
The crowd clapped again as the announcement ended. Some were still shouting with joy; others looked thoughtful, inspired by the words.
Maya turned to Dayo with a grin. "Ready for America?"
He smiled and adjusted his jacket. "Always."