We are just a few hours away from THON 2024, folks!

The most exciting, anticipated weekend of the year is almost here, and with that, there are some predictions to make. Every year, a national celebrity performer takes the stage to dazzle students, families, and dancers alike. Last year, everyone’s favorite “Unwritten” singer, Natasha Bedingfield, electrified the crowd.

So, our staff got to brainstorming for who we wanted to see as the headliner performance this year.

Michael Siroty: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is dating Travis Kelce. Travis Kelce just won the Super Bowl with the Chiefs. Who else did that? Donovan Smith. Donovan Smith went to Penn State. What else is at Penn State? THON. Taylor Swift clearly has ties to THON, so it only makes sense to have her perform this year.

Ryan Smith: Tate McRae

Tate McRae would set the BJC on fire with a performance at THON. Having taken both the music industry and TikTok by storm this year, she’s become a household name and her songs are high-energy. Hits like “10:35,” “greedy,” and “exes” would undoubtedly make THON history, echoing throughout the BJC and keeping the energy alive. With her tour set to kick off in April 2024, McRae’s THON performance would be the ultimate kickoff and would go down as one of THON’s best performances.

Sophie Yadzinski: Justin Bieber

As someone who suffers from a mad case of Bieber fever, I would love to see him perform at THON this year. I know it’s a long shot for him to perform, but let’s “Never Say Never,” OK? The Super Bowl rumors about him performing with Usher weren’t true, but the Belieber in me thinks he’s been prepping FTK this whole time. Justin, if you see this, you’ve already been “All Around the World,” so why not keep the BJC “Company” this THON Weekend?

Matt Brown: Big Time Rush

What you may not know is I am a huge Big Time Rush fan. I grew up watching the band’s show, and I loved the music on the show and the music they’ve put out recently. The only thing I haven’t done is see them perform live in person.

THON is a great venue for them to perform and Big Time Rush is a well-known enough music group that everybody would love it. You’re telling me every student there wouldn’t lose their mind if BTR came out to be the surprise act. You can’t convince me anyone else would be better.

Evan Halfen: Sexyy Red

If she can come to the White Out game, I’m sure Sexyy Red can make another trip to Happy Valley For The Kids. Imagine getting lit to “SkeeYee” during the weekend. This performance would definitely keep everyone up on their feet and moving. The vibes would truly be unmatched.

Haylee Yocum: Halsey

This one is probably wishful thinking, but I would absolutely love to see Halsey on stage this weekend. I can almost guarantee they’re going to play some of her songs anyway, so why not just have her there to perform them herself? Unlike a lot of pop stars I’d like to see (Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, or Taylor Swift), Halsey actually isn’t too busy right now and could totally swing by Happy Valley for the weekend. There’s also no doubt in my mind that a performance by her wouldn’t get the dancers and spectators pumped up. Like, come on. “Closer,” “Without Me,” and “Eastside” are certified bangers, regardless of how dated they might be.

Plus, it turns out Halsey has been charitable to at least one Penn State student by paying their speeding ticket in 2019. It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility that Halsey would return to the East Coast near their home state of New Jersey to rock out FTK.

Giovanna Lee: One Direction

One Direction. No doubt. They reunite For The Kids, of course. They kick it off with “What Makes You Beautiful” because every child is beautiful no matter what battle they are fighting. Then they’ll play “Drag Me Down” because no one can drag anyone at THON down. Not everyone who put so much effort into fundraising, not the dancers, and especially not the kids. Finally, they’ll conclude their THON performance with “Best Song Ever” because, well, “dancing all night to the best song ever” is quite literally what’s happening at THON. And then, 1D will announce they’re going on tour. You’re welcome.

Fernando Martinez Ruiz De E: Travis Scott

If anyone should headline THON, it should be Travis Scott. Travis Scott has become a fan favorite here at State College ever since he had his concert at the Bryce Jordan Center. He felt that love from everyone at his concert, and I’m sure that he would like to come back to perform in the future. Wouldn’t it be the perfect opportunity for him to come back during Penn State’s biggest event of the year?

Even though he would probably have to make sure that all his songs are appropriate For The Kids, I’m confident he could pull that off. Also, he canceled his concert in Louisville on February 5 without a new date announced. Is it possible that he canceled because he is preparing to perform at THON this weekend in front of the kids? Let’s not rule that out completely.

Dillon Williams: Sabrina Carpenter

She’s an up-and-coming artist, and she’s from Pennsylvania, so I’m sure she’d love to be involved with a great cause like THON.

Keeley Lamm: Nicki Minaj

I saw this rumor on Yik Yak. I simply need it to be true.