Photo: Greg Noire for iHeartRadio
Halsey explained why performing "hits different" while rocking the stage at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One in Las Vegas on Saturday (September 21).
Halsey kicked off their set with "Nightmare," from their 2021 album If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power, a track they recently revealed as their favorite song they have ever done, pairing the angsty song with bursts of flames exploding from the stage. She then sassily called out an ex in "You Should Be Sad" from 2020's Manic, strutting around the stage as she sang how he's "not half the man you think that you are."
Before their next song, Halsey reflected on what it was like to be back at the iHeartRadio Music Festival and reflecting on how performing "hits different" now since their festival appearance in 2022 after they "fought my way through a very long hell" through their secret health issues, telling the crowd how they didn't think they would ever get to do something like this again.
Changing gears for the next track, Halsey treated the audience to a rock rendition of "Closer," their popular 2017 collaboration with The Chainsmokers, making it her own in a very Halsey way, complete with an epic guitar solo and heavy drums. The 29-year-old singer then went back to their Manic era with "Without Me," causing the crowd to go wild.
Halsey ended their set with their gritty new single "Ego," a '90s-inspired track from their upcoming "confessional" concept album The Great Impersonator, a project that explores what Halsey's career would have looked like if they were around in past decades. The artist previously explained the meaning behind the unique concept and how it was inspired by their private health battles.
Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
"Am I still Halsey every time, in every timeline," they wondered. "Do I still get sick? Do I become a mom? Am I happy, lonely? Have I done enough? Have I told the truth? I spent half my life being someone else, I never stopped to ask myself, 'If it all ended right now, is this the person you'd be proud to leave behind? Is it even you?'"
In addition to their forthcoming album, out October 25, Halsey is preparing for another major milestone: getting married. They recently confirmed they are engaged to their "best friend" Avan Jogia, nearly one year after first debuting their relationship in 2023. The Victorious alum was even spotted in the crowd supporting his partner during her set.
Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
Halsey was just one of the amazing acts to take the stage during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 20th and 21st. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, other performers throughout the weekend include Dua Lipa, Big Sean, Doja Cat, Victoria Monét, Paramore, The Weeknd, Hozier, Camila Cabello, Gwen Stefani, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, Shaboozey, The Black Crowes, Thomas Rhett as well as a special appearance by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
If you missed any of the action this weekend, or just want to relive it all, an iHeartRadio Music Festival special including highlights from the event will be available to stream on Hulu on October 7th.