Recording artist Miley Cyrus performs onstage during KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2013 at Staples Center on December 6, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.
LA’s number one hit music station, KIIS FM held their annual holiday concert, Jingle Ball at Staples Center on Friday, Dec. 6,2013. The year’s lineup was nothing short of star studded and featured performances by Miley Cyrus, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Selena Gomez, Enrique Iglesias, Robin Thicke, Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Jason Derulo, Fifth Harmony and Travie McCoy.
Ryan Seacrest hosted the event alongside the entire KIIS FM family, including Ellen K, Jesse Lozano, Sisanie, JoJo Wright, Chuey Martinez and Hollywood’s hottest celebrities. The event began with a free pre-show celebration at the KIIS FM Jingle Ball Village which included performances by Fifth Harmony, Mobbie McKee, New Politics and Travie McCoy. The event also included a carnival with a ferris wheel and fashion runway show by Sears, all which were free to the public.
The concert began promptly at 7:30 pm with Travie McCoy in his trademark beenie and harem cargo pants. He kicked off the show with “Billionaire” followed by “Ass Back Home” and his current single “Rough Waters” featuring Jason Mraz. He then asked the crowd to make a heart with their hands, put it up in the air and stick their pink out like an “antenna” leading into his last song, “Stereo Heart.”
Next up was New Politics. The lead singer, Davis Boyd, put on quite the performance with his freestyle break dancing, head stands and joining the drummer to play the snare with his foot. The band ended their act with one of the singles they’re best known for “Harlem.”
Jason Derulo did not disappoint starting out with two of his singles he’s most famous for “In My Head” which he ended in splits and “Whatcha Say.” He continued with his current single “Marry Me,” which is an emotional song inspired by girlfriend Jordan Sparks followed by “Solo,” “It Girl” and “The Other Side.” Through his act he showed off his amazing dance moves, which included doing a 360 moonwalk across the stage and breakdancing with his backup dancers before ending his act by talking off his black wife beater, exposing his toned abs, and throwing it to one lucky girl in the front row.
The girl group, Fifth Harmony, formed on the 2012 season of The X Factor took the stage next with their 2013 single, “Miss Movin’ On” and “Dance Alone.” The girls wore Varsity Jackets as they performed in synchronized choreography.
Spanish heartthrob, Enrique Iglesias, started his set with “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You),” “I Like How it Feels” and current single, “Heart Attack”. He joined the audience during “I Like It” before having to be brought back on stage by a security guard who carried the singer from the audience to the stage in the fetal position. He had a young boy join him on stage, handed him the mic, and ended his show with the fan mimicking his every move.
Robin Thicke performed “Give It To You” followed by his smash single “Blurred Lines” with a special guest appearance by T.I. where he shared his excitement about being nominated for his first Grammy early in the night at the Grammy Museum. Selena Gomez displayed a darker look with short black bob and vamp dark lips. The former Disney starlet had technical difficulties when her mic wouldn’t work and so fans did not get to enjoy a full set from the starlet.
Right after, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were introduced by Ryan Seacrest who shared the news of their Grammy nominations earlier in the night. The duo began with their first single and #1 hit “Thrift Shop”. Mary Lambert joined them for their popular duet “Same Love,” while Macklemore expressed his strive for equality, a message expressed in this song. Current single “Cadillac” was next and the act ended with “The Heist” joined by Ray Dalton.
Youtube sensation Austin Mahone received a warm welcome by the large number of teen girls who were excited to see the singer/dancer. He performed his popular single “say Something” followed by my personal favorite, “What About Love?.” The teen dawned a new haircut similar to Justin Bieber’s trademark in his more humble beginnings.
Performer Ariana Grande wasn’t shy about expressing her frustration over sound complications when she excused herself to exchange her mic for one that actually worked. She joke that at least we know she’s not “tracked” when we saw her lips moving but couldn’t here her. She performed “Right There,” “Last Christmas,” and “Honeymoon Avenue,” before ending with her top-ten hit, “The Way,” which truly showcased her amazing vocals and mainstream success at such a young age.
The most anticipated performer of the evening Miley Cyrus, closed the show. The audience was eager to see what crazy set the former Disney star had up her sleeve. She took the stage as a sexy Santa’s helper in her trademark hot pants and cropped top in red sequins, a perfect look for the holiday season. She began with “Party in the USA” as her backup dancers were dressed as sexy reindeers in white leotards. Ashley from Hollywood’s Beacher’s Madhouse was dressed as a giant Christmas Tree, and little person was in a silver metallic jumpsuit. The holiday inspired theme wouldn’t be compete without a Naughty Santa taking the stage as she continued with “We Won’t Stop” and a cover of Lana Del Ray’s smash single, “Summertime Sadness.” The concert ended with her current hit single, “Wrecking Ball” in which she became emotional. The ballad is rumored about her ex-fiancé Liam Hemsworth. Despite the multiple technical difficulties, the concert was a great way to begin the holiday season with performances from top recording artists after a jam-packed pre show.
KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2013 was presented By T-Mobile in Partnership With Samsung. KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2013 is part of the national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2013 Tour, the season’s biggest annual music event that captures the holiday spirit of the iHeartRadio app, in Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Tampa and Miami. This year’s official charity is The Ryan Seacrest Foundation – $1.00 of each ticket sold will be donated to the non-profit organization which is dedicated to inspiring today’s youth through entertainment and education focused initiatives.
-Sanaz Sarshad
