The inaugural TikTik In the Mix global event kicked off a one of a kind musical experience at Sloan Park in Arizona this past weekend. Boasting a massive lineup of pop music’s biggest stars and complemented by a second stage of TikTok Elevate artists, thousands of fans flocked to the baseball diamond while millions tuned in online. Atlas was right in the center of the action all night long and we’re sharing our favorite moments from the global event.
Pop’s It Boys Share the Stage
While unforeseen delays had Charlie Puth starting his performance late, the crowd was eagerly waiting for his set- and he more than made up for the time lost. Puth’s signature perfect pitch and multi-instrumentalist skills turned an ordinary set into an exercise in creativity where his band and the audience were fully involved. There was even a surprise virtual appearance by BTS’ Jungkook on the smash hit “Left and Right”.
On the opposite end of the day, former One Direction singer Niall Horan touched down in Mesa to the absolute fanatical delight of attendees who’d waited all day on the barricade for a chance to be up close to the star. He previewed his 2024 tour with a setlist of hits from a discography that’s finally getting the live production treatment it deserves. He even cheekily introduced a brand new song before launching into a folksy rendition of One Direction’s “Story of My Life”- a moment that had the entire field singing at the top of their lungs.
These two pop princes lit up Sloan Park in their own distinctive ways- drawing a crowd early in the day in Puth’s case and keeping them there till the end of the night in Horan’s. Both artists also shouted out TikTok for keeping them active in fun new ways during the pandemic years and continuing to build the platform in a way that lets them be even more connected to their fans.
Peso Pluma’s Takeover and Offset’s Surprise
When the sun had gone down, fans seemed to come out of the woodwork in anticipation of Peso Pluma’s set. The Mexican singer- backed only by a team of talented string musicians- sold out a set of shows in Phoenix earlier this year and his return may have been the most exciting moment of the entire show. Fans crawled over each other in an attempt to get closer to the stage while those at the back stood on everything from metal barricades to trashcans in the hopes of catching a better glimpse of the singer.
The roar that rose up from the crowd when he emerged from the side of the stage rivaled every other act for the day and he put on an energetic set for his devoted fans. Smiling from ear to ear and pacing the length of the stage with his band, Peso Pluma had that audience captivated from start to finish and it was a sight that was impossible to turn away from.
Rumors were flying earlier in the week that Offset would make a surprise appearance and he popped up onstage with little fanfare but huge response. Dressed in his Michael Jackson-inspired best (shimmering glove and all), he performed a brief set that included Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” before disappearing into the night.
Girls Run the World
Brazilian powerhouse Anitta brought the music of her home country and some serious heat to a wildly responsive audience as the evening chill descended on Sloan Park. Starting from the walkway leading to the stage, Anitta and her posse of dancers gyrated in perfect synchronization to the singer’s hits- all of which were still being streamed live on TikTok across the world. An absolute army of cameras and crew followed her every move and she made the set in Mesa feel like it was happening right in the living rooms of those watching at home.
To conclude the evening, rapper Cardi B emerged from a giant egg to take the stage in a Selena-inspired spangled outfit. The superstar has a plethora of hits in her wheelhouse and treated the crowd to “Money”, “WAP” and more before closing out with “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It”. Cardi was backed by her own posse of dancers, all of whom supported her wild stage antics and even captured her best twerk angles on the livestreaming phones placed around the stage. It was a showstopping end to the night that even included fireworks and a blinding light show from towers placed at every corner of the field- the perfect conclusion to a killer first event.
It was an auspicious day in Arizona and the sold out crowd definitely made this first of its kind event a major success. Fans had the chance to see some of their favorite artists, the grounds were stacked with art installations and plenty of Instagrammable and video-worthy spots and the vibes stayed elevated all day long. While the platform may decide to move In the Mix in future years, the response from the fans ensures that they’ll always be welcomed back to Arizona.
Check out all the photos!
Story and photos by Olivia Khiel
