Concert Review: Big Time Rush skates into the holiday season at Total Mortgage Arena
After an exciting year on the road, Big Time Rush (BTR) closed out 2024 with a unique, one-of-a-kind holiday celebration for all Connecticut fans. For one night only, Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport transformed into a massive skating rink, featuring the band performing their biggest hits while incorporating impressive choreography with talented professional skaters. I had no expectations going into the show, but with an open mind and some harbored excitement, I couldn’t wait to see what BTR and their team were going to pull out of their bag of tricks. As a fan of their discography since their Nickelodeon days, I knew that in any case, I would be dancing and singing along either way.
Big Time Rush kicked off the night with a choreographed on-ice performance of Windows Down and Waves, setting the tone for an evening that was as engaging as it was unique. Their choreography was polished and dynamic, seamlessly blending classic boy band moves with the added challenge of performing on ice. The precision and synchronicity of their routine really impressed me and the rest of the crowd. From the very start, it was clear that one of the group’s greatest strengths lies in their connection with their fans. Each member made it a point to interact directly with the crowd, whether through hugs, quick photos, or a wave that seemed perfectly timed to light up someone’s night. Their genuine effort to make the experience personal didn’t just enhance the performance; it reminded everyone why BTR has maintained such a loyal fanbase over the years. This level of interaction, paired with their impressive choreography, brought an extra layer of energy and warmth to the show, making an already exciting night even more memorable.
A standout segment of the night was Skating with the Stars, a spinoff of the TV show Dancing with the Stars, where each member of Big Time Rush paired with a skater to compete for the loudest audience reaction. James set the tone with a more romantic routine, decked out in red flannel and gliding across the ice with dramatic flair, almost convincing the crowd this was a serious competition. Kendall, on the other hand, leaned into comedy, donning a wild wig and carrying a plastic saxophone as he hilariously skated to Careless Whisper. Logan brought the house down with a high-energy performance to Journey, rocking a red leather jacket and sunglasses that perfectly matched his confident moves, earning him the loudest cheers of the night. Carlos rounded things out with a spirited routine dressed as Buddy the Elf, impressing the crowd despite his skate laces coming undone mid-performance. In the end, Logan’s electric energy secured him the win and a shiny trophy, while the others left with participation trophies and big laughs from the crowd.
The middle of the show was a non-stop showcase of Big Time Rush’s talent and energy as they performed a mix of fan-favorite hits like Elevate, If I Ruled the World, City Is Ours, and Music Sounds Better. Their vocals were powerful and versatile, seamlessly transitioning between high-energy anthems and acoustic moments. Songs like Stuck and Beautiful Christmas were performed acoustically, with some requests coming directly from the audience, creating intimate moments that highlighted the band’s vocal harmonies and connection with their fans. Their choreography remained sharp and engaging, with each move embodying the energy and mood of the song. Adding to the spectacle, each of the skaters performed different breathtaking routines behind them, perfectly in sync with each song’s mood. With flips, slides, and axel jumps, they didn’t just accompany the music—they embodied it, giving each track an extra layer of depth. At times, their moves were so graceful they felt like a ballet in motion. The skater’s performance during City Is Ours was my favorite of the night, as the skater perfectly captured the song’s upbeat, celebratory energy with high-speed spins, synchronized jumps, and a sense of freedom that brought the lyrics to life on the ice.Together, the band and the skaters brought a beautiful balance of high-energy performance and artistic expression, making every song a full sensory experience.
Big Time Rush continued their beloved tradition of selecting a “Worldwide Girl” during the show, but this time, they upped the ante by bringing four fans on stage—one for each member. The lucky fans, hailing from various places both internationally and around the East Coast, were serenaded with the band’s hit Worldwide. Each member brought their own charm to the moment, with Carlos and Logan going above and beyond to make it unforgettable. Carlos spun his fan around and danced with her, keeping her smiling the entire time, while Logan’s playful moves and twirls had his fan laughing and beaming. Kendall and James kept things sweet and heartfelt, singing directly to their fans, some amongst hugs, and making sure they would remember this moment for years to come.
Closing out the show on a high note, BTR, alongside all of their skaters, lined up side by side for their big encore of Boyfriend. The arena buzzed with anticipation as this was the song fans had been shouting for all night, their excitement finally reaching a crescendo. As the familiar opening chords played, the group locked arms with their skating ensemble and began gliding in unison, forming a massive, mesmerizing circle around the rink. Their voices barely held up against the massive wave of voices from the audience.
It’s true—Big Time Rush really can create any kind of performance you want. This show was a perfect mix of holiday spirit, high-energy performances, and nostalgic fun for fans who’ve followed the band since their TV debut. Watching them bring this idea to life so seamlessly was nothing short of magical, and I can only hope they make this unique holiday tradition a recurring event each year. With a performance this creative and heartfelt, Big Time Rush has set the bar high for what a holiday concert experience can be.
For more information about what Big Time Rush is up to next, visit their official website at bigtimerushofficial.com or follow them on social media platforms.
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