Billy called Avril five times, but she didn't answer, and it seemed she had changed her number. His connection to her vanished like a moth slipping through his fingers like water escaping his grasp. She knew how to turn circumstances to her advantage, using them as a shield against the relentless and disastrous media scrutiny surrounding her.
—Take a breath. I can't believe Billy Carson is on my show. Sometimes, we just get lucky.—remarked Larry King, host of Larry King Live, a show typically focused on political interviews that always made waves. A great interviewer, whose program aired on Friday nights. In the two interviews Billy had given throughout his career, he had never had the chance to sit down with Larry King.
The old man commanded respect, evident in the way he greeted Billy. Dressed in his signature style—a suit with an open collar and no tie—Billy wore his left earring dangling from a chain, his necklace resting on his chest, and his hair once again growing long enough to graze his eyebrows, shaved on the sides with a sharp line running from the top down to the nape of his neck.
—It's great to see you, kid. I've wanted to meet you in person for quite some time. Your talent as a musician has left many in awe, but that's not all. Tell me, Billy—who is Billy Carson? Who is this young man sitting across from me, bringing so much joy to people?—asked Larry King.
From a distance, seated in a reclining chair, the setting felt formal and impersonal—something Billy wasn't particularly fond of.
—Billy is just Billy. Music is part of my life; one doesn't work without the other. I'm sorry if that's not a satisfying answer.—Billy replied, locking eyes with Larry. Over the years, Jerry had trained him to handle interviews effectively. At first, they had re-recorded 20 different responses for every question. Later, he was even forced to study how to read properly.
—Paradoxical yet understandable. Without music, would you still be the same?—Larry inquired.
—I would. The way something belongs to you... Billy is a celebrity. That's a fact I can't deny, and if I did, I'd be fooling myself. I am what I am, and the moment I refuse to accept that, I fail. Of course, it's frustrating and exhausting to have the press following me, to have my private life put on display. But that's the price of fame.—Billy responded. He had rehearsed this answer thoroughly, setting up the moment for Larry to bring up Avril's recent scandal—a topic Billy would shut down, turning the moment into one of tension and exhaustion.
—So, that's the problem with fame. People say you have a lot of issues in that regard, but I don't quite see it that way.—Larry commented.
—Not as much as I'd like. Every time I release an album, people get excited, and I feel like I have to hide for two weeks.—Billy chuckled.
—Even from your potential romantic interests?—Larry probed.
Billy laughed. —Quite the opposite. I enjoy it.—
Larry studied him, searching for an opening. —Hahaha, they say you're quite the Casanova. You mentioned your album—anything you can share about it?—
Larry shifted gears, changing the tone of his questioning.
—We're aiming for a November release, just in time for next year's award season—or so the label says. Work, work, and more work, no rest. That's how it goes. The album is entirely in Spanish, with some rock for the non-English-speaking audience. And it's going to be great—I'm sure people will love it.—Billy said.
—We'll be eagerly waiting for it. Though strategically, it must be a calculated move to hold off on the release. I'm not too familiar with the awards season.—
—Do you have a favorite album of yours?—
—The first one is my favorite, but this last one won't fall behind. It has something different, as always happens with music. It evolves. I don't think I have a defining sound, but every day, playing gets easier. I don't think about changing; I just play. When you force change, you fail.—Billy said, taking a breath. —It comes naturally. It's a leap that just happens—whether it's in singing or music.—
—You collaborated with the beloved Punk Princess at one point. There's talk that you two had a full project together.—Larry asked.
It's just a guest appearance. We were supposed to perform together on tour—she was the invited artist. She's brilliant, has great songwriting ideas, and she's amazing on the guitar. Though most of the time, she leans towards ballads,—Billy replied.
—Sounds like you hold her in high regard.—
—Of course, I do! Avril is an amazing friend, wonderful in every way, and incredibly talented,—Billy said.
—Those are big words, young man. What's your take on friendship? You seem to consider it important. Any thoughts you'd like to share with us?—Larry asked, his tone calm and composed, delivering his questions with elegant ease.
The rest of the interview focused on Billy's upcoming projects in the entertainment industry. He made statements like, "I'm venturing into new fields, things I've been practicing, and soon, you'll see me in different worlds." and "Connecting with people is a fact—being online is part of it, and I'll invest in platforms that allow me to engage more. There's a responsibility to that, and it will help bridge the gap with fans while shaping different perspectives."
The strategy was clear: reinforce Billy's image as an enigmatic yet charming figure. Jerry and Billy had devised a carefully crafted plan—a subtle game of contradictions, a way to fight with finesse.
From a chair in the back, where the crew was focused on the interview, Jerry watched and clapped at how effortlessly everything had been delivered.
He jotted down notes in his agenda, preparing counterarguments in case the interview sparked criticism, anticipating attacks on Billy's supposed lack of emotional control or depth. The backlash would be strong, but the key was to strike back harder.
—So, taking a hit against me… it doesn't diminish my position?—Billy asked.
—Not at all. Just go out with some girls—maybe a few models who adore you. Even Avril or your other friends. You're every girl's dream. We've sold a lot thanks to this feud with Avril.—Jerry said.
—Man, sales aren't everything.—
—Of course not. But they pay the bills. Warner takes care of everything, and this just builds hype for your next tour. You need to remain untouchable—that's how this game works.—Jerry said.
Cleverly, Billy just shook his head and went along with it.
—So, what do I do next?—Billy asked.
—The new rising movie star—she's at your feet. A young actress is gaining a lot of popularity, Jerry answered.
—I don't want that.—Billy countered. —I just want a break. Is there a film or something I could act in? I don't care, but I want to keep acting.—
—Don't worry, I've got it covered. I already have some deals lined up with productions that will give you time to improve your skills.—Jerry reassured him.
...