BY TER STAFF

Las Vegas’ T-Mobile arena came alive on Friday, September 22nd, as night one of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 unfolded. With a lineup that promised a fusion of musical legends, emerging stars, and surprise collaborations, the night held the promise of an unforgettable musical journey through a wide spectrum of genres.

The evening kicked off with the dynamic Agnez Mo, whose pre-show performance was a burst of energy that set the tone for the night. With her infectious stage presence and captivating vocals, she primed the crowd for a night of musical excellence.

Next, the iconic Lenny Kravitz graced the stage, reminding us all why he’s considered a rock legend. Opening with timeless classics like “American Woman” and “Fly Away,” Kravitz transported the audience back to the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll. His emotional rendition of “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” was a defining moment of the night, and his dramatic exit, leaping into the photo pit as his band played on, left an indelible mark.

Following Kravitz, TLC took center stage, reminding the world why they’re the best-selling female group of all time. The crowd danced and sang along as they opened with “Creep.” An emotional peak was reached during their heartfelt performance of “Unpretty,” a song close to their hearts. Their tribute to Lisa Lopes during “Waterfalls,” allowing her verse to resonate, was a touching gesture. They closed their set with electrifying renditions of “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls,” leaving the crowd begging for more.

Sheryl Crow, a newly minted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2023, made her iHeartRadio Festival debut with grace and charm. Hits like “If It Makes You Happy” and “Favorite Mistake” showcased her timeless songwriting and vocal prowess. The crowd couldn’t get enough of her stage presence, and they sang along with every word.

British singer Bakar brought his unique, experimental indie rock style to the festival, captivating the audience with his distinctive sound and stage presence. His performance was a testament to the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical talents.

Next, Lil Durk took the stage and surprised fans by bringing out none other than J. Cole, easily one of the best moments of the entire night. Their joint performance of “All My Life” was a hip-hop highlight, and the energy in the Sin City arena was electric.

A very different turn from Lil Durk, country music icon Tim McGraw took the stage in his all maroon outfit, exuding charisma as he delivered a charming and crowd-pleasing performance. His songs, spanning classic and contemporary hits, resonated with fans of all generations, and his stage presence was magnetic.

Adding a dose of rhythm and blues to the evening, R&B sensation Miguel took the stage despite an injured hand, proving his dedication to both his craft and his audience. He delivered his hits with unmatched passion, leaving a lasting impression, not to mention the way he blew fans away with his mesmerizing vocals.

Matching Lil Durk’s surprise guest, Kane Brown had a surprise of his own up his sleeve, inviting Khalid to join him for their hit track “Be Like That.” The unexpected collaboration left the crowd in awe and emphasized the power of music to unite artists and fans alike, even across genres.

Last but certainly not least, Lil Wayne closed out the epic lineup for night one, humbly reminding the crowd that his success was indebted to them. He then proceeded to perform some of his biggest hits, leaving the audience on an exhilarating high note.

Night one of the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2023 was a storm of musical talent and emotions. From country legends to emerging stars and rap icons, from unexpected collaborations to heartfelt tributes, this night had it all. It left the audience eagerly anticipating what the rest of the festival had in store, promising even more magical musical moments in the days to come. This was an extraordinary kickoff to a weekend of music that would surely be etched in the memories of all who attended.