By Lauren Becker
Staff Writer
iHeartRadio hosted its annual Los Angeles Jingle Ball concert at the Kia Forum on Dec. 1. The event entertained guests with a variety of artists, vibrant hosts, and engaging contests, inspiring the crowd with the infectious holiday spirit.
With a wide range of spectacular performers, there was a set for everyone to enjoy, from mainstream artists to underground performers. The night consisted of performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Niall Horan, AJR, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Miguel, Flo Rida, P1Harmony, (G) I-DLE and more. All of the artists brought intense energy to the stage and embraced their unique musical styles, some with elaborate choreography and others with simple vocal acts.
The most anticipated performance was that of iconic pop star and show closer, Olivia Rodrigo. For the first time, Rodrigo sang “Can’t Catch Me Now,” from the new movie, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” This addition to her set list made the Los Angeles show extra special and displayed Rodrigo’s incredible range, as the folk-inspired piece differs from her usual music style.
The stunning Kia Forum was adorned with bright lights and holiday-themed set decor. The high-tech forum was decked out with high-quality screens and sound systems that amplified the performances, allowing all guests to fully watch and appreciate the entire show, regardless of their proximity to the stage.
The ambience within the venue was truly exceptional, with hyped-up audiences and humble performers. The artists did a fantastic job at building relationships with fans by engaging with the audience, specifically Horan, who consistently thanked his fans and praised Rodrigo for her rise to stardom and powerful voice. Even as the show slowed down with calmer tunes, the atmosphere remained infectious and lively.
P1Harmony and (G)I-DLE, two of the lesser known art- ists and K-pop bands who performed, left the crowd in awe with dynamic performances and impressive vocal ranges. All of the artists were able to let their personalities shine due to the welcoming nature of the audience members, uniting in the love of music and artistry.
Out of all of the performances, Carpenter easilywon best dressed with gorgeous outfits that complemented her gracious yet angsty stage presence. Her Santa-inspired mini dress, decorated with rhinestones, lace, and white fur, paired excellently with her holiday soundtrack. Flo Rida was also dressed to impress, sporting his leather jacket layered with gold chains, an iconic look that was nostalgic for many long-time fans.
Horan stayed true to his artistic style by humbly singing on stage with just a microphone in front of him and a guitar in his hand, highlighting his melodic voice that was able to captivate the audience without gimmicks. Fans were pleased with Horan’s modest stage presence, as it aligned with the personality and character he presents online in interviews and promo videos.
To encourage holiday spirit, the hosts introduced exciting Christmas contests with high stakes and high rewards. These contests provided a fun break between sets, allowing audiences to let their vocal cords rest and keeping them engaged as the entire venue eagerly waited to see the results of the massive giveaways. The alluring prizes included large sums of money, a trip to Vegas, and VIP concert experiences.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN: Sabrina Carpenter impresses the crowd as she sings her new Christmas originals. Carpenter released her “fruitcake” album on Nov. 17, just in time to bring the holiday spirit to her fans and establish her singing career by gracing the crowd at Jingle Ball. Illustration by Walker Ellis and photo by Lauren Becker/ La Vista
Despite being an annual event, Jingle Ball continues to improve with each passing year. A nearly 50-year-long tradition, the event consistently introduces high-quality elements to enhance the overall performance. IHeartRadio always creates a perfectly diverse setlist, with top artists from the year, nos- talgic artists, and less popular artists to attract loyal fan bases and music lovers to one event. The Jingle Ball concert consistently produces a festive event with quality music, holiday cheer, and enthusiastic crowds.
The Los Angeles IHeartRadio Jingle Ball took place on Dec. 1., and the final concert will be held on Dec. 16 in Miami, Florida. For more information, visit iheartradio.com.
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