Recap & Photos | B96 Pepsi Summer Bash

Summer kicked off with a huge bang as B96 returned to the Allstate Arena for their annual B96 Pepsi Summer Bash.

This year, fans were treated to awesome performances from Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, Calvin Harris, Charlie Puth, Mike Posner, Bebe Rexha and Daya. Originally, Iggy Azalea was scheduled to perform but announced she would be unable to attend as she had attend to other business outside the country.

As always when B96 throws these “bashes” – the energy inside the arena was through the roof. First up was Daya who performed her hit single Hide Away. She announced that she is currently finishing up her album. Bebe Rexha’s set included a huge surprise, an performance of the original version of Monster (she wrote the song, which was later used by Eminem and featured Rihanna). Her set closed with G-Eazy’s Me, Myself & I.

Next up was Mike Posner (with guitar in hand) rocking the Summer Bash stage, followed by Charlie Puth whose set included a performance of See You Again.

Before Calvin Harris took to the stage, it was announced by the J Show (J Nice, Gabe & Showbiz Shelly) that this would be the only radio show/concert that Calvin would be doing this year. The announcement was met with a huge ovation. Calvin Harris’s set included all hits such as Summer, Feel So Close, and the new This Is What You Came For featuring Rihanna.

Meghan Trainor took the stage next and opened with Me Too from her sophomore album Thank You. Meghan continued to play tracks from her new album until she hit the crowd with “Let’s play something they know”, which flowed right into Lips Are Movin’.

It was now time for the last Summer Bash performance of the night. It was Ariana Grande’s birthday, so before she took the stage, B96 and the Chicago crowd sung Happy Birthday. After wishing Ariana a Happy Birthday, the lights went dim inside the arena and anticipation from the die-hard Arianators grew. Ariana Grande would soon appear in front of the crowd, opening with the Jessie J track, Bang Bang. The performance included live renditions of tracks from both her albums, My Everything and Dangerous Woman.

B96 will once again return to the Allstate Arena this December for the B96 Pepsi Jingle Bash.

Check out photos from the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash

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