Forget jingle bells, in Minnesota it’s all about Jingle Ball. On Dec. 4, 2011, teenagers across the state lined up at the Target Center in Minneapolis for KDWB’s 2011 Jingle Ball. The various artists that performed at the event include Foster the People, Hot Chelle Rae, Big Time Rush, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes with Travie McCoy, Jason Derulo and Kelly Clarkson.

Foster the People started the night by belting out songs from their new album entitled Torches. The indie group serenaded fans with their popular single “Pumped Up Kicks,” which had the entire audience singing along. They will be coming back to town next spring on their own tour.

The pop vocal group, Hot Chelle Rae, followed FTP and began their performance with familiar tunes from this past summer. The lyrics of “Tonight, Tonight” and “I Like It Like That” filled the venue while members Ryan Follesé, Nash Overstreet, Ian Keaggy and Jamie Follesé got the crowd excited and on their feet.

The next group that performed was Big Time Rush, known for their show on Nickelodeon. The teen heartthrobs sang songs off of their album Elevate. While singing “Boyfriend,” Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan had the teen girls in the audience screaming their lungs out. It was definitely a big time rush.

Cobra Starship took the stage next. Known for their songs “Good Girls Go Bad” and “Hot Mess,” many fans would say lead singer Gabe Soporta has the perfect combination of vocals to make a brilliant radio hit. The latest hit by the group, “You Make Me Feel,” had fans energized. The atmosphere filled with dance-club beats as the group performed.

Gym Class Heroes stole the show with Travie McCoy. The familiar lyrics and beats of “Stereo Hearts” followed McCoy’s smash hit “Billionaire.” Gym Class Heroes matched the energy that KDWB fans had in throughout the Target Center.

After all of the bands/groups artist, Jason Derulo, took the stage. Derulo started off with past radio hits, “In My Head,” “Whatcha Say” and “Ridin’ Solo.” Backed up by dancers, Derulo didn’t lack in smooth stage presence as he swooned fans with current hit, “It Girl.”

The night ended with the beautiful voice of Kelly Clarkson. After winning the first season of the popular television singing competition American Idol, Clarkson’s music career has only expanded. After singing “Since U Been Gone” and “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” Clarkson sang the Christmas song “I’ll Be Home Before Christmas” to end the night with some holiday spirit.

Each year KDWB attracts even more hungry fans and new artists fresh off record deals. If students are looking for a concert where they will get their money’s worth and enjoy a lot of talent in one night, check out Jingle Ball 2012. Concert-goers won’t be disappointed by the energy and talent this event brings.

Makena Yunker is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks