THON 2022 is just hours away, folks!

With the return of an in-person THON, several performers will take the stage at the Bryce Jordan Center and electrify the crowd. Back in 2020, Cash Cash and Daya got the BJC loud with their exciting performances, while Go Go Gadjet brought the livestream to life last year.

That begs the question — Who should perform at THON this year? Some of our staffers made their picks.

Ryen Gailey: The Jonas Brothers

I will die on this hill and say that the Jonas Brothers need to come back to campus before the Class of 2022 graduates. Joe Jonas performed at THON 2017 with DNCE, but the band of brothers hasn’t officially performed at a THON Weekend…yet.

The trio has an obvious love for all things Penn State, and they’ve visited State College many times in recent years. This weekend, at least on paper, the Jonas Brothers don’t have any scheduling conflicts that would prevent them from making it to the BJC.

The first in-person THON in two years would be even more electric with a surprise Jonas Brothers concert, so keep your eyes peeled for the famous trio.

Frankie Marzano: Dua Lipa

Nobody gets a party going like Dua Lipa. From “Levitating” to “Don’t Stop Now”, she has hits that can get the crowd in the BJC pumped up like nobody else. Sure, it may not seem feasible, and it might be hard to get her, but THON has a bigger reach than people might think. I mean, THON even got Mason Ramsey to perform at THON 2019. If that could happen, then Dua Lipa can definitely make her way to the City of THON this weekend.

Dana Nunemacher: Taylor Swift

Miss Swift, I am begging you. PLEASE COME TO THON!

As a Pennsylvania native, we know that you have a special connection to the great Keystone state. Plus, Penn State looks great in blue, but we also love Red! Come give us the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” or, as the late hours of THON approach, remind us to “Shake It Off”. Taylor, please think about it.

Mackenzie Cullen: Olivia Rodrigo

Over the last year, Olivia Rodrigo has become one of the brightest stars thanks to her breakout hit “driver’s license.” Although her lyrics aren’t always FTK friendly, she has clean versions of her songs and can certainly perform them. Though she has no Penn State ties, Rodrigo would make THON much happier. Olivia, you coming to perform at THON would be “good 4 u” and good for Penn Staters. Grab your driver’s license and get your butt to Happy Valley!

Colleen Nersten: Imagine Dragons

“Radioactive” is a bop, and we all know it. I can’t say I’m an Imagine Dragons stan, but I am convinced this is Friday night’s performer. The band is performing in Pittsburgh on February 19, and according to its website, the band recently added a show on February 16 in Allentown. Yes, Allentown. Weird, huh?

All I know is that Imagine Dragons will be somewhere between Allentown and Pittsburgh between February 16 and 19, and State College is just about smack dab in the middle.

Plus, the surprise THON performer is always family-friendly and a C-list celebrity. You heard it here first, folks. I’ll be firing up “Thunder” in my headphones as I walk to the BJC this weekend just in case.

Larkin Richards: Tori Kelly

Listen, if you’re new here, you need to know that I love Tori Kelly. If you aren’t new here, you know the drill. I believe wholeheartedly that having her at the BJC would raise everyone’s excitement to such an unbelievable height. Tori Kelly is also in the “Sing” film franchise, so I do believe having her here would impress the kids a ton.

THON is a space for dancing, laughing, singing, and having an all-around good time. Tori Kelly’s music has such a great vibe to it that every kid, dancer, spectator, and volunteer would be in such an exciting mood.

To add, she is one of the most talented improv artists. Having her perform at THON would be a great move considering her talents and the energy she brings. We all deserve some of the best live performances to celebrate and commemorate our time together. Tori Kelly’s songs and vocals would definitely do just that.

Owen Abbey: Flo Rida

I’m still on the Flo Rida-to-Penn State bandwagon. His virtual concert last year doesn’t count. The people need to see him in person.

In all seriousness, he has a lot of great songs that can get the crowd going. His energy is something that will be needed in the moment, and his songs are classics. Sure, they may not be the most FTK-friendly, but they are still great.

Gabe Angieri: Luke Combs

Luke Combs is undoubtedly my favorite current artist, and it would an absolute treat if he made a surprise appearance at THON 2022. The guy just doesn’t miss, plain and simple. He doesn’t have one bad song!

Hits like “Lovin’ on You” and “Cold As You” would for sure electrify the BJC. I know sure they’d have me going crazy.

There aren’t many artists out there bigger or better than Combs, so this would be a massive get for THON. Man, would that be something.

Will Pegler: 50 Cent

This would be so fun. So fun, in fact, I think I need it to happen.

Curtis Jackson, better known as “50 Cent,” is an awesome performer. He put that ability on display this past weekend at the Super Bowl halftime show when he did his classic “hang upside from the ceiling routine” that he made famous in his “In Da Club” music video. Fitty has clearly put on a few pounds since that music video dropped back in 2003, but there’s no question as to whether he’s still got it.

If Jackson did that routine for a rocking THON crowd, I think the top might actually blow off of the BJC. Let’s make this happen.