BY TER STAFF

The final night of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 23rd, was nothing short of legendary, delivering another unmatched diverse lineup of the biggest names in music across all different genres.

To get things started right, the evening kicked off with an explosive performance by the iconic rap group Public Enemy. Their electrifying presence and powerful lyrics set the tone for the entire evening, reminding the audience of their enduring influence on rap and the music scene as a whole.

Next up was the incomparable Foo Fighters, led by the charismatic Dave Grohl. Grohl’s declaration that they should return to play for three hours next time was met with thunderous applause, emphasizing just how much the crowd loved their performance. In a heartfelt moment, they paid homage to Public Enemy, citing them as one of their all-time favorite bands, bridging the generation gap with music that transcends time. Foo Fighters are perhaps the best performers in rock touring today, yet were just one of many artist on Saturday’s bill.

30 Seconds To Mars, fronted by the ever-energetic Jared Leto, took the stage next and left a lasting impression. Their inclusion of an Elvis (and no, not Elvis Duran) impersonator in their set added a playful twist to the Vegas theme, and Leto’s interaction with fans, inviting them on stage, created an unforgettable experience. Leto’s energy was palpable as he ventured into the crowd, running through the arena, making it a night to remember.

Kelly Clarkson’s performance felt like a full-circle moment, introduced by none other than Ryan Seacrest, who hosted the show that catapulted her to stardom, American Idol. Clarkson showcased her powerful vocals, delivering her new singles, including the heartfelt “Lighthouse.” She also treated fans to classics like “Stronger” and “Miss Independent,” taking everyone down memory lane. Her set, which culminated with “Since You’ve Been Gone,” was nothing short of spectacular.

Fall Out Boy followed, opening with the fiery “Love From The Other Side” and delivering a string of their greatest hits. The band gave fans a taste of their upcoming 2023 tour, and the surprise appearance of Pete Wentz’s flamethrower guitar during their rendition of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” added a thrilling twist to their set.

Last but certainly not least was Travis Scott, who made a historic comeback after his hiatus from live performances in the United States since the Astroworld tragedy in 2021. His high-energy performance was signature Travis Scott, with mind-blowing energy and an electrifying stage presence. Bringing “Utopia” to Las Vegas marked a momentous end to this year’s festival, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement.

Overall, the final night of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 was a rollercoaster of emotions, from nostalgia and tribute to explosive energy and historic comebacks. Each artist left an indelible mark on the T-Mobile Arena stage, making it a night that will be talked about for years to come. Las Vegas was the perfect backdrop for this musical extravaganza, and it was a fitting conclusion to a festival that celebrates the diversity and power of music.