I awoke bursting with excitement, as I had never attended an iHeartRadio Musical Festival before and I could not wait to experience it after hearing glowing reviews from past attendees. Our first stop of the day was to the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a behind-the-scenes tour of the morning rehearsal, where we were allowed to walk the same red carpet that the musicians themselves would be walking on hours later.
We also went backstage and I found it incredibly fascinating to get a first hand account of exactly what it takes to make an event this size go off without a hitch. I had my fingers crossed that I might run into one of the musicians, although their dressing rooms were as close as I got.
Then we had lunch at PUB 1842 and were joined by MGM Grand’s SVP of Entertainment Development Chris Baldizan to discuss the scope of entertainment for the company. I doubt I have ever met a more interesting man in my life!
The restaurant is an American pub featuring a wide selection of comfort food and libations. Named for the year Pilsner beer was invented, PUB 1842 offers a a playful menu that satisfies just about every craving one could have. I could not get enough of the succulent lobster corn dogs and truffled mac and cheese.
Afterwards, I had a relaxing massage in the Grand Spa/Salon and returned to my room to find a thoughtful gift basket from the hotel and a dazzling sunset that illuminated the city.
I was still full from lunch by the time we had dinner at Shibuya, which was heartbreaking, because it is the ultimate destination for Japanese cuisine in Las Vegas and I could barely partake in the feast. The restaurant features freshly prepared ingredients, sensational sushi, and the widest sake selection outside of Japan. A couple of rolls and shots later, it was finally time for the main event.
There were over 10,000 people at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, thus you can imagine that it took an incredibly long time to get to our seats. Just as we were finally sitting down, Diddy surprised the crowd by introducing Robin Thicke as the first performer (he was the act I was most excited to see). The following are pictures and videos of Robin Thicke, Fun, Muse, J.Cole with TLC, Elton John, Chris Brown, Katy Perry, and Adam Lamber with Queen. Not pictured was The Summer Set, Keith Urban, Benny Benassi, and Tiesto. Who would you have been most excited to see live?
Towards the end of the evening, someone next to me said, “Look you are on the big screen!” Sure enough, my picture from the red carpet earlier in the day had made it up there. Can you spot me?
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget! MGM Grand definitely helped change my perspective of Sin City and there will no doubt be a return trip soon in my future.
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so jealous!
One day you’ll do it! 🙂
This looks like a blast. Even when I’m not a big fan of a musical act, usually the live experience is so amazing that I can’t help but enjoy it. Would have been cool to see so many big pop culture names all in one room!
Yeah, I had never experienced a festival before, so it was awesome to see so many great acts back to back.
I don’t know whether I’m more jealous of the food or the concert!
Hahaha tie?
I’m with Emily — food or concert?! 🙂 Knowing me, the food would win out as the highlight. And you’ve just reminded me how long it’s been since I had a good sushi roll.
The sushi there was SO good!!! I would fly to Vegas just for that sushi!
What an experience!! I would have loved to see Katy Perry live!
She was great! I’m not a fan, but I was definitely impressed!!!
Wow what a night. Love the sound of the truffled mac and cheese as well.
Sooo good right? 🙂
Glad you had so much fun!
Guess where I’m going in December??? I blame you for this ~ in a good way of course 🙂
Vegas? I looooooove it!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I’m reading a VIP’s blog!
Hahaha you’re too cute!
Omg what an awesome experience! And lobster corn dogs?!!! Über jealous.
It was SO awesome and yes lobster corn dogs…amazing right???
The food photos look so delish! You must have had the time of your life!
Absolutely, that’s the best way of saying it “time of my life”!
Oh wow, with that kind of line-up I don’t know who I would’ve loved to see (and hear) the most, looks like a fantastic event!! And I should have not read this before having lunch, the food looked divine… 🙂
Hahaha yes the post should have come with a warning!!! It was SUCH a fantastic event!
I’ve never heard of this music festival. It looks like a great experience though with so many big name acts. Plus the benefit of enjoying the features of Vegas hotels sounds like a great day.
Yes, absolutely! You should check it out, it really is an unforgettable experience!
How fun! Looks like a blast. And lobster corn dogs – seriously!? Yum. 🙂
Hahaha I know right? Why are lobster corn dogs not found in every restaurant???
That food looks uh-mazing! Wow!!! Looks like the event was so much fun. =)
Yes and yes!!!
So glad you had fun!
Thank you!
Ooh girl! Look at you! 🙂
And now I want nachos.
Hahahaha love your train of thinking!!! 🙂
What an exciting and fun night! 🙂 The food sounds so good – the perfect blend of comfort and gourmet. 🙂
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Wow, major lunch envy happening! I’m glad you had a great time in Vegas. I’ve been itching to get back to Sin City myself! If only for the sunshine… 🙂
I hope you can make it back soon, such a fun place and I was blown away with the food scene there now!!!
Gimme that mac & cheese and those corn dogs!
Hahaha I wish I could!
Looks like a mini-Grammy’s! I will have to check out 1842 on my next trip, the food looks amazing.
You will LOVE it! It’s SO you!!! Totally mini-Grammy’s.
Woow it looks like an amazing night!!
Beyond amazing!