[Fire Suggestion] Get Famous – The Encore

The lights dim. Everyone is holding their breath for a pack that they can't wait for any longer. Backstage, EA developers' hearts are pounding to the rhythm of chanting simmers praying their dreams become a reality. 

Get Famous - The Encore. When the spotlight hits… there’s nowhere to hide. Can you step into the industry when the world is watching and flourish? Or will you get sent crashing back into obscurity? Only you can decide.

Hello to anybody reading! I hope I reach lots of people, especially those from EA. There are thousands and thousands of simmers begging for a pack that really expands the singing career, but also celebrity careers in general. While this pack is just my idea focused most heavily on the singing career, bands and dancing could EASILY be incorporated with this idea. I will also add a small section at the bottom that expands bands, Kpop, and dancing careers. Additionally, I talked about possible other elements for realism that would heighten the celebrity life style but that are not necessarily required like hotels and airports. Those things are towards the end I believe.

Being a celebrity, in my opinion anyway, is a series of small isolated experiences and events. It is not a traditional job where you clock in and out and need to specific things for a promotion or show up inspired all of the time. One of the cool things about this idea is that, while I have no idea how hard it is to execute anything I will be talking about, a lot of it is small additions to the game, or small overhauls to systems already in place that would make this career come to life. I didn't know the best order in which to break this down, so what I have done is explain a bunch of key elements before explaining the career. This is going to be quite the read as I wanted to be as detailed as possible so that HOPEFULLY people from EA who see this can read and see whats possible. Again, I feel like lots of these things are already in the game and just would need slight alterations in addition to smaller pop ups that just add realism. Literally every single thing I have written here PLEASE TAKE IT. I think any parts of this would just enhance anything that could happen. Modders, if this gives any of you insane ideas for things you could incorporate into your mods future or current, take what you like. Anyway, lets jump in because this is a long read.

THE AUDITION PROCESS
Auditions are during set schedules (after school and work but include other times for careers that have longer hours and don't have weekends off.)
When going to audition, you are asked 3 questions.
1. Are you a showman or vocalist. (think of this as are you Mariah or Beyonce? Do you own the stage with your vocals and presence, or do you put on an incredible experience with dancers, choreography and special affects?)
2. What genre do you make music in?
3. Are you a solo act or a band member? 
If you are a showman/woman, the singing + dancing skills are necessary. If you are a vocalist, dancing skill is not important. (Your audition is seen by reps from all 4 labels and whichever one wants to offer you a contract reaches out in a few days after.)

After auditioning and failing, you can audition again in the next scheduled audition window time and day.

GETTING SIGNED TO A LABEL 
All labels: Automatically assigned a manager. They call and tell you to, check the charts, schedule your performances, schedule meetings with your for future tours and schedule smaller celeb events for you. When performances are scheduled, a window pops up, like what we have now, that allows you to choose location, time and day. As your skills, celeb level and followers increase, you will be able to audition or get contacted by the next level label. The audition process is the same to get into a better label. (This is excluding people on the Kpop track as groups stay with their label since the labels are already top tier and invest in the group to improve to debut.) 

RECORD LABEL SYSTEM
Dinky Beats: 0–2 star celeb level | performs at clubs, juice bars, and lounges.
New Tastemakers: 2–4 star celeb level | performs at concert venues (less audience) | national tours.
Maxis Music Machine / New Label Name Here: 4–5 star celeb level | performs at concert venues (packed audience) | international tours.
Adding a fourth label makes sense for superstar Sims. Once a Sim reaches 4–5 stars and maxes singing (and dancing for showmen/women), they can choose or audition for one or both major labels — one in Del Sol Valley, the other in San Myshuno. Choice depends on lifestyle fit, contract offers, and which celebs are under each label, presented via a pop-up menu similar to university selections. This also opens storyline possibilities, like conflicts with a label, scandals leading to being dropped, or switching labels to revive a career.

PROMOTION SYSTEM
The career features three distinct stages, displayed in the career panel, each tied to one of the three record label tiers. Progression isn’t automatic — advancement is earned. Sims must build their skills, train regularly with a vocal coach, attend rehearsals consistently, complete a required number of events and grow their social media following and fame level. While this isn’t a traditional career, displaying stages in the job panel still makes sense — it simply works differently. Instead of ten levels, there are three deeper, more meaningful ones, each reflecting your hard work. Once all requirements for a stage are met, Sims can audition for a higher-tier label or even be poached by one. Because there are fewer stages, Sims remain in each one longer, allowing their talent, reputation, and fame to truly develop. Think of each promotion as the equivalent of five levels in a standard career — every step forward is actually a major breakthrough.

TOURS AND CONCERTS / VENUE
Arena venues are designed to feel like a live production in motion, borrowing behind-the-scenes elements from movie sets. Sims arrive through a private backstage entrance, unlocking access to a personal dressing room staffed with hair, makeup, and costume Sims only your performer can use. Stepping into costume seamlessly applies a dedicated performance CAS outfit slot, fully editable just like everyday clothing. When you’re ready, a Sim holding your mic waits by the stage door — click them to signal you’re ready, and the show begins.

Setting up a performance combines elements from customized weddings and restaurant setups. Once you reach level 2 or 3 in the career, you can customize backup dancer outfits (one for women, one for men), choose a theme color (automatically adjusting light and laser colors), and select special effects to fall from machines. During the show, your Sim and dancers hit different marks around the stage (like when shooting a movie with a co star), performing songs dynamically. The final mark triggers a “thank the crowd” interaction, where your Sim waves, blows kisses, and says goodbye as the lights go off. Afterwards, your Sim and dancers walk backstage and exit, returning to the hotel and dancers disappearing until the next show.

THE STAGE
While fully customizable stage layouts would be exciting, this expansion delivers a streamlined, performance-focused design with maximum impact. A classic main stage anchors the back, complete with a special-effects screen for lighting and visuals, while a bold forward extension brings your Sim closer to the crowd. Even a U-shaped catwalk that curves back toward the main stage, creating a pocket where real sims would watch the performance from. With marked points on the stage and immersive layouts, every show feels cinematic, dynamic, and unforgettable — even though the stage shape will remain the same. 

GAMEPLAY ADDITIONS/CHANGES
Managers: Your manager calls and schedules events for you. After they, call you get to select event type, time, day and location for it. Your manager also calls with reminders saying they have sent a car to come get you to bring you to your; rehearsal, recording session, hotel, flight, award show, whatever.
Bodyguards: Once you make it to stage 2 of the career, you should get assigned a body guard to help you deal with fans while out and about and traveling. Reaching level 3 just increases the amount of guards you have. Lets say 2 so this doesn't get too crazy. 
Stage Height & Audience Distance: For realism, Sims should be able to watch performances from the ground while the singer remains on stage. Audience Sims can stand a bit farther back without crowding the stage, keeping a natural viewing distance. A small gap between the stage and audience adds to the immersive experience since real venues always leave a gap between the stage and the audience anyway.
Backstage Access: Only performers and scripted Sims (backup dancers, sound engineers, special effects crew, camera operators, managers, bodyguards) can enter backstage areas.
Scripted Sims & Performance Marks: Backup dancers are scripted to hold poses until you perform a song by selecting a specific mark on stage — similar to movie set “X” markers. Each mark triggers unique animations for your Sim and dancers, creating dynamic performances while performing the song you have written. These animations, much like the current dance animations, the more rehearsals you attend, it becomes less likely for you to mess up your choreography on stage and get poor ratings. Also, backup dancers and maybe some other scripted sims don't have to be real NPCs, they could only exist on the lot at the time of the event and for music videos.
Singing while dancing: I think this is a no brainer, performer sims should be able to sing songs while dancing.
Public Disputed: Inspired by The Sims 2 public dispute system, celebrities are publicly judged for their actions. This affects reputation, followers, and music sales, adding essential realism to life in the spotlight.
Travel Overhaul: To feel truly on tour or traveling for appearances, Sims must book hotels in each world they visit. Adding vacation rentals that LOOK like hotels, or bringing in hotels as something different all together (with the For Rent pack) is again a touch of realism. Traveling between worlds becomes more immersive, emphasizing the distance from home.
Hotels & Airports: Touring Sims can stay in standard rooms or penthouses. Before moving to the next location, Sims must go to the airport and board a flight. While loading the new world, players experience airplane sounds and visuals instead of the usual blue screen. Special lots could be used for airports, though not mandatory, keeping the system realistic without overcomplicating gameplay.
Performance outfit in CAS: A new section to make a performance outfit for you to customize between albums. When performing, this outfit is automatically what you show up to the performance lot in.

SPECIAL CAREER LOTS
Record Labels: All record labels function as special lots, similar to the movie studio. Sims can’t visit them freely or find them in any world — they’re accessed only when it’s time to create music. When your Sim is ready to record the master recording by having a single OR an album (maybe 7 songs?) ready, you are able to travel to it. Recording is fast and intentional: step up to the mic, choose record single or record album, and once the interaction finishes, your music can be released immediately once the album or single is returned to your inventory.

Arenas: For single concerts or tour concerts, the setup takes inspiration from The Sims 2: Showtime, with a few modern twists. Venues change slightly depending on the world, giving the feeling of touring across different locations, but not required in case that is not realistic. Career stage affects the experience: at Stage 1, Sims perform only at public venues using on-lot mics, so this will not apply to them. For Stage 2, arenas appear partially full, with some empty spots but still quite full, while Stage 3 arenas are packed with a silhouette audience to simulate sold-out shows. A small number of real Sims are always present at the front, cheering and adding a touch of realism to the performance, again exactly like in Showtime.

NEW EVENTS
Red Carpet Photoshoot: A short, automatic event before the Music Awards or Starlight Accolades. Arriving 1–2 hours early triggers a mini-event where your Sim poses for photographers while other celebrities do the same, adding realism and excitement to the awards experience. Additionally, you can step up to the velvet rope and choose to give short interviews to reporters with their hand sticking out holding a mic. 
Talk Show: Building on existing characters like Penny Pizzazz, Sims can be invited to appear on talk shows hosted by celebrity NPCs. At the scheduled time, Sims are transported to the movie studio lot to film on a proper talk show set. Your Sim takes a seat on the chair or couch and interacts with the host on various topics. Producers, sound engineers, and other scripted Sims run the filming (like when filming a movie), while 3–5 rows of live audience applaud after each conversation, creating an immersive celebrity experience.
Music awards: As we know, celebrities attend many award shows, so adding music awards makes perfect sense while still keeping the Starlight Accolades. Music awards would feature four main categories: Best Music Video, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Performance of the Year. If creating a new music-specific awards show isn’t feasible, overhauling the Starlight Accolades is a strong alternative. Clear, organized categories — Music, Acting, Fashion, and Humanitarian (Simanitarian) Awards — ensure that each Sim’s profession is highlighted properly, rather than mixed randomly.
Festival invitations: Festivals: The game already has several types of festivals, and your Sim may be randomly invited to perform at most of them (excluding school events). Invitations arrive a few days beforehand. When the festival is active, your Sim is transported to the festival, where a gated section with a guard awaits behind the stage. A trailer is provided for pre-show prep, letting your Sim stretch, warm up vocals, or meditate to manage anxiety. When ready, navigate to the stage, hit the microphone, and start performing — attendees automatically gather around, similar to the Starlight Accolades and your Sim takes center stage. After singing, you can press the mic again to end the performance and choose to stay or leave the festival lot.
Movie invitations:  Musical movies could invite your sim to play a character in the movie. Depending on your sims acting skill will determine how large the part is. Performance quality will affect the movies overall ratings, your earnings, reputation, follower count and fame gain/loss.
Release Party: I was originally thinking if you want to have a release party, a pop-up lets you invite guests, while your manager, engineers, and producer are automatically present on the label lot. During the party, the main objective is to click on a computer and officially release the music file, alongside smaller goals like grabbing a drink or mingling with guests. However, I feel like this may be complicated, so an option is having it as a stand alone event you can throw at your house and invite your music team and other guests. You would just take your mastered single/album home (ensure it is in your inventory), and release it at a computer at home after you go through the normal event plan procedure. Once released, a notification confirms that your single or album is now live on all streaming platforms, marking a major moment in your Sim’s music career.
Rehearsals: At the movie studio lot, the warehouse transforms into a stage rehearsal space instead of a film set. The floor features an outline of the stage where your Sim practices songs at different marks, with backup dancers moving in sync. The same way a low level dancer falls on their face while attempting moves, your sim and dancers will stop falling on their face during rehearsals before the big show after completing a few... or not if you are a one hit wonder in the making and don't rehearse. Scripted crew members — lighting, sound, directors, film crew, and producers — are present, testing lights, sound, and chatting among themselves. A scripted choreographer watches each mark, applauding good performances or shaking their head in disappointment, guiding your Sim toward perfection.
Music Videos: At the movie studio lot, a fully dressed music video set awaits, complete with props, backdrops, special effects, colored lighting, and multiple performance marks. As your Sim hits each mark, backup dancers fill the set, performing around them while cameras roll and your Sim sings and dances for the shoot. Once filming wraps, the finished music video can be released to your profile, with the chance to earn Best Music Video award at both or either award event.

SOCIAL MEDIA OVERHAUL/EXPANSION
Social Bunny (rename pending) fits perfectly with this expansion. With the ability to record and post singing videos to your Sim’s profile, fame-building becomes interactive and rewarding. Once your Sim reaches level 6 singing skill, they can start posting videos. Fame gains depend on virality, fan base size, and skill level — level 6 alone usually isn’t enough to go viral, but having the Star Quality trait significantly improves the chances. This is a good way to get poached or offered a contract from a label outside of auditions if that is the story line you want to go down. 

MUSIC CHARTS
On your computer or phone, Sims can check the charts. Selecting song charts shows singles and individual tracks from your album if they’re performing well; otherwise, only your highest-ranking song appears at the bottom. Choosing album charts works the same way, displaying your album’s performance or just your top-ranked album. Music performance and public reception at concerts depend on rehearsals attended, vocal coaching sessions completed, and skill levels. High skills alone aren’t enough — consistent practice is essential to earn strong ratings and chart success. If your sim decides to take a break from music releases, in the interim, your sims behavior is what is focused on. Released songs gradually fade from the charts, but there are no negative effects — inactivity doesn’t hurt your reputation as long as your Sim didn't produce low-quality music before a break.

NEW TRAITS AND BUFFS
Star Quality (CAS & Hidden): "Some people are just born with IT. They are eye catching, popular, cool, they are everything you wish you were." This Star Quality trait is essential for powerful storytelling — from one-hit wonders to breakout performers — and plays a major role in how Sims navigate fame. Sims with this trait can more easily interact with higher-level celebrities, are more likely to be invited as featured artists on other musicians’ tracks, and gain followers and fame at a faster rate. To become a One Hit Wonder, Sims must have the Star Quality trait but only mediocre singing skills (around levels 6–7) while consistently skipping rehearsals, avoiding vocal coaching, and refusing to write their own music by purchasing songs from a ghostwriter instead. These Sims simply record and release bought lyrics, never improving their skills. You can also earn this trait by being active on social media and posting content as well as show up to rehearsals frequently.
One Hit Wonder (Hidden): After repeating this pattern, they unlock a hidden One Hit Wonder trait. One song goes viral — but at a cost. Singing skill becomes harder to increase, royalties decrease, and every release after the viral hit flops. Invitations dry up, talk show appearances stop, celebrity events are canceled, performances fail, fans disappear, and eventually even your manager admits defeat: your Sim is officially a one-hit wonder.
Showsim/Vocalist (Hidden): Sims who consistently show up, practice, rehearse, and put in the work unlock one of two hidden traits instead: Showsim or Vocalist. One will be assigned to you based on the kind of performer you chose to be at your audition. These traits boost royalties, increase viral success, accelerate follower and fame growth, and lead to stronger public reception at concerts and tours — rewarding dedication with lasting stardom.
Buffs: I honestly don't feel like I need to say too much about buffs. I think the buffs are pretty straight forward here. Positive for passing auditions, festival invites, feature invites, going viral, releasing music, getting into a better label, winning awards, good reception for your live performance etc. Negative for flopping music, losing your contract, not winning the award, bad reception at your live performance. Yada yada.

RABBIT HOLES
- Vocal coach visits
- Feature invite with another artist
- Rehearsals will have an option (like when you shoot a movie) to be a rabbit hole
- Concerts will have an option (like when you shoot a movie) to be a rabbit hole
- Music videos will have an option (like when you shoot a movie) to be a rabbit hole

NEW FURNITURE: AT HOME RECORDING STUDIO
This one’s straightforward: a laptop with a mic is provided by your label, and clicking it calls a sound engineer when you’re ready to record. The higher your career stage, the better quality machine your label gifts you. This setup lets you prepare music for a master recording session at the label. Additional new furniture includes recording studio equipment, which is used at the label for master recordings and music releases.

INTEGRATIONS
Snowy Escape: Kpop
For Rent: This will add hotels 
University: AIRPORTS!!

BANDS / DANCERS / KPOP
Bands: The musician sim, while they wouldn't necessarily be the star, would be the one who interacts with the marks and the rest of the band mates and lead singer do their mark triggered animation. This is the same as shooting a movie again, even though your sim is not the lead, your sim has to interact with the floor marks to make stuff happen, even if your co star is above you in rank.
Dancers: Same thing as the bands essentially, you would be a backup dancers (this is my dream right here since I am a dancer), you interact with the marks and you are the head of the formation behind or next to the singer.

Both of these paths would still have you attending rehearsals, but with altered career path. Instead of being signed to a record label, your sims would audition and be in a talent agency where you can go audition for a different artist weekly. Every week your sim attends rehearsals and performs with the main artist for concerts. If you audition for a tour and get selected, you will travel over the week like the main artist from hotel to hotel.

Kpop: Aspiring K-pop stars can audition to become a trainee, but only after completing a series of bootcamp training sessions (rabbit holes) to hone their skills. Once accepted, your Sim enters a high-stakes trainee program, moving into a dedicated trainee hour (dorm like situation) and undergoing weekly evaluations — pass, get a warning, or face elimination. Success depends on skill development, star quality, and consistent rehearsals. Sims must reach advanced singing (9), advanced dancing (4) and earn the star quality trait to make it into the group. Nobody wants to pay for level 7 singing and level 2 dancing right? To make this simpler, other members will be scripted and unplayable. Rehearsals, recording sessions, and music videos feature these scripted group members with customizable names, looks, and outfits, while your Sim interacts with key performance marks that make the scripted idols execute choreography and songs. This creates a fully immersive, cinematic idol experience without too many moving parts by other group members being real NPC sims that you can add to your family and things like that. Although, that could be an option if someone wants to play that way, but for realism I felt key events would be easier if they are scripted but you can edit their appearances and only have to worry about your sim during events. (Recording studios visits would be active as well if that was not clear.)