Now that THON 2022 has wrapped up and we’ve had time to catch up on sleep, we’ve often found ourselves thinking about just how good some of the weekend’s performances really were.

Line dances aside, some THON 2022 cover bands truly rocked the Bryce Jordan Center stage. Everyone’s got a favorite, but which group was truly the best?

To decide, our staff officially power-ranked its five favorite THON 2022 cover bands.

5. OK Otter

To start off, OK Otter did not miss once. This Pennsylvania-based band performed at THON for the third year in a row, and we can sure see why it keeps coming back. The group flawlessly mixed country music and pop to keep the BJC rocking on Sunday morning.

Before the Final Four, the group put on an electrifying performance to show off its variety. The audience ate OK Otter up and raged over covers of “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)” by The Proclaimers, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, and more.

4. Float Upstream

We were completely shocked and ecstatic to hear songs like “Fruit Salad,” “Juice,” and the Drake and Josh theme song played on the BJC stage. These guys even played the Mii Channel theme from the Nintendo Wii. Weird, sure, but Float Upstream knew how to keep the energy up and play something different for a change.

Plus, the group’s frontman was wearing a giraffe costume…Nick Scipione, we see you.

3. Canary

Towards the end of the afternoon on Saturday, local band Canary stepped took the BJC stage for the very first time. As the first live performance in about four hours, Canary helped bring back everyone’s energy.

The quintet includes three Penn Staters: Alex Mijangos on bass, Sam Horn on the keys, and Nick Perella on drums. Some of our favorites Canary performed include “Forget You” by CeeLo Green, “Valerie” by The Zutons, “Ex’s & Oh’s” by Elle King, and “Shout” by the Isley Brothers. Classic.

2. Anchor&Arrow

State College’s own Matt Dashem and Jennifer Henry-Dashem kept the energy alive and well in the BJC on Sunday morning when we needed it most.

From Taylor Swift to The Beatles, Anchor&Arrow’s setlist was particularly groovy. Things really cranked up once the group overcame some sound and tech issues that were out of its control. Thankfully, vibes remained high as Anchor&Arrow grooved and danced just after the sun rose.

1. Go Go Retro

The Nittany Lion was simply in awe of Go Go Retro’s performance, and so were we. The group, a sister band of beloved THON act Go Go Gadjet, made its THON debut and rocked some classic tracks to guide us into the home stretch on Sunday.

The band never missed a beat and took the final moments of THON 2022 to the next level with a jaw-dropping opening act, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles to close it. During Go Go Retro’s closing number, thousands of flashing lights from cell phone flashlights made the BJC shine.

The group proudly played classic after classic in quick succession to keep the BJC’s energy up. These hits included “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, “Take On Me” by A-ha, and, of course, “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil, with a surprising twist of “Hey Nittany.”

Many might’ve been disappointed that Go Go Gadjet couldn’t play THON 2022, but no one was complaining about getting treated to this fantastic set from Go Go Retro.