Students came out in droves, sporting their best flannels and cowboy boots for Dan + Shay’s Sunday night concert in Alumni Hall. The concert was the first event of the 2015 Homecoming Week, setting the tone for the full slate of activities to follow.

Prior to the start of the concert, the 2015 Dance Competition showcased dancers from six different groups across campus. The theme for this year’s competition was dancing on the small screen, and certificates were awarded for best costume, best prop, most school spirit, and overall winner. This year’s winner was Urban Dance Troupe, sealing the deal with its electrifying Hannah Montana routine.

After the completion of the dance competition, Dan + Shay quickly took to the stage, marking the first time that a country artist served as Homecoming’s headlining act. The duo electrified the crowd with their first song, “Somewhere Only We Know,” to which the audience sang right along, as it did for most of the night. Hits like “Nothin’ Like You” and “Stop Drop + Roll” kept the crowd engaged and the energy high.

Dan and Shay were relatively frank with the audience throughout the night. “I used to drive here every single weekend and party until I couldn’t remember anything. I love this place,” Dan said. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Dan travelled back and forth to Penn State for the party scene, and he planned on showing Shay a good time last night, too. The two continued to promise the crowd that they would be hitting the town after the show to let loose and have some fun.

Although the duo owns a number of notable hits, they played some popular sing-alongs to rev up the crowd’s energy. Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” added variety and entertainment to the already vibrant show.

Dan + Shay slowed down their set when they asked all of the boys in the audience to find a girl and dance along to Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love To You.” They continued the mellow trend with “I Heard Goodbye” and “First Time Feeling.” The piercing screams from the girls in the audience somehow got even louder after this more intimate set.

The two debuted their new single, “Partner in Crime,” off of their much anticipated new album. After being nominated for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year this past year, Dan + Shay have plenty to live up to. However, they promised that the next time that they came back to Penn State, they would bring new music. “Penn State is better than anywhere else in this country,” Dan told the audience.

After an incredible concert, Dan + Shay wrapped up their performance with their debut single, “19 You + Me.” The energy was high, and the mood was pure elation.

The Dan + Shay concert was one of many upcoming events set for this week’s slate of homecoming festivities. Molly Monaghan, Homecoming’s Public Relations Director, said that this year is better than it has ever been before. “This year feels very different and very special,” she said.

For a complete list of homecoming activities, Homecoming’s website.