Fridayz has returned after a two year absence, with an incredible line up as Mariah Carey and Pitbull headlined the festival with superb supporting talent. ENGIE Stadium in Sydney was packed to the brim with fans donning bald caps and tuxedos in support of Pitbull which created a fantastic atmosphere from the outset. 

The festival kicked off with Jordin Sparks who performed all of her biggest hits in the short 30 minute set. The highlight was when Guy Sebastian came out to sing “Art of Love” with Sparks for the first time live in Australia and their voices combined beautifully, which was a delight for the crowd.

British rapper Tinie Tempah followed with a hugely energetic performance that kept the energy of the crowd high. While he was early on in the night, he was one of the crowd favourites with a powerful set of his biggest hits including “Girls Like” and “Pass Out”. 

Eve then took to the stage, with “Rich Girl” being one of the highlights of her set. With hitmaker after hitmaker, Lil Jon followed with a set of 2000s nostalgia, with the bald-capped laden crowd becoming heavily invested in the hits like “Shots” which preceded Pitbull’s craze. Lil Jon also performed a tribute to Fatman Scoop on top of the sound tent which had an electric energy. 

Wiz Khalifa followed as the smell of special substances began to filter through the air. With his biggest hits including “Black and Yellow” and “See You Again” headlining his set, it was a great prelude to the two main acts who had the crowd in a fervour. 

When Pitbull took to the stage, the crowd, who had largely come for him, went absolutely wild. Pitbull’s stage presence was electric from the first song “Don’t Stop the Party” before he moved through his hits with well-choreographed interludes. From “International Love” to “Feel This Moment” to “Hotel Room Service”, all the classics were covered with trademark pizzazz. 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here,” he said. “Let’s lose our mo***rf***ing minds tonight.”

With some short covers played by his band like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “The Final Countdown”, Pitbull kept the set varied, with a surprise cameo from his mentor Lil Jon being another highlight of the set. But really, this was a celebration for all those who wanted to dress up and have a party and Pitbull played into the bald craze, thanking all the “baldies” who dressed up as him. 

The night was closed out by Mariah Carey, and while a substantial portion of the crowd had left, many stuck around to see one of music’s greatest ever in the flesh. While Carey’s performance was a little subdued (and only she and the analysts on TikTok will know how much of the performance was truly live), she sang all the songs that the crowd wanted to her, with a beautiful rendition of “Hero” being the highlight. 

Everyone thought that the night was over when Carey walked off stage, but, much to the crowd’s delight, her dancers returned in Christmas hats as she performed “All I Want for Christmas is You” which had everyone up and grooving. It was a fabulous way to end a wonderful night of music. 

Overall, this was a great event with an incredible line-up that truly delivered. Organisation was seamless and a lot of fun was had. One can only hope that the festival returns next year bigger and stronger than ever before. 

Fridayz plays in Melbourne and Perth this week. For more information, click here.

First three photo credits and cover photo: @jordankmunns

Final three photo credits: @jessgleeson