New York — Maria Sherman, a music writer for the Associated Press, attended more than 80 concerts in 2024. Here are some of her picks for the best and biggest shows of the year. Most shows on this list were performed in the New York metropolitan area unless otherwise noted, excluding most one-off performances that cannot be repeated. Take a look at where you too can meet this artist.
December 17, Barclays Center
At the end of the year when most major pop tours end, who else but Mariah Carey could step into that role as the Queen of Christmas? During the 2024 season, Carey performed holiday classics (both her own and standards) and departed slightly from format to perform a medley of her biggest hits: “Emotions,” “Hero,” “Fantasy” and “We Belong Together.” It was presented as . ,” among them.
Highlight: The finale of her enduring classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” But on the final night of the Brooklyn tour, there was an unexpected surprise. Rihanna was in the audience and Carey signed her chest as the entire stadium sang along to “Always Be My Baby.”
OPENER: Now, as if we needed an introduction to the Queen of Christmas.
See for yourself: Carey’s Christmas show has become an annual tradition, so just wait until 2025.
October 10, Carnegie Hall
For the second time in her career, Natalia Lafourcade performed at Carnegie Hall with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. There was nothing to be frustrated about. Crowds danced in the aisles as the four-time Grammy Award winner brought the historic venue to life with Latin folk, rock, bossa nova and cumbia.
Highlights: Towards the end of the show, Lafourcade joined Jon Batiste for an impromptu set. Suddenly the hallowed halls of Carnegie Hall felt as intimate as a private rehearsal.
Opener: None.
See for yourself: Lafourcade doesn’t currently have any dates scheduled, but curious fans can check out her new “Live at Carnegie Hall” album recorded at this concert.
October 2, Madison Square Garden
Carin León is one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, and when he performs live, he confirms what fans of his music have always known to be true. This is a global phenomenon.
Highlight: León performs a dreamy cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey.” Next to his banda song is a reminder that country music transcends countries, cultures and borders.
OPENER: Who needs it!
See for yourself: León has several more dates scheduled for April 2025, including in Florida and North Carolina.
August 3, UBS Arena
It’s almost unbelievable. Before 2024, Missy Elliott had never headlined her own arena tour. And her last tour was in 2004, when she performed with Beyoncé and Alicia Keys. Twenty years later, the multi-hyphenate decided it was finally time to hit the road again for a true pop spectacle. And as the title suggests, it was ‘out of this world’.
Highlights: She is one of the most influential artists of the last 30 years. Choose your favorite artist. “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” “Lose Control” — the show was non-stop, bursting with energy that left more feeling. More like a once-in-a-lifetime event than a concert.
Opening: Elliott’s day one collaborators Busta Rhymes and Ciara join in for a show that feels like a party in space.
See for yourself: The tour may be over, but catch Elliott at Coachella next spring.
June 7-9, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
See, summer music festivals aren’t for everyone. But every once in a while, there comes an agency that not only actually books today’s superstars, but also surprises you with its diverse array of talent. This year, the Governors Ball delivered.
Highlight: Now is the time to run, not walk, to see Chappell Roan. But you already knew that. You’ve long remembered the “Hot to Go” dance.
OPENER: There’s a reason Sexy Red’s raunchy rap is featured on many playlists.
See for yourself: I’m returning to New York next June.
June 8, MetLife Stadium
King of Country’s songs are timeless, live, and have a lot of heart.
Highlight: You may have heard “Amarillo by Morning” performed at a local dive. Now hear it performed by Strait himself and his big band in stadiums packed with tens of thousands of people.
Opening: Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town, Stapleton joins Strait for their 2024 collaboration ‘Honky Tonk Hall of Fame’.
See for yourself: Strait has no upcoming shows, but never say never.
May 23, MetLife Stadium
One of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time plays non-stop hits for two hours, spanning 60 years of discography. What else can you ask for?
Highlights: Simply put — Mick Jagger’s perseverance.
OPENER: The ingenious Jon Batiste tickles the ivory like he invented the piano.
See for yourself: The Stones’ North American tour is over. Do you know these people? Before you know it, they’ll be on the road again.
May 21 Madison Square Garden
Please say that again for the people behind you. Megan Thee Stallion sells out Madison Square Garden on her first tour. What a sexy woman… Success.
Highlight: “WAP!” Bonus points if Cardi B makes a surprise appearance like she did on her New York date.
OPENER: Tennessee rapper GloRilla was recently named one of AP’s 2024 Breakthrough Entertainers.
See for yourself: Megan will be hitting Coachella in April and Summerfest in Milwaukee in June.
April 5, Madison Square Garden
Olivia Rodrigo’s glossy pop-punk is for all ages and something everyone can relate to. If the image of a woman expressing her anger had gone out of fashion, Rodrigo brought it back with force.
Highlight: Honestly? It doesn’t matter what your favorite Olivia Rodrigo song is!
Opener: The Breeders (led by Kim Deal of the Pixies) are legends of ’90s college radio and indie rock.
See for yourself: Rodrigo will be attending a few festivals in South America in the spring before heading to Europe for a few more.
March 14, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Bad Bunny’s show opens with an orchestra. The orchestra’s symphony quickly transitions into the unmistakable strings of his monster hit “Monaco.”
Highlights: Horses. Of course, the same goes for his performance blocks of past reggaeton hits.
OPENER: There was no opener, but at one point Bad Bunny entered the arena on horseback. really.
See for yourself: Bad Bunny’s “The Most Wanted Tour” ended a few months ago. Next time, catch El Conejo Malo.
