Enrique Iglesias, Icona Pop, Robin Thicke part of 'Jingle Ball'

The radio station 103.5 KISS FM presented its holiday concert Dec. 9 at the United Center as part of the national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2013 Tour. Big names were brought in to raise money for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation that is dedicated to helping youth through entertainment.

Windy City Times was all over the red carpet, chatting with many of the performers before their individual sets. The “I Love It” duo Icona Pop posed for our camera, then Caroline Hjelt said, “I feel like our gay fans are always a step before anyone else.” The duo’s Aino Jawo added, “We are so glad that they have adopted us onto their dance floor! We feel very at home in that environment and have a lot of gay friends. We feel it is an honor.” The two return to Chicago for the Miley Cyrus tour next year; then, it is off to Europe with Katy Perry.

Flo Rida spoke of sampling classic singers like Etta James in the past and Nina Simone on his current single and how he enjoys mixing them in with hip-hop. “SIA had a voice that stood out to me and I love working with new artists like her,” he said.

Travie McCoy, the vocalist from Gym Class Heroes, had so many tattoos that he lost count showing it off on the step-and-repeat. When asked about his song “Billionaire” being on Glee, he stated how happy he was with the end result and his sister called to tell him about it when the episode aired.

X Factor’s Fifth Harmony smiled for the camera, then chatted about performing on this radio tour in all 19 cities. The talented girls are taking a quick break to be with their families; then, a full album is set for 2014.

Avril Lavigne paced back and forth and pointed out to the audience throughout her set. Then, Robin Thicke worked the crowd, climbing out over the barricade to get closer to his fans. He appeared very grateful behind the piano explaining what a great year he has had and “dreams can come true.”

Enrique Iglesias—or the “Spanish Spider-Man,” as I called him—jumped on every speaker and did not stop moving for his performance. It was the first time he had heard that description he told WCT and agreed that dancing live in concert is a workout each time. He added that he arrived at 4 a.m. the night before; he was extremely tired but said that would not stop him from putting on a good show.

Rock act Paramore belted the new hit “Still Into You,” making everyone’s spirit bright while closing out the evening’s yuletide concert.

Photos and text by Jerry Nunn