The iHeartRadio Music Festival has not only proven to be one of Las Vegas’ most enduring annual multiday concerts but perhaps its most eclectic. Last year’s event mixed the chemistry of Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish (and her brother Finneas), Florida Georgia Line, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Nelly, Sam Hunt, Olivia Rodrigo and Weezer. This year The Black Keys, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Lionel Richie, Sam Smith and Morgan Wallen are set to perform at T-Mobile Arena, while Avril Lavigne headlines the off-Strip AREA15 stage.
Pat Benatar and husband/creative partner Neil Giraldo, long overdue for a round of appreciation from the music industry, are this year’s featured rock royalty. Something special is bound to happen during the segment of the festival that recognizes the contributions of the duo behind “Promises in the Dark,” “Precious Time” and the Benatarized cover of The Young Rascals’ “You Better Run.”
Wallen, one of country music’s biggest stars as of this moment, was recently honored with the American Country Music Awards’ Milestone Award for outstanding achievement in country music. Wallen will likely perform Top 10 hits “Wasted on You” and “7 Summers” from his last release Dangerous: The Double Album, which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Universally beloved music legend Richie has proven to be a highlight at any festival he appears at. Richie is known for the ebullient energy he creates with his band, getting everyone moving during “All Night Long,” singing along to “Endless Love” and “Say You, Say Me,” and going absolutely nuts during Commodores songs.
Entertainers such as LL Cool J and Black Eyed Peas round out the legacy aspect of the festival, and highlights can be expected from Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion and Minaj. Plan on spending time at the AREA15 stage for a more offbeat experience with interesting immersive experiences to check out between sets by 5 Seconds of Summer, Big Time Rush and Carly Pearce, among many others.
T-Mobile Arena, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23-24, prices vary; Daytime Stage at AREA15, 11 a.m. Sept. 24, $75. axs.com
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