Penn State’s annual music festival, Movin’ On, is almost back.

Before performers take the stage at the IM Fields on Friday, May 2, the lineup is set to be announced at 1 p.m. on Friday at the HUB.

Before the official set list is revealed, some of our staffers made their picks for who they think should headline this year’s event.

Dillon Williams: Tate McRae

I think Tate McRae would be a fantastic choice for the headliner of Movin’ On. She’s a rising star, but she hasn’t completely skyrocketed into mainstream stardom to the point where she can’t be attainable. She’s also a fantastic live performer as she is an experienced dancer and has a great visual mind. She’s also 21 years old, so she would vibe with a college crowd, especially one like Penn State’s that likes to party hard. I think that she’d rock the IM Fields and leave the Penn State audience with a great impression going into the summer.

Sarah Nasif: Gracie Abrams

This could be a long shot, but bringing Gracie Abrams to the Penn State IM Fields, in the light of spring, would top my college experience. She certainly emerged within the last year, so it is possible. I can already see a field of Penn State students belting out the lyrics to “That’s So True” (I mean, I know I would). So many people can relate to her music, and I’ve heard she’s a great performer, so why not bring that energy to Penn State?

Ryan McInerney: A$AP Rocky

Being in the presence of A$AP Rocky feels sacred. The man is a hip-hop icon with straight bangers for days. He has a new album dropping soon, so he could play some songs off that track. A$AP has such a diverse catalog and could play songs like “Sundress,” “L$D,” “Fashion Killa,” and “LVL” to get us in our feels. Or he could go with songs like “Praise Da Lord,” “Lord Pretty Flaco 2,” and “Long Live A$AP” and get that place bumpin’. Either way, Lord Pretty Flaco needs to headline Movin’ On.

Mikey DeAngelis: The Backseat Lovers

In my experience, Movin’ On usually targets a hip-hop or rap artist as their headliner. It makes sense since that’s generally the sort of music college students listen to. However, I’m gonna advocate for some rock here. I like a lot of slow folk music, but for an environment like Movin’ On, I want to hear some guitar ripping. That’s why I’m hoping Movin’ On brings in The Backseat Lovers to play their hits like “Kilby Girl” and “Pool House,” songs most people probably recognize, if not love.

Michael Siroty: Fetty Wap

I’m sick of that kid walking into Penn State classes blasting “Again” by Fetty Wap. However, I would love to see him in person at Movin’ On. That’s not his only big hit, either, with throwback bangers like “679” and “Trap Queen.”

Do I want Fetty Wap at Movin’ On? In the words of Fetty Wap himself, “Yeah, baby.”

Alyssa Murray: DJO

I think DJO would be an awesome headliner. A lot of people know him as Steve Harrington from “Stranger Things,” but his music is honestly so good on its own. He really blew up in the past year, especially with “End of Beginning” all over TikTok, and his sound feels perfect for a spring concert. Even if you don’t know all the words, his music is super easy to enjoy. He’s popular enough to get people excited but not too big to feel out of reach. And I would LOVE to see him live.

Sylvia Prebor: Mt. Joy or Caamp

I would want either Mt. Joy or Caamp to headline. Both are my favorite bands, and I think that they are both small enough to sign to come but also big enough that lots of people would be excited for it.

Oscar Orellana: 311

My pick for a Movin’ On headliner would be 311. The group combines numerous genres for a vast array of hits across their discography that would be perfect for the end-of-year vibe at Movin’ On. Songs like “Amber” and “I’ll Be Here Awhile” remind me of hot summer days and a good time, while others like “Down” and “Homebrew” can serve as energetic, blood-pumping songs for the crowd. The group is launching their tour at the beginning of May, so it is unlikely, but one can dream.

Ericka Apolskis: Role Model

I simply need Role Model to headline Movin’ On. First, he is on the rise. Second, he has a break in his tour after his Boston show on April 23, making May 2 the perfect opportunity to come to State College. Third, all his shows were either too expensive or sold out, so I didn’t get to see him. He is also extremely popular on TikTok right now, so even if people don’t recognize his name, they would definitely know his songs. I truly believe he is at the perfect point in his career to headline Movin’ On.

Cadyn Gill: Ken Carson

Mosh pit at the IM Fields, anyone? While this is highly unlikely, considering the rappers’ preference to remain off the grid, a man can still dream.

Ken Carson is an Atlanta rapper who has burst onto the scene under Playboi Carti’s “OPIUM” label. His most recent album, “A Great Chaos,” genuinely does not have a single skip. His discography has the perfect mix of mainstream hits and underground gems.

“Jennifer’s Body,” “SS,” and “Yale” are probably his most popular songs amongst the general public, but he has dozens more tracks that flash his signature sound of hard-hitting snares and fast-paced instrumentals. Personally, I would do unspeakable things to hear “Freestyle 2,” “Succubus,” or “Fighting My Demons” live in concert. 

While I acknowledge his music is not for everyone, I genuinely believe his combination of signature adlibs and absurd stage presence would make for a surging live performance as the headliner of Movin’ On that anybody with eyes and ears could appreciate.

James Russell: Schoolboy Q

This may be far-fetched, but I believe Schoolboy Q would be an excellent fit for Movin’ On. He has a similar following to artists like Freddie Gibbs and JID, who have headlined Movin’ On in the past two years. He has a few classics like “Collard Greens,” “Studio,” and “That Part,” that many Penn State students would definitely know.

Julia Romankow: Sleeping With Sirens

Movin’ On often features alternative bands, and I think Sleeping with Sirens would be a great one to perform at Movin’ On. Sleeping with Sirens is an alternative rock band that formed in 2009, gaining massive popularity in the early 2010s. A majority of college students grew up during this time and experienced the popularity of the band firsthand and have probably heard some of their popular hits.

Sleeping with Sirens is scheduled to start their tour in North Carolina on May 13. This gives them just the right amount of time to perform before they leave. They would absolutely bring the energy to the IM Fields and probably even some mosh pits.

Ben Rosenbaum: Morgan Wallen

With an album of 37 songs releasing on May 16, there is no better way to give fans a preview than by performing at Movin’ On. Especially with the Luke Combs concert in Beaver Stadium at the end of last year, I predict that bringing back another popular country star would certainly be possible.

Joe Lister: Baby Keem

I’m a big Kendrick Lamar fan, but getting Lamar just isn’t realistic. Hence, I’m fine settling for diet Kendrick Lamar.