December opened with a blaze of energy as Cody Simpson, Austin Mahone, The Wanted, Bridgit Mendler, Carly Rae Jepsen, Simple Plan, Tyler Shaw, Shawn Desman, and Sky Blu stepped onto the stage. Fans filled the arena with anticipation, eyes fixed on a lineup that blended pop, dance, and rock into one electrifying night. The air hummed with excitement as lights dimmed and the first chords cut through the room, signaling a show that would be remembered long after the final encore. The atmosphere crackled with holiday cheer and a sense that something special was about to unfold, a night where every moment felt like a gift to the crowd.
MuchMusic presented The Big Jingle on Sunday, December 2, at the Air Canada Centre. The venue breathed with holiday energy as the stage glowed and the program stretched from 4:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Each act offered no less than ten minutes, weaving a tapestry of hits and fresh material while the audience leaned in, sang along, and moved with the tempo of the night. It was a celebration of pop glory set against a festive backdrop, with lights and screens choreographing a visual party that matched the music’s tempo. Fans from across the region snapped photos, waved signs, and joined in a shared wave of enthusiasm that grew louder with every act that followed.
Tyler Shaw kicked things off with an intimate acoustic rendition of Kiss Goodnight. With only a guitar and a stool, he carved a warm, listening space within the vast arena, inviting the audience to lean in as the melody carried through the speakers. The moment felt like a quiet conversation before the floodgates opened, a gentle hinge that connected the crowd to the tone of the evening before the energy fully shifted into higher gear.
Shawn Desman followed with his signature blend of bold pop sensibilities and precise vocal polish. He rolled through crowd-pleasers such as Nobody Does It Like You, Night Like This, and Dum Da Dum, guiding a chorus of fans to their feet and into full voice. His stage presence sparked energy that spread outward, turning the floor into a lively sea of hands in the air, feet tapping, and voices rising in unison as the audience celebrated every familiar line.
Sky Blu, representing LMFAO, burst onto the stage beneath a blaze of color and kinetic visuals, delivering a string of party-ready tracks from the album Sorry For Party Rocking. A fresh track from his forthcoming project surfaced during the set, and his high-energy choreography kept the tempo relentless. The crowd matched him step for step, dancing and bouncing in rhythmic harmony, while the bright screens amplified the spectacle and texture of the performance. Sky Blu’s boundless energy made the room feel electric, a frantic, joyful drive that resonated with everyone present.
Austin Mahone, introduced by enthusiastic hosts, drew a rapturous reaction from the audience. The San Antonio native soared to the stage as fans leapt to their feet, their cheers swelling into a unified roar. He performed songs from Say Somethin’ and 11:11, delivering youthful charisma and a crisp, confident vocal style that elevated the whole room. The performance sparked a wave of excitement that carried through the rest of the night, setting a high bar for what followed and proving why Mahone had become a breakout sensation online and on stage alike.
Cody Simpson then took the spotlight with a dynamic set that fused bright pop hooks with catchy storytelling. Performing tracks from Coast to Coast, he encouraged fans to explore his Paradise album, hinting at upcoming releases as the crowd absorbed every melody. The energy was contagious, with many fans wearing celebrate-ready wristbands and banners, and the arena resonated with anthemic choruses as Simpson invited everyone to sing along and share in the moment. The atmosphere sharpened into a full celebration of his music and the shared experience of a live show.
Bridgit Mendler stepped forward with a poised confidence, offering songs from Hello My Name Is, including the buoyant Ready Or Not. Her appearance blended elegance with a playful edge, as she wore a chic outfit that matched the polished vibe of her set. Mendler proved she could ride a fast tempo with flair, and even incorporated rap elements into Hurricane, showcasing versatility and stagecraft that captivated the audience. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, clapping and singing along as she delivered a performance that felt both polished and personal.
Canada’s own Carly Rae Jepsen followed with a vivid set drawn from her EP and Kiss. She wore a look that reflected her bright pop sensibility, and the crowd kept pace with every lyric, particularly the instantly recognizable Call Me Maybe. The chorus swelled again and again, a sing-along force that had the entire arena moving as one. Jepsen’s energy was infectious, driving the tempo and keeping up the momentum with a steady stream of upbeat tracks that balanced nostalgia with fresh vibrancy.
The night continued with Simple Plan, who steered the audience through a nostalgic journey with a mix of beloved older tracks and selections from Summer Paradise. The band sounded crisp and emotionally connected, with Pierre’s vocal tone anchoring the melodies as fans around him belted out lines they’d known for years. The set was a reminder of why Simple Plan has endured, offering a bridge between generations of listeners who found common ground in the band’s unwavering melody and relatable lyrics.
Last but not least, The Wanted closed the night with an electric close that left the audience exhilarated. The British group offered a run of hits from Finally Found You to Glad You Came, feeding the crowd’s high energy through every chorus. The spectacle peaked when the band invited several audience members onto the stage to dance, and soon about forty volunteers joined in the spontaneous moment, sharing a memorable celebration of music and community. The audience’s cheers and laughter underscored the night’s joyous spirit and the sense that something magical had just happened on that stage.
Overall, The Big Jingle proved to be a resounding success, delivering a diverse lineup that traded in pure entertainment for music lovers across the region. The performances energized the room, creating a wave of enthusiasm that lingered long after the last note faded. For anyone who missed the event, MuchMusic announced a later replay, offering a second chance to experience the night and relive the performances that made the evening so memorable.