Jingle Ball - A Gift to Twin Cities Pop Music Fans
KDWB's JINGLE BALL 2017
FALL OUT BOY, NIALL HORAN, HALSEY, KESHA, CHARLIE PUTH,
CAMILA CABELLO, LIAM PAYNE, SABRINA CARPENTER, WHY DON'T WE
VENUE: XCEL ENERGY CENTER
DECEMBER 4, 2017
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All content by: Patrick Dunn
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For Pop Music listeners in the Twin Cities, KDWB’s Jingle Ball concert is the holiday party you don’t want to miss out on. Excitement starts to build about a month before the show as you ramp up your radio obsession on a mission to win tickets for the big event at Xcel Energy Center. In the spirit of giving, $1.00 from each ticket sold gets donated to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which is dedicated to inspiring today's youth through entertainment and education focused initiatives. Fans wishing to get a more candid view of their favorite artist will want to seek out a coveted spot on the Red Carpet. The annual traveling tour also hosts a free pre-party show next door at Roy Wilkins Auditorium that is open to all.
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The show itself was a 3+ hour non-stop collection of the hottest tracks released by this mix of well established and emerging artists. Up and comer “Why Don’t We” kicked of the main event absolutely owning their boy band format and delivered some of the evenings best harmonies. Sabrina Carpenter demonstrated how great things come in small packages with an energetic set full of personality. With previous Jingle Ball experience under her belt as part of Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello’s has upped her game with a solo effort that was indeed caliente. Also no stranger to the tour, Charlie Puth demonstrated how much a year can increase your mojo.
No doubt Kesha and Halsey were two of the most anticipated acts and both over delivered on expectation with fierce performances. A cameo appearance by G-Eazy for a live rendition of “Him & I” was icing on the cake. Former One Direction members Niall Horan and Liam Payne showcased two very different directions in their solo careers and each generated some of the strongest audience reaction. Horan will return here next fall to kick-off the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Series. Finally, it was up to veteran rockers Fall Out Boy who closed it out strong as expected and managed to keep people from checking out early on a school night.
