So, another year, another Jingle Ball. Is it just me, or does the relentless march of holiday-themed programming begin earlier every year? Regardless, ABC is decking the halls (and the airwaves) with the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024, a two-hour spectacle of pop stars, awkward celebrity cameos, and enough forced holiday cheer to make even Santa Claus cringe.
This year’s Jingle Ball, airing Wednesday, December 18 from 8:00-10:01 p.m. EST, delivers performances from a mixed bag of musical acts. We’ve got Katy Perry, twenty one pilots, and a whole host of other artists whose names may or may not ring a bell, depending on your level of pop culture immersion. Tate McRae, Meghan Trainor, Teddy Swims, T-Pain, Benson Boone, Gracie Abrams, Madison Beer, Kane Brown, Paris Hilton, The Kid LAROI, Shaboozey, and NCT Dream are all slated to appear.
But let’s be honest–and let’s face it, brutal honesty is what this gig calls for—the real draw of the Jingle Ball isn’t the music. It’s the parade of celebrity guests who seem to have wandered in from completely different planets. This year’s lineup features Hailey Bieber, Drew Barrymore, Nikki Glaser, Martha Stewart, Kyle Mooney, the cast of “Queer Eye,” Madison Bailey, Sarah Michelle Geller, and Owen Thiele. One can only imagine the forced banter and strained attempts at holiday-themed humor we’re in for. Hosting this slightly off-kilter affair are Ryan Seacrest and Elvis Duran, two seasoned veterans of handling the often-chaotic world of live entertainment.
Beyond the performances and the slightly off-the-wall celebrity appearances, there will also be backstage segments and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball airs Wednesday, December 18 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
