This Year’s Jingle Ball Had Fans ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’
Harry Styles chose to sing three songs off of his second album. The singer Performed “Fine Line,” “Adore You,” “Golden” and “Watermelon Sugar” in front of a vintage airstream van, which contributed to a camping theme.
From Harry Styles’ rustic performance to Dua Lipa’s disco-themed atmosphere, the annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball featured many familiar faces on Dec. 14. While big names still performed this year at the Forum like in previous years, the concert had to be adjusted due to the Coronavirus.
While the halt of in-person performances has made it difficult for fans to be able to see their favorite artists perform live, Jingle Ball still made sure to provide festive holiday fun from the comfort of guests’ homes. According to media source HITC, the Jingle Ball originally broadcast on the CW app and on iHeartMedia Contemporary Hit Radio stations on Dec. 10; however, the show was featured on television for viewers to watch from home on Dec. 14.
The show opened with hip-hop, pop and R&B musician Doja Cat, performing a mix of her hit songs like “Say So” and classic Christmas songs like “Santa Baby.” Most of the performances followed her lead in singing a combination of hit songs and beloved holiday songs.
“I hope you are gearing up for this Christmas as well as you can be,” pop singer/songwriter Sam Smith said during their performance. “It’s going to be a weird Christmas for everyone. I still believe that the Christmas love and Christmas joy is still there.”
The atmosphere for each performance differed, but each artist brought their own style into the videos. Sam Smith’s performance took place in a small cozy room with fairy lights and instruments spread throughout. In contrast, the Weeknd’s performance featured flashing LED lights to fit his music style and was shot more like a music video than a concert video.
Each artist connected with their fans through the performance. They conversed about the holidays, casually discussing their favorite holiday treats or Christmas gifts they have received.
“I used to love Holiday Barbie,” Billie Eilish said during her performance. “So I begged for that, and when I would get a Holiday Barbie it was like I was very happy. So that was a big favorite of mine.”
According to The TV Ratings Guide, the hour-and-a-half show hosted by Ryan Seacrest received around 500,000 viewers in the entertainment category.
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