Z100’s annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball lit up Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Dec. 12, transforming the iconic arena into a pop-powered holiday celebration. With a star-studded lineup spanning pop, R&B, K-pop, and hip-hop, the night delivered nonstop festive energy for all ages.
Santa Claus may deliver the presents on Christmas, but iHeartRadio brings the jingle all season long with its annual concert tour. Each year, the festival showcases artists behind some of the most viral songs, and this year’s New York City stop included performances from Ed Sheeran, Alex Warren, Zara Larsson, Reneé Rapp, Laufey, and more.
K-pop powerhouse MONSTA X kicked off the show, making their triumphant return to MSG for the first time since their “We Are Here” tour (in 2019). The performance marked a full-circle moment during the group’s 10th anniversary year, with members Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, and Jooheon delivering their signature high-energy presence. The setlist included “N the Front,” new single “Baby Blue,” fan favorites like “Do What I Want,” and classic hit “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.” It was certainly a proud moment for Monbebes, the name given to their fan base, who’ve been eagerly awaiting their return from mandatory military service.
Ravyn Lenae followed with a sultry, smooth set, performing standout tracks including “Love Me Not.” Romance became a recurring theme throughout the evening, as Alex Warren had the crowd singing along to viral hits “Before You Leave Me” and “Carry You Home,” while Laufey captivated the arena with her jazzy charm with songs like “From the Start,” “Lover Girl,” and “Silver Lining.”
Holiday spirit was woven seamlessly into the performances. Jessie Murph delivered a soulful rendition of “Hallelujah,” Laufey put her own spin on “Santa Baby,” and Zara Larsson blended festive flair with pop anthems, including “Ain’t My Fault.” Larsson stage set included electrifying dance moves during “Lush Life,” while Myles Smith ignited the crowd with his international hit “Stargazing,” complete with bursts of pyro.
One of the night’s most joyful moments came when the audience collectively sang along with Kevin Woo, the singing voice behind Mystery Saja from K-Pop Demon Hunters, during performances of “Soda Pop” and “Golden.” Jumping in unison, fans of all ages filled the arena with infectious enthusiasm as Woo amped up the crowd.
Fan-favorite reactions reached a fever pitch when Conan Gray and Renee Rapp took the stage. Gray energized the audience with “Maniac,” “Heather,” and “Vodka Cranberry,” while Rapp commanded the spotlight with powerful performances of “Leave Me Alone,” “Good Girl,” “In the Kitchen,” and “MAD,” earning some of the loudest screams of the night.
Adding a dose of nostalgia, Nelly brought the heat with early-2000s classics “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “Dilemma,” turning MSG into a throwback dance party.
The night culminated with Ed Sheeran, who transformed the stage into a one-man band, looping sounds live and engaging the crowd from an elevated platform as he closed out the show.
Despite the marathon lineup, the energy never dipped. Fans were treated to giveaways throughout the night, along with free reindeer headbands and light-up Jingle Ball necklaces, making the experience feel like a true holiday celebration.
The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour continues with upcoming stops on Dec. 18 in Atlanta (State Farm Arena) and Dec. 20 in Miami (Kaseya Center).
