In the year 2000, the radio station KIIS-FM decided that the holiday season should be celebrated with music. Many other radio stations joined in to create the phenomenon known as Jingle Ball. This concert series features the best of music as popular artists come together for multiple shows in different cities.

Since the lineup includes the most famous artists, it also includes a competition for tickets. Tickets are expensive and sell out immediately, therefore, many resort to winning them through radio contests. The lucky winners of tickets to this year’s Jingle Ball had the opportunity to see the concert in Dallas, San Francisco/San Jose, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa or Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. The cities with the biggest line up included Los Angeles and New York City, which featured Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and Taylor Swift.

The Philadelphia concert at the Wells Fargo Center featured artists such as Halsey, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Kesha, and The Chainsmokers. Many felt Halsey had the best performance due to her stage presence and amazing vocals. Others thoroughly enjoyed hearing former One Direction bandmates, Niall Horan and Liam Payne, thrive in their solo careers by expressing their love for music.

In addition, Kesha took the stage presenting a new image for herself by singing both the songs “Praying” and “Tik Tok.” During her setlist, Kesha took the time to thank her fans for supporting the person she was and the person she has grown to be. The Chainsmokers closed the show by some of their singing popular hits, such as “Closer” with Halsey, as well as “Paris.” The Chainsmokers and all of the other performers left the Philadelphia Jingle Ball crowd wanting more.

Those who were able to attend the sold out New York City Jingle Ball enjoyed the five hour concert filled with the voices, sounds, and emotions of popular artists.

Tiffany Ferrer, a senior at SJV, was one of the people in attendance. “My overall experience at this year’s Jingle Ball was one I’ll never forget. The lineup was the best it has ever been with artists such as Ed Sheeran, the Chainsmokers, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, and Taylor Swift. Among the many artists, my favorite performer was Logic. While singing his top hit of 2017, “1-800-273-8255,” he spread awareness of not only suicide, but also his motto “Peace, Love, and Positivity.” Seeing a huge wave of phone lights across all of Madison Square Garden was truly a beautiful sight.”

Overall, as Jingle Ball makes its way to large cities during the Christmas season, it is a great way to see your favorite artists in one place.