LA’s iHeart Radio Jingle Ball Recap

Photo by Kathleen C.

Kathleen Catamisan, Staff Writer

On December 4, iHeart Radio hosted their annual LA Jingle Ball at Staples Center. I was able to attend such a great event and witness a bunch of artists perform on one stage. The night was filled with dancing, singing, and crying.

When I first found my seat, the lights were all on, and the crowd was buzzing. The lights all turned off and a countdown appeared on the three screens. The show started off with Australian band, 5 Seconds of Summer. The boys came on to the stage with an unexplainable energy, and pumped the crowd with their upbeat music.

image1
Calum Hood of 5 Seconds of Summer Photo by Kathleen C.

A couple songs later, the band sadly ended their set and the stage was cleared. Later performances included Tove Lo, DNCE, Ellie Goulding, Charlie Puth, and many more.

Although the crowd came to support different artists, Directioners seemed to dominate the crowd. All throughout the show, all I heard around me was “When is One Direction coming on? They’re the only reason why I’m here.” I was able to relate with them, and soon Zedd came on with sick beats that got the entire crowd jumping and dancing. After his long set, the screen turns black and a speaker announces, “Don’t go anywhere, One Direction is up next.” All around me screams erupted. After a mini break, Ryan Seacrest comes on stage and announces, “Here, performing on our Jingle Ball stage for their last show in the US before their break, is One Direction!” Screams filled the stadium and the boys came onto the stage. The first chords to “Drag Me Down” starts, and the entire stadium starts to sing along. Sadly, 30 minutes later, their set ends. They have their final bow, and all around me loud screams and cries erupt.

After One Direction’s set, Shawn Mendes came on, earning another round of screams from the crowd. He brings out special guest, Camila Cabello and they perform “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” After Shawn, Selena Gomez and DNCE performs, and finally we’re down to our last act of the night. Right before the final act comes on Ryan Seacrest comes back and thanks the crowd for attending, and finally he says, “Now for our last act, The Weeknd!” Screams filled the stadium as he came out. Abel pumps up the crowd, playing his smash hit “I Can’t Feel My Face” and many more. After his set, he exits, and the lights fill the stadium once again. People start filing out the exits, and just like that the night is over.
Jingle Ball 2015 was a success. It was also an experience that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Although it won’t be until next year that these artists come back to Staples Center, LA will be patiently waiting for them to come back again!