Tag Archives: Keith Urban

Review: A Star-Studded Night Two at iHeartRadio Music Festival 2024 with Hozier, Doja Cat, The Weeknd and More

If you thought Friday night at the iHeartRadio Music Festival was a wild ride, Saturday night took things to a whole new level. With a lineup that stretched from country superstar Keith Urban to pop sensation Doja Cat, and closing out with The Weeknd’s electrifying performance, it was like playing every card in the deck—and winning big every time. The second night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas had something for every music lover, from the nostalgic beats of New Kids On the Block to the heart-wrenching soul of Hozier. And with special guests and surprise debuts, this show turned out to be a sure bet.

With performances that felt like hitting the jackpot time and time again, the energy in the crowd was electric from the moment New Kids On the Block helped kick things off. The night featured everything from intimate acoustic moments to high-octane pop anthems, and every artist brought their A-game. Las Vegas may be known for its blinding lights and high stakes, but the real magic on Saturday was inside the arena, where music reigned supreme.

New Kids On the Block: And a Nostalgic Crossover

Opening night two was none other than the boy band legends themselves, New Kids On the Block. Decked out in classic ‘90s swagger, they took the crowd on a trip down memory lane with “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “Step by Step.” But the real surprise hand came when they brought out Flavor Flav to join them for an unexpected mash-up of “Hangin’ Tough” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” It was the perfect mix of nostalgia and Vegas-style showmanship, and the crowd ate it up. For fans of the old school, this was the moment they had been betting on.

Big Sean Represents for the Rappers

Next up was Big Sean, and he didn’t come to play—well, not just to play. Sean tore through a high-energy set that included the live debut of “It Is What It Is” and classics like “Mercy” and “Bounce Back.” Dressed in black leather over a white tee, Sean looked every bit the rap star, and the crowd couldn’t get enough when he dropped “I Don’t F*ck With You.” His performance was as entertaining as ever, reminding everyone that Big Sean’s always a Big Deal when it comes to live performances.

Keith Urban Gives Vegas some Country Sounds

Keith Urban brought his signature mix of country and rock to the stage, opening with “Straight Line.” Dressed in black pants and a red plaid shirt, Urban reminded everyone that country can hold its own in a festival lineup packed with pop and hip-hop stars. “Blue Ain’t Your Color” had the crowd swaying, while “Wasted Time” brought the energy right back up. Urban’s guitar skills were on full display, and he played every note like it was a winning hand.

Victoria Monét: Pure R&B Gold

Victoria Monét made her iHeartRadio debut with a performance that was pure gold. Opening with “Alright,” she delivered an effortlessly smooth R&B set that included crowd favorites like “Ass Like That” and the sultry “Jaguar.” Monét commanded the stage with elegance and swagger, and when she closed out with “On My Mama,” the audience was right there with her. Her performance was a slow burn, building the energy perfectly for the artists to follow.

Chris Martin: Acoustic Heartstrings

Chris Martin’s set brought the crowd to a quiet, intimate place with acoustic versions of Coldplay classics like “A Sky Full of Stars” and “Viva la Vida.” Performing in his signature understated style, Martin reminded the audience why his songs are the soundtrack to so many lives. In a surprise moment, he brought out Elyanna to join him on the track “We Pray,” adding an extra layer of magic to an already stellar set. For a moment, it felt like we were all gathered around a campfire, listening to stories told through song.

Hozier: Soulful and Soaring

Hozier followed with a hauntingly beautiful set that included “Nobody’s Soldier,” “Work Song,” and, of course, his massive hit “Take Me to Church.” Dressed in an all-grey suit, Hozier looked like a man who had wandered straight out of a dream, and his voice matched that vibe perfectly. His performance was a masterclass in soulful vulnerability, making everyone in the crowd feel like they were part of something deeply intimate—even in an arena of thousands.

Halsey: Fiery and Fearless

Halsey, fresh off her engagement to Avan Jogia, hit the stage with fire and passion—and red hair to match. She opened with “Nightmare” and powered through hits like “Without Me” and “Closer.” Dressed in a dress shirt, suspenders, and pants, Halsey looked fierce and fearless, delivering every song with the intensity she’s known for. The raw emotion of “You Should Be Safe” hit hard, but she quickly flipped the energy back up with her closing track, “Ego.” Halsey doesn’t hold back, and Saturday night was no exception.

Doja Cat Delivers

Doja Cat scratched her way to the top with a high-energy set that kept everyone on their feet. She opened with the “WYM Freestyle” before launching into “Demons” and fan-favorite “Say So.” In a white tank top and gray pants, Doja kept it simple—but her performance was anything but. “Agora Hills” had the crowd hyped, and by the time she finished with “Paint the Town Red,” it was clear she had solidified her status as a pop powerhouse. Every move, every beat—Doja Cat owned the night.

The Weeknd: Full Production, Full Perfection

Closing out night two was none other than The Weeknd, and if you thought his performance was just going to be a few songs and done, think again. The full production set featured about 50 dancers, perfectly complementing his stage presence. He opened with his new single “Dancing in the Flames” and kept the energy high with “Take My Breath” and “Blinding Lights.” When he closed with “Dancing in the Flames” again—this time the full version—it felt like he had taken the crowd through a journey and brought them back again. It was the perfect final act for a night that had already seen so many highlights.

And That’s a Wrap

Night two of the iHeartRadio Music Festival was everything fans could have hoped for and more. With a lineup that delivered hit after hit, it was a fitting end to an unforgettable weekend. From The Weeknd’s fiery finale to Keith Urban’s country-rock swagger, there was something for everyone. Here’s to another jackpot weekend of music magic in Las Vegas!

Keith Urban Rocks Milwaukee’s BMO Harris Bradley Center with his ripCORD World Tour

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Moments ago, Country superstar Keith Urban stepped off stage after delivering a memorable performance for his biggest Milwaukee fans at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, on one of the many stops on his headlining ripCORD World Tour. Joined by newcomer Maren Morris and excited Cubs fan/Atlantic Nashville recording artist Brett Eldredge, the ripCORD ripped through the Bradley Center, delivering a number of great performances.

And to say Urban came with great company would be a massive understatement. Kicking off the night was the Country Music Award‘s freshly crowned “New Artist of the Year”, Maren Morris. Perhaps the most exciting breakout star in Country music today, Morris’ major label debut, Hero, debuted number one on the Billboard Country charts earlier this year, something especially rare for a rookie. Performing a number of records from her critically acclaimed LP, including ’80s Mercedes’ and ‘My Church’, Milwaukee couldn’t have experienced the Texas native’s rise at any better time, and she certainly picked up a number of new fans after her opening set. Don’t be surprised if the next time Morris returns to the Milwaukee, is on another big stage and as a headlining act.

Next up was perhaps the happiest County artist in the world, Chicago Cubs fan and Illinois native, Brett Eldredge.  Eldredge celebrated the Cubs’ World Series victory earlier this week by catching the Series in person with his father and brother, and he continued his celebration earlier this morning, joining the Cubs for their victory parade in Chicago, just 90 miles south. But as the lights dimmed, and it was time for Eldredge to step on stage, it was all about the music.

Equally as exciting in Eldredge’s life right now is his brand new album, Glow. His third studio LP, and his first Christmas album, Eldredge stepped back from promoting his new track (still a tad premature for Christmas), and instead performed a number of his biggest records and fan favorites to date. From his opening performance of ‘Lose My Mind’ to the end of his set with his No. 1 single ‘Don’t Ya’, energy levels stayed through the roof at all times.

After a brief intermission, while crew prepared for Keith Urban’s headlining performance, it was time for the man of the night to greet the Milwaukee crowd. On his eleventh tour, supporting his tenth studio album, Ripcord, Urban opening his set with his 2016 LP’s opening record, ‘Gone Tomorrow (Here Today)’, and from that moment the crowd rocked with Urban and enjoyed their night while realizing just that. Even though the tour moves on to the next city tomorrow, Urban and his Wisconsin fans had the entire night to enjoy together.

Following with tracks like ‘Long Hot Summer’, ‘Break On Me’ and ‘Where the Blacktop Ends’, the New Zealand-born singer hopped between records from the new album and some of his biggest career hits. With various highlights throughout his set, including a few songs performed at a B-stage near the soundboard, Urban closed the main portion of his nearly 20-song setlist with performances of his Ripcord tracks ‘John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16’ and ‘Wasted Time’, before stepping off stage. That was not all for Milwaukee however, as Keith Urban returned for an encore performance, capping off his 2-hour headlining set with an acoustic performance of his 2006 track ‘Stupid Boy’, and then ending a memorable night with his Fuse single, ‘Raise Em Up’. We can’t guarantee that Eldredge’s Cubs will win another World Series in your lifetime, but you can definitely bet that Urban will likely return with another tour of great Country Music.

Check out our photos below and see the remaining dates on Urban’s ripCORD World Tour here.

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