Live Music

Jingle Ball 2022 Was Honestly A Giant Dance Party

From Dua Lipa to Pitbull's performances, these moments were unforgettable.

Written by Abby Webster
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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‘Tis the season for iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball. Celebs like Dua Lipa, Jack Harlow, and Dove Cameron decked the Kia Forum’s halls in Los Angeles on Dec. 2 for a star-studded show.

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It was naughty; it was nice; it had f-bombs (thanks, Pitbull); and it erupted with confetti cannons. Here are 12 of the most memorable moments to put you in the holiday spirit.

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Jax

After christening Jingle Ball with a cover of “Teenage Dirtbag,” Jax hit the stage with an actual teenager: Chelsea, the girl she used to babysit. She inspired the body-positive lyrics of “Victoria’s Secret,” and their moment onstage was quite wholesome.

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jvke

Acting as his own one-man band, jvke took a seat behind the piano for “Golden Hour.” He also flexed his other primary instrument: the golden voice that originally caught the attention of his mentor, Charlie Puth.

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Nicky Youre

Bringing the Cali vibes to Christmas, Nicky Youre cruised to TikTok hit “Sunroof” with a montage of palm trees and LAX as a summery backdrop. It was a welcome reprieve from the night’s rain showers outside.

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Ava Max

“Kings & Queens” singer Ava Max didn’t dance on her own. A revolving stage brought her to the fore, before diving into confident bops and high-energy choreo. Max thanked her backup dancers and blew a kiss before prancing away. Queen sh*t.

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Dove Cameron

With an R-rated set, Dove Cameron continued her evolution from Disney star to It Girl. Apart from going full-send maneater on “Breakfast” and “Boyfriend,” Cameron made time for earnestness. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people in person,” she said. “Period!”

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Lewis Capaldi

“Jingle those balls, everybody!” he shouted to end his set filled with memorable declarations. This included him saying, “I need a piss so badly. Any moment, I may pee my unders.” Then he belted “Someone You Loved.” Emotional whiplash never felt so good.

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Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha hit the stage for “I’m Good (Blue)” in a robe and a bow big enough to see from the cheap seats. One fan even got their “Soobin loves Bebe” sign on the jumbotron, a cheeky nod to her budding friendship with the TXT idol.

Jack Harlow

Jack Harlow is out here getting cuter. The Louisville rapper worked the crowd, shouting out fans one by one and their relatives, too. “I see you dad, with your shirt off!” he said. Yes, Harlow performed “Dua Lipa.” No, she didn’t come on stage, though she was there.

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Khalid

Khalid was a straight vibe, as always. After cheesing his way through the Gen Z anthem “Young Dumb & Broke,” the crooner’s buttery vocals took center stage for his sorrowful Billie Eilish collab “lovely.” He later got the audience swaying to “Location.”

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Pitbull

Pitbull knows he’s a rock star. Mr. 305 chanted lyrics to crowd-pleasers like “Give Me Everything” and “Timber.” He even yodeled notes to The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” with the help of a live band. This party couldn’t be stopped.

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Paris Hilton

To introduce headliner Dua Lipa, Barbiecore OG Paris Hilton appeared onstage with comedian Lil Rel. Using her new catchphrase (R.I.P. “That’s hot”), Hilton said of Lipa: “She’s sliving her best life.” No arguing with that.

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Dua Lipa

Finally, Dua Lipa arrived and reminded everyone she has the range: aerobics, slinky chairography, hip gyrating, and a funky two-step shuffle. The pop star brought all of the excitement of her Future Nostalgia tour to the Jingle Ball stage. Go girl, give us everything.

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