Warming for up for concerts and festival on the way this summer, 103.5 KISS FM presented Fantabuloso at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Think of a pop Lollapalooza complete with 12 music acts.
Doors opened at 5 p.m. and continued until 11 p.m. It was a long day that started with first actpop duo Karmin, made up of Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, who are now engaged. They have a hit with "Brokenhearted" and a new album entitled Hello. Channeling Nicki Minaj, Heidemann kept her rapping and singing light and bouncy.
Havana Brown currently is played constantly on the radio with her track "We Run the Night," which features Pitbull. She DJ'd the rest of her set, jumping around and keeping the audience out of their seats. She was not too hard on the eyes, and that fringe skirt was fabulous.
Carly Rae Jepsen brought youthful energy to her short set but with a backing track that continued when she lowered the microphone, she gave a new meaning to singing live. Call her ... maybe.
Many fans in the crowd were there to see American Idol's Adam Lambert. Wrapped in caution tape to highlight his new album Trespassing, his fan base seemed to be older straight television watchers. One song, "Kickin' In," worked particularly well but many of his lyrics were watered down and forgettable. He was supported well with his band and backup singers.
Pop singer Dev seemed very relaxed with her set, which included "Bass Down Low," sampled on the song "Like a G6." Her hit "In the Dark" had people dancing in the aisles. If only Enrique Iglesias had popped out to sing their duet, "Naked," together.
Speaking of Iglesias, he appeared directly after her with songs off his Euphoria album, which was actually released two years ago. "Tonight ( I'm Lovin' You ) " was an anthem, as Iglesias jumped over my head while I was photographing him. Luckily, I didn't get kicked in the head with his boot!
It is interesting to note that the openly gay Lambert had straight fan attendees and openly straight Iglesias had more gay fans screaming for his set.
Young girls were screaming their hearts out for the boys and as usual they know how to work a crowd.
The Wanteda gay-friendly band that has appeared at the Boystown nightspot Roscoe'shas exploded in a short period of time in the United States with the mega-hit "Glad You Came." Read my interview with Max from the group online on Windy City's website.
Closing out the show it was rap rock band Gym Class Heroes; the act currently has a hit with singer Neon Hitch with "Ass Back Home." Teaming with artists like Neon and Adam Levine ( "Stereo Hearts" ) continues to make the band radio-friendly and ones to watch.
Visit www.1035kissfm.com for more concerts and music. Photos by Jerry Nunn