In a city where the stakes are high, and dreams can come true with the roll of the dice, the iHeartRadio Music Festival rolled back into Las Vegas for another unforgettable weekend. Known for bringing together some of the biggest names in music across all genres, the annual festival transforms the T-Mobile Arena into a music playground where pop stars, rock legends, and country crooners all share the same stage. It’s not just about the performances, it’s about the experience, and there’s no better place to have it than the neon-lit streets of Vegas.

Every September, this two-day extravaganza draws music lovers, high-rollers, and casual fans alike to indulge in an incredible lineup of performers, and 2024 was no different. The iHeartRadio Music Festival has become a bucket list event, a place where once-in-a-lifetime collaborations and surprise guests are just as likely as hitting a royal flush on the strip. With the iconic backdrop of the Vegas Strip, the festival turns up the heat with its all star, featuring everyone from chart-topping pop icons to legendary rock acts.

The energy in the air on Friday night was palpable, like a gambler on a hot streak about to pull the lever one more time. Fans poured into the arena with high expectations, ready to see their favorite artists deliver the hits. For those who couldn’t be there in person, the show was broadcast live to fans across the globe, but let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like experiencing it all in the heart of Sin City. The festival has earned its reputation as a place where anything can happen, and this year was no exception. Friday’s lineup was a perfect blend of nostalgia, emerging talent, and fan favorites that made it feel like you were cashing in on a full house every time a new artist hit the stage.

With the bright lights of the casinos beckoning outside, it was time to double down on the music.

The Black Crowes: Kicking Things Off

The Black Crowes swooped in first, and boy, did they open strong with “Twice as Hard” and “Wanting and Waiting.” Lead singer Chris Robinson brought rock’n’roll grit to Vegas like he was holding an ace up his sleeve, especially when they tore through their hit Otis Redding cover, “Hard to Handle.” It was almost as if their guitar riffs were playing poker with the audience’s emotions—everyone was all in when “She Talks to Angels” started, and they doubled down with “Remedy” to close. Their performance was twice as nice, even without a casino chip in sight.

The New Camila Cabello

Next up was Camila Cabello, and she came to play—opening with her Playboi Carti-assisted “I LUV IT.” From the sultry beats of “Havana” to the romantic vibes of “Senorita,” Camila had the crowd swooning. And just when you thought you’d folded, she dropped her wild card to close her set, “Never Be the Same”, reminding everyone why she’s one of pop’s best players. It’s safe to say she left her heart and voice on the Vegas strip.

Gwen Stefani: No Doubt, She’s Still Got It

Gwen Stefani, strutted onstage like she owned the entire casino floor, opening with “The Sweet Escape.” Wearing her signature ponytail, a pink plaid ensemble, and black boots, Gwen was giving all the glam Vegas deserves. She debuted the live performance of “Somebody Else’s,” the next single off her forthcoming album “Bouquet”. From “Don’t Speak” to “Just a Girl,” she reminded everyone of her ska-punk roots before turning up the fun with “Hollaback Girl.” This set wasn’t just bananas; it was B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

Thomas Rhett Brings Georgia to Nevada

Thomas Rhett was up next, bringing a little southern charm to Sin City in his all-denim outfit. He opened with “Beautiful As You,” and for a moment, it felt like we were at a country dive bar instead of a mega-arena. Vegas odds were on his heartfelt “Die a Happy Man” being a crowd favorite, and he cashed in. With hits like “Make Me Wanna” and “Boots,” Rhett proved he’s got a knack for making country music feel at home in the desert heat. After all the bars were closed, he left the stage with nothing but smiles, like a lucky gambler walking away from the slots.

Shaboozy Goes 1 for 1

Shaboozy brought his smooth, genre-blending style to the stage with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” offering a refreshing cocktail of sounds that Las Vegas wasn’t ready for. Sporting a shirt from Desert 5 Spot, the Los Angeles country bar, Shaboozy kept the one song performance full of energy, letting his lyrics speak louder than the slots from the neighboring casinos. A perfect breather before the headliners stormed the stage.

Paramore Gets Real

Hayley Williams and Paramore came to burn the house down, kicking off with “Hard Times” and a killer cover of Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House.” But it wasn’t just their music that had everyone talking; Hayley’s all-blue outfit was an eye-catcher. Inspired by Blondie’s 1979 live performance on The Midnight Special, Williams rocked a blue dress, fishnet stockings, heels, and a matching headband. If the iconic Debbie Harry had fronted a 2024 pop-punk band, it would’ve looked exactly like this.

But Paramore didn’t just come to give us a history lesson in music fashion. During “Big Man, Little Dignity,” Williams made a passionate plea for political action, specifically calling out Donald Trump and Project 2025. “It is time for all Americans to band together and finally defeat the Trump agenda,” she urged. “And the only way to do that is by confronting him at the polls. Do you want to live in a dictatorship? Well, show up and vote.” The crowd roared in agreement as she continued, “Project 2025 is Donald Trump’s playbook for controlling and punishing women, poor people, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.”

The rest of the set brought fans back to the music they’ve come to know and love, including an emotional performance of “The Only Exception.” They closed out their set with the energetic anthem “Ain’t It Fun,” reminding everyone that Paramore is still as fresh and relevant as ever. Hayley Williams may have taken a bold stance on stage, but she left the audience dancing, proving that a little fun with a message can make the biggest impact.

Dua Lipa: Sparkling and Stunning

And finally, closing out the night was one of the queens of pop herself, Dua Lipa, dressed in a jaw-dropping black sparkly dress and bedazzled boots that had more shimmer than a disco ball. Dua opened with “Training Season” before elevating the energy with “Levitating”—and that’s no illusion. She dropped hit after hit, from “New Rules” to “Don’t Start Now,” and by the time she finished with “Houdini,” she’d completely disappeared—but not before taking everyone’s breath away. If there was ever a pop performance that felt like hitting the jackpot, this was it.

Saturday Night

But the iHeartRadio Music Festival isn’t over yet! Night two is coming in hot with Big Sean, Doja Cat, Halsey, The Weeknd, Hozier, Keith Urban, New Kids On The Block, Victoria Monét, and Chris Martin. If Friday was any indicator, Saturday’s lineup will surely have fans betting on another unforgettable night.

So, whether you’re hitting the tables or just here for the tunes, the iHeartRadio Music Festival is proving to be a gamble worth taking this weekend!