TikTok in the Mix, the first global music event put on by the trendsetting social media platform, is taking place in Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs, on Sunday, Dec. 10.
The sold-out event includes headliners Niall Horan, Cardi B, Peso Pluma, Anitta and Charlie Puth.
The most recent addition to the TikTok in the Mix lineup is Reneé Rapp. Rapp has been making headlines recently on her Snow Hard Feelings World Tour and through her lead role as Regina George in the “Mean Girls” musical movie set to release on Jan. 12, 2024.
TikTok Elevate emerging artists Isabel LaRosa, Kaliii, Lu Kala and Sam Barber are also set to take the stage.
The event will be hosted by TikTok creators Josh “Bru” Brubaker @bruontheradio, Lamar Dawson @dirrtykingofpop, Drew Afualo @drewafualo, and Eric Sedeño @ricotaquito. Local TikTok trending food trucks and restaurants will also be on site.
Curious why TikTok chose Sloan Park and Mesa for its first event of this magnitude? We break it down for you here.
We’ll be covering the event live from Mesa with blog updates, photos and social media posts. Follow along! tiktok.com/@azcentral
TikTok In the Mix:Ultimate guide to the music festival at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ
Anitta’s entrance and her set were smoking hot
We were told Anitta was about to “heat things up in a major way” as the second headliner at TikTok In the Mix.
And to honest, the Brazilian pop sensation had already heated things up plenty by the time she hit the stage after dancing her way across the Sloan Park ball field with a crew of backup dancers to the piped-in beats of “Envolver” and “Downtown.”
It was a very physical, provocative performance with plenty of twerking to the beat as Anitta made her way through such highlights as “Machika,” “Used to Be,” “I Wanna F” and “Funk Rave” in total command of the stage.
— Ed Masley
Fans can’t wait for Niall Horan and Peso Pluma at TikTok In the Mix
Haleigh Lister from Chandler, Arizona, and her friend Ashley McGinn from Mesa came to TikTok In the Mix to see Niall Horan. They approved of the whole setup of the festival.
“I’m surprised like how well it’s been decorated,” McGinn said. “I live right across the street so I could see all the lights and stuff. It was really cool to see everyone practicing. I’m big on festivals and so I was excited to hear we have something come to Arizona.”
The two are hoping Horan performs a One Direction throwback song and his newer release “Heaven.”
Caitlin Estrada from Phoenix is also excited to see Horan and hopes he performs “Nice to Meet Ya” or a One Direction song as well.
Alen Gonzales and his friend Estaban Lopez from Phoenix are excited to see Peso Pluma, who played a sold-out show at Arizona Financial Theatre in downtown Phoenix in July. They are hoping he plays “La Bebe” and “Bipolar.”
The friends are also looking forward to Cardi B and Anitta.
— Dina Kaur
Charlie Puth hits the high notes, including a video appearance by Jungkook of BTS
As the first headlining act to take the main stage, Charlie Puth started his set with a comedy bit about scrolling through the music on his iPhone while making his way to stage in a white sleeveless T-shirt.
His vocals sounded great, especially that undeniable falsetto on such highlights as “No More Drama,” “Attention,” “Light Switch” and “See You Again,” the soulful ballad with which he brought his set to an emotionally charged conclusion, inspiring fans to wave their phone lights in the air.
He played piano on several songs and turned in a really fun solo on keytar while leading a four-piece backing band.
He’s a chatty guy, who explained at one point that he was attempting to “let you all inside my brain.” He seemed a bit overly eager to please at first but it had the intended effect.
He even brought along a very special guest — Jungkook of BTS, who joined him via video “Left and Right.”
— Ed Masley
Smile! You’re on TikTok camera
It’s hard to miss the cameras at TikTok In the Mix. One is flying overhead; others are panning in circles around the artist on stage. Sometimes blocking the crowd’s view but giving a view to the fans watching live on TikTok.
— Dina Kaur
Late in the afternoon, the sold-out festival didn’t feel crowded
At 4:45 p.m., when Charlie Puth hit the stage, the concert didn’t seem that crowded. But TikTok said it was sold out, so maybe people are just being fashionably late, assuming Cardi B is playing last.
For those who showed up early, there was no apparent traffic congestion or long lines to deal with.
— Ed Masley
It’s on: Isabel LaRosa launches the 1st TikTok In the Mix in Mesa
Isabel LaRosa got the party started on the Tower Stage, whisper-singing the opening verse of a moody ballad about thinking she needs somebody older while rocking a black latex jumpsuit.
Accompanied by an electric guitarist with all the other instruments and beats piped in, it was a short set, just three songs, including “Older” and “I’m Yours.”
But LaRosa made the most of it, showing the full range of her voice to dramatic effect.
— Ed Masley
Preshow vibe check: Fans are ready for the party. Charlie Puth goes on at 4
TikTok in the Mix has made Sloan Park its home. By 3:30 p.m. Sunday, crowds have already descended upon the field and fans are indulging in food, drinks and music as it blasts over speakers.
The giant TikTok logo sits on the field, and smiles are seen all over in anticipation for the artists and surprises to come throughout the night.
— Dina Kaur
Tiktok In the Mix lineup and set times
Here’s the lineup and order of performance for the TikTok In the Mix music festival:
2 p.m.: Sloan Park gates open.
4 p.m.: Performances begin.
Main Stage
Tower Stage
9:30 p.m.: TikTok In the Mix ends.
— Jill Cassidy
Weather forecast for TikTok In the Mix in Mesa AZ
You couldn’t ask for a nicer day for an outdoor festival. Conditions at 4 p.m., when Charlie Puth takes the Main Stage to get the party started, will be 70 degrees and sunny. Skies will be clear throughout the day and evening, and the temp will slowly drop to 54 degrees by 10 p.m. There’s zero chance of rain. Bring your sunscreen and a hoodie.
— Jill Cassidy