As temperatures drop, holiday decorations hit shelves and pumpkin spice appears everywhere, it’s just a matter of months before the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball hits an arena near you. And in anticipation of the biggest tour in pop music, iHeartRadio has announced its first round of Jingle Ball 2016 artists.
Blessing a Jingle Ball stage near you, artists like Charlie Puth, Diplo, Daya and Fifth Harmony will perform at various Jingle Balls throughout the country. Don’t think that’s it for performs either, as many other huge artists are sure to join the tour, which saw performances from Selena Gomez, One Direction, The Weeknd and more in 2015.
This year the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2016 Tour presented by Capital One, will make stops in Dallas, San Francisco/San Jose, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Tamp and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, so you have virtually no excuse to not make it out.
Tickets for these dates will go fast however, so be sure to pick some up ASAP, with a pre-sale beginning on October 13 at 10 AM (local time) and runs through October 16. Tickets go on sale to the general public on October 17 at noon, and will be available at iHeartRadio.com/JingleBall.
Calvin Harris – Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Hours ago, pop superstar Ariana Grande stepped off stage at Chicago’s Allstate Arena for another great year of the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash. With some awesome performances from the biggest names in music, the packed crowd in Rosement, IL also saw sets from Meghan Trainor, EDM superstar Calvin Harris, Mike Posner, Charlie Puth, Daya and Bebe Rexha. Whether it was it was one of earlier sets from an emerging name in pop, or one of the night’s headlining sets, everyone from top to bottom delivered for the Windy City.
Kicking things off for the night in her Chicago Cubs jersey was 17-year-old singer, Daya. Although she is new to the game, she already has three big singles in constant rotation. Whether it’s her debut single ‘Hide Away’, her empowering anthem ‘Sit Still, Look Pretty’, or her Chainsmokers collaboration, ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, Daya is killing it, even before her high school graduation. Following Daya’s opening performance was the talented Bebe Rexha. Although she is still making a name for herself as a performer, you know more about the New York native than you think. She has written for a number of big artists in the past, including Eminem and Rihanna’s hit single ‘Monster’, but now if you ask her, the G-Eazy collaborator would tell you she’s focused on “me, myself and I.” Rexha isn’t far removed from her last performance at the Allstate, where she opened for singer Ellie Goulding, and as always she put on a memorable performance.
Next up was Mike Posner, who has been getting spins on B96 years ago, ever since his breakout single, ‘Cooler Than Me’. Now, many years removed from his debut album and college days, the Duke graduate is currently promoting his new album, At Night, Alone. Opening with a couple records off his new sophomore LP, Mike Posner brought some folk-influenced pop to the Chicago crowd. Although Mike kept it intimate with his album version of his newest hit single, ‘I Took a Pill in Ibiza’, he still found time to get the crowd hype when he took it back for ‘Cooler Than Me’. Fans left wanting more will be able to catch Posner back in the Windy City this August, as he supports Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato on their forthcoming tour.
Following Mike and his guitar was Charlie and his piano, Charlie of course, being singer/songwriter Charlie Puth. Opening with his Meghan Trainor collaboration, ‘Marvin Gaye’, Charlie killed it on the keys. And while his skills on the piano are more than impressive, the night was not about boasting, as Puth had the crowd light up the arena as he dedicated his performance of his #1 record, ‘See You Again’, to all the lives lost in Orlando. Moments later, after Puth said his goodbyes to the Chicago crowd, it was time to rage as Calvin Harris performed his only radio show of 2016. Getting the crowd moving to hit after hit, the highlight of Harris’ performance came as his new Rihanna collaboration, ‘This Is What You Came For’, was blasted throughout the Allstate.
After Calvin Harris and Charlie Puth’s performances, the other half of Puth’s ‘Marvin Gaye’ collaboration, that being Meghan Trainor, stepped on stage. Trainor opened with her most recent single, ‘Me Too’ and closed with her big 2016 record, ‘No’, but the crowd began to erupt as Meghan teased fans by performing a “brand new song that (she) wrote for Chicago”, which was really her smash hit, ‘All About That Bass’.
Soon after Trainor stepped off stage, it was time for the birthday girl, singer Ariana Grande, to bless fans with her headlining performance. Grande, who turned 23 today, gave an extra special performance for Chicago tonight, and it is hard to imagine a better way for her to celebrate her big day. The entire crowd sang Happy Birthday for the ‘Dangerous Woman’ singer as she emerged, and in return she sang a collection of her biggest hits to date, giving the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash an ending to remember.
Check out our photos from the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash below.
Perhaps one of the most impressive and underrated pop tours this spring, Charlie Puth brought his sold-out Nine Track Mind Tour to Chicago’s Park West with singers Phoebe Ryan and Sophie Beem.
Kicking off the night was Parkwood Music artist Sophie Beem. Tonight was Sophie’s first ever show in Chicago and it certainly won’t be her last. The singer/songwriter picked up a number of new fans with her Justin Bieber ‘Love Youself’ cover as she celebrated the new release of her self-titled EP with Chicago. Only 16-years-old, Sophie Beem is new to the game but she isn’t going anywhere. Expect a lot from this exciting young artist, and given she is Beyonce’s artist, what other reasons do you need to add Sophie Beem to your playlist?
Next up was 25-year-old ‘Mine’ singer Phoebe Ryan. And while Phoebe gave an awesome performance for EDM fans last summer at Chicago’s North Coast Music Festival, Ryan did even better tonight when performing for a pop crowd in an intimate theatre setting. Highlights of her set included Ryan’s performance of her new addictive single ‘Chronic’. And it was only right that during Ryan’s stay in Chicago that she perform her awesome cover/mashup of Chicago’s own, R. Kelly’s ‘Ignition Remkx’, mashed with Miguel’s ‘Do You’. It’s no wonder that Phoebe Ryan is one of Taylor Swifts favorite artists right now.
Soon after Ryan stepped off stage, it was time for the man of the night, singer/songwriter Charlie Puth. Made famous from his writing and vocals on the Wiz Khalifa assisted smash hit, ‘See You Again’, Puth is not only one of the most exciting pop artists to watch right now, but he is perhaps the best young songwriter in music today. From his memorable performances tonight, of his singles ‘One Call Away’ and his Meghan Trainor collaboration ‘Marvin Gaye’ to some of his B-sides from his new debut album Nine Track Mind (where his current tour get its name), Charlie Puth put on a show that the Windy City will not soon forget. Live instruments at pop concerts are not dead, and Charlie Puth is living proof of that tonight.
Check out our photos from tonight’s performance below and check out the remaining dates from Puth’s Nine Track Mind Tourhere.
If you didn’t know by now, Charlie Puth is definitely #TeamSelena. Currently on his Nine Track Mind Tour, Charlie Puth shared some strong words for the Purpose singer the other night in Dallas. “F*ck you, Justin Bieber,” Puth shared with the Dallas crowd while performing his Selena Gomez collaboration ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’. Puth later tweeted that he was simply joking around and has nothing but great things to say about the ‘Love Yourself’ singer, but either way, he definitely got quite a positive reaction from his sold-out crowd in Texas.
Watch Puth call out the Biebs below and check out Puth’s tour dates and see if he is coming to a city near you.
Chicago is bar none one of the best cities for live music, not only in the U.S. but in the world. Whether you are seeing an intimate performance at the Concord Music Hall, a packed show at some of the city’s most historic venues like the Chicago Theatre or the Aragon Ballroom, one of the cities awesome music festivals, or even a huge production at the United Center, Chicago has something for everyone.
And right now, even in the middle of winter, it’s a great time to catch a show in the Windy City. This month alone fans can check out some performances by rapper GoldLink, R&B’s super emerging artist Bryson Tiller, the talented Carly Rae Jepsen, American soul singer Leon Bridges and many more.
Bryson Tiller @ House of Blues (3/4)
In just a few days Bryson Tiller is bring his T R A P S O U L Tour to Chicago’s House of Blues. With a scheduled opening performance from They., which will surely set the tone for the rest of the night, there is not a better place to be this Friday than Chicago’s Marina City. Unfortunately if you haven’t got your tickets yet, you may be out of luck, as tickets are all sold-out. But for those lucky enough to get tickets on time, you are surely on track to start off this upcoming weekend on a high note.
Carly Rae Jepsen @ The Metro (3/12)
Courtesy of The Huffington Post
Don’t necessarily expect her to perform her Full House theme cover that picked up a lot of buzz on the internet, but you can certainly expect Carly Rae Jepsen to put on a great show at The Metro in Chicago next week. The ‘Call Me Maybe’ singer and Canada native put out one of the best albums last year, with her latest LP Emotion, and if her live shows are half as good as her new album, then fans will definitely get their money’s worth March 12th. Tickets for this one are all sold-out, so if you missed out, definitely be sure to get your tickets on time when Carly Rae comes back to the Windy City.
GoldLink @ The Chop Shop & 1st Ward (3/9)
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
GoldLink is easily one of the most exciting rappers to watch in 2016. Last year he introduced himself to many, while opening for Mac Miller on his GO:OD AM Tour. So after picking up a bunch of new fans in 2015, 2016 is definitely the year of GoldLink. He has a huge co-sign from Rick Rubin, his lyrics are more than impressive, and anyone who has seen him live will tell you that he puts on a great show. Tickets for this one are a steal, only $16, so get them now before they are all gone.
Fall Out Boy @ The United Center (3/12)
Fall Out Boy is expected to put on one hell of show next week at the United Center. Accompanied by AWOLNATION and Pvris, expect Pete Wentz and company to blow the roof off at the house that Michael Jordan built. Chicago definitely shows love for Fall Out Boy so tickets have been gone for quite some time, but if you’re one of the many thousands to be in attendance next week, be prepared to have a night that you won’t soon forget.
Leon Bridges @ The Chicago Theatre (3/11)
Courtesy of LeonBridges.com
Leon Bridges had an amazing 2015 and it seems like he has been on tour ever since we first heard his name. His debut album Coming Home was by far one of the best projects of last year, it landed Bridges his first (of many to come) Grammy nomination, his live performances are critically acclaimed, and you can see all the above for yourself at the history Chicago Theatre on March 11th. Tickets for this one as well, have long been sold out, so if you already have your tickets, get ready for a great show.
Charlie Puth & Phoebe Ryan @ Park West (3/22)
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Charlie Puth probably had the best year imaginable in 2015. His Wiz Khalifa-assisted smash hit ‘See You Again’ was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, song of 2015, and most importantly it introduced Charlie Puth to the world and showcased his amazing song-writing skills. His new single ‘One Call Away’ is getting a lot of traction on pop radio, and you can see the talented singer-songwriter perform at Lincoln Park’s Park West on March 22nd with the equally talented Phoebe Ryan. Expect Puth to perform a number of tracks from his 2016 debut album, Nine Track Mind, and Ryan to perform a number of her fan favorites, including her new single ‘Chronic’. Tickets are all sold out, so if you didn’t get yours in time, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep a close eye on Puth, as he is easily one of the most exciting pop artists to watch this year.
Hermitude @ The Chop Shop & 1st Ward (3/10)
Following their sold-out headlining tour last fall, Australian hip-hop duo Hermitude are returning to the Windy City for a headlining show at The Chop Shop & 1st Ward. On March 10th fans are sure to hear a number of cuts from the duo’s latest LP, Dark Night Sweet Light, which was well received by many. The album featured the likes of Big K.R.I.T., Chuck Inglish, Estelle, Pell and more. And even if you can’t make it to the Chop Shop this month, be sure to make the trip down to Manchester, TN to see the guys perform at Bonnaroo this year! Get your tickets for Hermitude’s forthcoming Chicago show before they are all sold out, here.
Last night iHeartRadio and 103.5 KISS FM brought the Jingle Ball Tourto Chicago’s Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. With a sold out-crowd watching, some of the biggest names in music performed for the Windy City crowd on Wednesday night. Artists like Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas, 5 Seconds of Summer, Shawn Mendes, Tove Lo, Hailee Steinfeld, DNCE and (just to name a few) where there to give the packed arena a more than memorable show.
Fans did not waste any time showing up as ‘She’s Kinda Hot’ rockers, 5 Seconds of Summer kicked off the show. Soon after Chicago fans were treated to a beautiful performance from singer/songwriter Charlie Puth, who performed his Paul Walker dedicated track ‘See You Again’, as well as his Meghan Trainor collaboration, ‘Marvin Gaye’.
Next up was singer Conrad Sewell, still a new name to many, but who left a lot of concert goes impressed by his set. Known most for his single ‘Hold Me Up’, Conrad definitely held his own amongst the pop stars on the lineup. To up the energy though, Sewell was followed by newcomers DNCE, led by Joe Jonas. Out of all performances, no one met the fun energy that DNCE brought, especially during the highlight of their set when they performed their best known record, ‘Cake By The Ocean’.
Like Sewell, many may not have expected for R. City to put up one of the night’s best performances. Reminding everyone of their work with other artists, R. City told a moving story behind their Adam Levin-assisted single ‘Locked Away’, and in total put together an awesome set. Soon after R. City hopped off stage, singer Tove Lo put together a great performance of her own. While Tove Lo may be an indie artist on a pop lineup, her records have still dominated the radio, with the entire crowd knowing every word of Tove’s top tracks.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
The screams may have been the loudest last night when singer Shawn Mendes hit the stage. While the singer got his initial fame through the phone app Vine, with the monster success of his single ‘Stiches’ (which can still be heard everywhere), Mendes is well on his way to becoming a household name. In the past year alone, Mendes has performed in Chicago a handful of times, including an opening set for Taylor Swift on her 1989 World Tour at Soldier Field. Then to close his set, Mendes invited Fifth Harmony’s Camila Cebello to perform their new single, ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’.
Shawn Mendes wasn’t the only Taylor Swift-associated artist on the lineup though, as next up was singer Hailee Steinfeld. You may know her from her acting (True Grit, Pitch Perfect 2) or even her appearance in T-Swift’s music video for ‘Bad Blood’, but if you don’t know her yet by her singer, you definitely will soon. Steinfeld’s record ‘I Love Myself’ is one of the funnest singles of the second half of 2015, and while she is still new to the game, you wouldn’t guess it by her stage presence.
Following Steinfeld was Fifth Harmony, as Camila Cabello returned to the stage after her huge performance with Mendes. Although Cebello and Mendes make a great team, she makes an even better one with the rest of the Fifth Harmony girls, first made famous on The X Factor. Ever since forming years ago in 2012, Fifth Harmony has consistently put out some big singles.
With the night beginning to wrap up, the energy and talent did not drop off as Selena Gomez hit the stage. Opening her set, mixing some of her new singles with the old (‘Same Old Love’ and ‘Love You Like a Love Song’), Gomez’s set was extended when compared to some of those before her, and rightfully so. While some of music’s biggest emerging names kicked off the show, it was only right that a superstar like Gomez get some extra time with the sold-out crowd.
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
To end the night was a headlining set from Nick Jonas. Providing a much different vibe than his brother Joe did earlier in the night, Jonas brought more than enough energy of his own, while reminding us of just how many hits he already has in his relatively young career as a solo artist. Performing a number of hits from his most recent album (his first in many years), including ‘Levels’ and ‘Chains’, Jonas certainly gave a memorable ending to the awesome night!
Check out our photos from the Jingle Ball last night in Chicago below, and if you’re anywhere near Florida, make sure you catch the tour on its last stops this week!
Last night iHeartRadio and 103.5 KISS FM brought the Jingle Ball Tourto Chicago’s Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. With a sold out-crowd watching, some of the biggest names in music performed for the Windy City crowd on Wednesday night. And before your favorite artists hit the stage, we caught them on the red carpet dressed to the nines. Nick Jonas, 5 Seconds of Summer, Shawn Mendes, Tove Lo, Hailee Steinfeld, DNCE and many more where there last night looking their best, so peep our red carpet photos and definitely stay tuned as we share more coverage and photos from last night’s performances real soon!
Check out our photos from the Jingle Ball red carpet last night in Chicago below, and if you’re anywhere near Florida, make sure you catch the tour on its last stops this week!
The Early Registration 