Fans get weekend of music magic at iHeartRadio Music Festival

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By Chelsey Mayo

Approximately 20,000 attendees flooded the arena Friday, Sept. 18 with anticipation for the exciting night ahead. Photo by Chelsey Mayo
Approximately 20,000 attendees flooded the arena Friday, Sept. 18 with anticipation for the exciting night ahead. Photo by Chelsey Mayo

The iHeartRadio Music Festival commenced its fifth anniversary this year in Las Vegas with the two-day festival on Sept. 18 and 19. People traveled from all around the world to see the show and watch the artists rock out on the MGM Grand Garden Arena stage.

The first day of the festival kicked off with, Macy’s Rising Star, Christina Grimmie. After Grimmie’s set, the audience waited as the clock started to count down. The clock hit zero, and a roar we swept through the stadium as Taylor Lautner announced the first act, Sam Smith. The crowd sang along with some of his biggest hits such as “I’m Not The Only One” and “Stay With Me.” Smith surprised the audience by performing “Latch” with the electronic music duo, Disclosure.

Sam Smith was followed by Coldplay, Kenny Chesney, Jason Derulo, Demi Lovato, Duran Duran, Lil Wayne, David Guetta, and The Killers.

Kanye West ended the night singing 18 of his classic hit songs including “Stronger,” ”Mercy,” ”FourFiveSeconds,” and ”Gold Digger.” He wrapped up night one with his most recently released song, “Only One.”

On Saturday morning, Sept. 19,  iHeart held a portion of the festival at the Daytime Village across the street from the Luxor Hotel and Casino. The day began with a performance from Tove Lo- singer of the hit song “Talking Body.” She was followed by artists such as Hozier, Trey Songz, Walk The Moon, Nick Jonas, George Ezra, Tori Kelly, Echosmith, James Bay, The Struts, Zella Day, Shawn Mendes, and a surprise performance by the new band DNCE, featuring Joe Jonas.

“My favorite aspect of the festival would have to be the performers. Seeing Demi Lovato and so many big and rising stars was phenomenal. My least favorite part was the heat; it was brutal,” Denee Kong, senior, said.

Rising artist, Shawn Mendes, had the crowd singing along to some of his biggest songs such as “Life Of The Party,” “Something Big,” “Act Like You Love Me,” and “I Don’t Even Know Your Name.” Mendes surprised his fans by bringing out Pitch Perfect 2 star, Hailee Steinfeld, singing one of his most popular songs “Stitches.”

“My favorite act at the Village was Shawn Mendes because I’ve been with him almost since the beginning. He’s just a sweet, talented person. I’m very proud of him and glad I got to go and see him do what he does best,” Olivia Contreras, sophomore, said.

Saturday night, iHeart began finishing up the music-filled weekend. Hozier started off the night followed by artists such as The Weeknd, Fall Out Boy, Blake Shelton, Puff Daddy, Tove Lo, Prince Royce, Trey Songz, Nick Jonas, Jennifer Lopez, and Diplo to end the two-day festival.

The 46- year- old, Jennifer Lopez had some surprises up her sleeve during her performance. After singing some of her songs such as “Jenny From The Block,” “On The Floor,” and ”El Mismo Sol” with Alvaro Soler, Lopez revealed the artwork and title of her upcoming Las Vegas residency called “All I Have,” starting Jan. 20, at Planet Hollywood.

“The stage was set up very well. Everyone could see everything; the lineup was good, and there was a wide variety,” Stephanie Mevius, senior, said.

The music-filled weekend ended with the crowd wanting more. The Las Vegas tradition will continue next year at the iHeart Radio Music Festival in 2016.