What do U2, Sting, Britney Spears, Sam Hunt, Twenty One Pilots, Billy Idol, Florida Georgia Line, OneRepublic, Sia, Cage the Elephant, Zedd, Tears for Fears, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Usher and Drake all have in common? They’re all headlining the sold-out, sixth annual iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena Sept. 23-24.
Ariana Grande
One act who has had quite the year is Drake. Leading up to the Summer Sixteen Tour, he released Views, which debuted to much success, staying at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart for 12 weeks. Aside from Views, his appearance at the MTV Music Video Awards shocked viewers, because he’s known to not do award shows. Among other things, he and iHeartRadio Music Festival alum Kanye West are working on a joint album. When it comes to Drake’s ambitions, there really are no limits. Speaking of which, R&B sensation Usher made a comeback with “No Limit” featuring Young Thug. After more than 20 years in the industry, his music is still in demand; he’s on the brink of releasing his new album Hard II Love, his first in four years. They don’t call him U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D for nothing. Expect the veteran’s slow jams and so much more.
Hot off his Time of Our Lives limited run at Planet Hollywood Resort, global star Pitbull delivers a nonstop dance fest featuring some of his popular hip-hop-infused reggaeton songs. And talking about Planet Hollywood Resort performers … It’s Britney, bitch. Since 2013, she’s ruled the Strip resort with her Piece of Me residency, and is still ruling the pop scene with a new single and album. Another star, Ariana Grande, will shine with her Mariah Carey-esque vocals and lively stage presence. She isn’t the same girl from her “The Way” days; she’s a dangerous woman (the name of latest album), with mature tracks “Into You” and “Side to Side” featuring Nicki Minaj.
From pop to rock, U2, Sting, Billy Idol and Cage the Elephant will satisfy the masses. For a little bit of rock and pop, look to performances by OneRepublic and Tears for Fears, as well as Twenty One Pilots, who just made history as the first act to top the Billboard Pop Songs and Alternative Songs charts simultaneously.
Sia
Australian star Sia, known for “Chandelier” and those amazing wigs, adds versatility to the lineup. As far as country goes, Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt have got that in the bag. And last but not least, Grammy Award-winning electro-house producer Zedd will spread some “Clarity.” He might even join forces with Grande for “Break Free,” a song he collaborated with her on from her sophomore album.
On Sept. 24, before night two jumps off, the iHeartRadio Music Festival Daytime Village takes place at Las Vegas Village across from the Luxor. Festivalgoers will rock out to headliners Sam Hunt and Cage the Elephant, as well as Panic! At The Disco, Alessia Cara, Troye Sivan, Hailee Steinfeld, Good Charlotte, Jeremih, Lissie, Cold War Kids, Daya, The Chainsmokers, Bryson Tiller, Tinashe and DNCE. The festival will stream live on CWTV.com and The CW App and will broadcast live on iHeartMedia’s radio stations. It’s set to air on The CW Network Oct. 6-7.
T-Mobile Arena, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 23-24, sold out. 888.929.7849
