Critic's Notebook

PHOTOS: Nelly, JO1 and Other Stars Shine at iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour

The tour stop in Fort Worth featured standouts like Zara Larsson and Jessie Murph while raising money for Kidd’s Kids.
By Patrick WilliamsDecember 3, 2025
Nelly closed the show with nostalgia‑packed set of hits.

Elijah Smith
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J-Pop opened the night with a set from JO1, Shinedown had the crowd singing along, Reneé Rapp got the crowd on its feet and Nelly closed the show with a set of classic hits as they and other artists brought the 106.1 KISS FM Jingle Ball to Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Tuesday.

We also hit the red carpet to catch everyone on the lineup for a little added holiday cheer. British indie-pop artist Rachel Chinouriri gushed over the story of how she became besties with actress Florence Pugh, while the guys of Shinedown told us their favorite part of shows now is seeing their music reach younger generations in the crowd.

Check out the full set of photos below.

JO1, glittering like tinsel at Jingle Ball. The 11-member band began its first U.S. tour this year.

Elijah Smith

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Editor's Picks

Jessie Murph singing at Jingle Ball
Jessie Murph at the center of attention where she belongs.

Elijah Smith

Alex Warren and Jingle Ball
Alex Warren brought a happier shade of blues.

Elijah Smith

MGK got a little helper on stage at Jingle Ball.
MGK got a little helper on stage at Jingle Ball.

Elijah Smith

Rachel Chinouriri, a critically acclaimed rising star, took the stage at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

Elijah Smith

Swedish singer Zara Larsson, who had a breakout year with the viral success of “Midnight Sun,” gets a lift.

Elijah Smith

Kevin Woo
Kevin Woo goes solo.

Elijah Smith

Forgive us for being too on the nose, but the stage lights were literally shining down on Brent Smith of Shinedown.

Elijah Smith

 

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Patrick Williams is editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer. Before joining the staff in July 1997, Patrick worked for the Southern Illinoisan, Amarillo Globe News and San Antonio Express-News. As editor-in-chief, he oversees the newsroom and guides the coverage of both the Dallas Observer‘s printed publication and online website.

patrick.williams@dallasobserver.com
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