Last night, I had the pleasure of representing 813area at 93.3 FLZ'S JINGLE BALL 2013, capturing every memorable moment that happened on stage and on the red carpet. The annual concert was held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum where thousands of screaming fans had the chance to see some of their favorite artists perform live; including Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Travie McCoy, Fifth Harmony, Flo Rida, Austin Mahone, Ariana Grande, Enrique Iglesias, and Jason Derulo. If you weren't there to witness all of the action, here is an insider recap of what went down on stage and back stage.
For those who could not get their hands on a Jingle Ball ticket, it was still a lucky day for them. Before the concert, there was a "Pre-Show Free Show" right outside of the venue. Fifth Harmony, Travie McCoy, and Austin Mahone were the few Jingle Ball performers who graced everyone with a free show, and there was even a special guest performance by the ever so talented duo, Tegan & Sara. Unfortunately, I only got to hear one song from Tegan & Sara as I had to be on time for media check-in, but I got something even better!
Anxiously waiting in the press room for the first red carpet appearance, I had no idea who to expect or even what to expect. A rush went through my veins when I saw who stepped foot on the red carpet...it was Tegan & Sara! The beautiful ladies were so kind and sweet, just like you'd expect. Fifth Harmony also met everyone's expectations personality wise. The dazzling group were nothing but smiles and laughter as they enjoyed being in front of many flashing cameras on the red carpet. As for Enrique Iglesias and Robin Thicke, both men are just as sexy in person as they are on camera. I couldn't help but fall in love with the cutie Austin Mahone. He didn't rush to get the red carpet over with. He enjoyed the attention he was receiving, and kindly posed for each photographer so we could all get the perfect shot of the rising star. Travie McCoy was definitely my favorite to capture on the red carpet. He had fun with the cameras; making goofy faces, going "womp womp womp womp" strutting across the carpet, and interacting with everyone.
Hanging out backstage was a real treat for those with a press pass, especially me! It's not all glitz and glamour like you'd expect, but it is definitely just as exciting being backstage as it is being in the crowd! In the corners you see background dancers rehearsing, backstage employees frantically going back and forth with their headsets, and artists crossing your path going to and from the stage. My breath was taken away when I set foot in the elevator and Flo Rida was right behind me. That man sure does put his money to good use....his cologne could be smelled from miles away, and it smelt good! I also adored his sparkling black sneakers; I'm a sucker for sparkles. Another big moment was when I was able to feel Miley's incredibly electric energy as she walked right past me.
The best part of it all, was of course the show itself! Flo Rida was all over the stage with high energy as he performed all of his biggest hits including my personal favorite, "Club Can't Handle Me." He even made the night extra memorable for many as he touched the hands of fans who were lucky enough to get front row. Before Jason Derulo's set, magic and love filled the air as a man surprised his girlfriend on stage with a shiny ring and a marriage proposal; she said yes! As always, Derulo gave an impressive performance with his fluid dance moves and voice. His crew of dancers also shined on stage with their very own dance performance that resembled what you would see on America's Best Dance Crew. I had never heard of Ariana Grande before, but after her performance I sure will forever remember that silky angelic voice that put me in a trance.
All of the performers did great, but no one can level up to the headliner, Miley Cyrus. The stage was complete with an entirely festive set up. Sexy dancers dressed as reindeers, a human Christmas tree, a midget in a silver suit with coned breasts, and a sketchy looking Santa who waltzed up and down the stage sippin on a bottle. The crowd went wild as Miley ran onto the stage, spanking the butts of her performers, and starting the show with her hit, "Party in the USA." It comes as no surprise as twerking was involved, but the twerking was extra amusing as she twerked with the midget and human Christmas tree. Miley may put on a crazy performance, but there is nothing crazy about that voice! She put on a phenomenal performance that thousands of amazed fans will forever remember.
Overall, this was 93.3's best Jingle Ball to date! If you missed it, be sure to come out next year!
