Shawn Mendes, Bebe Rexha and more proved the art of lyricism isn't dead at Jingle Ball in Dallas

In one of her biggest singles to date called "Me, Myself and I," Bebe Rexha described the mentality of a singer-songwriter in a few simple words during her Jingle Ball performance on Tuesday night at Dallas' American Airlines Center:

“It’s just me, myself and I. Solo ride until I die, ‘cause I got me for life.”

The pop singer was one of many artists on this year’s star-studded Jingle Ball bill, an annual holiday concert that tours across the country. The Dallas show featured plenty of songwriters like Rexha, including Shawn Mendes, Calvin Harris, Alessia Cara, NF and Bazzi, who either got their start writing for others or have written the hits that got them on this stage. While each of these artists has their own style and genre, they have all built an identity based on their songwriting skills and lyrics that help fans connect with them on a deeper level.

Rexha stepped onto the American Airlines Center stage earlier in the evening with aforementioned “Me, Myself and I,” and strolled through the high-stepping notes with powerful charisma. She sang more of the original lyrics instead of choosing the radio edit, which features G-Eazy, and showcased her hit-writing abilities. It wasn’t hard to pinpoint Rexha’s success -- in her brief set, she sang hit after hit, like “Meant To Be” and “In The Name Of Love,” two songs that venture out of the pop prism and stretch her genre-bending versatility.

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The overwhelming adoration for Shawn Mendes could be heard from every corner of the arena the moment the teenage heartthrob appeared behind the mic. Equipped with an acoustic guitar and a charming grin, Mendes belted out many songs he co-wrote over the last three years, including the catchy and breathless single, “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.” His newest track, “In My Blood,” demands an incredible range and vocal agility, and he hit the screaming chorus over the head with a white-knuckled delivery that magnetized the eccentric crowd and confirmed he can own the song in a live setting.

In true festival fashion, the heartwarming vibes that Mendes put out came to an abrupt halt once rapper NF got on the mic. He began in a massive jail cell with “Outcast,” spewing the fiery rhymes about inner struggles and finding himself despite setbacks. He was broody and intense, and hit every line with a resounding emphasis that resembled the dark, impassioned persona Eminem made famous. Even though he comes off as daunting, NF writes about issues many teens can relate to today, like regret, breakups and the stigma of discussing mental health. He closed with the breakout hit he wrote, “Let You Down,” with a choir of voices from the crowd carrying the soaring and somber chorus.

While most people are still discovering Bazzi, the singer-songwriter has been writing and composing his own material for years. He was more muted than the other artists onstage, sticking to his R&B-infused pop style and humble dance moves. He has a gentle but confident voice made for the breezy ballads he writes -- both “Mine” and “Beautiful” flourished in the large venue, and expanded into revitalizing performances the audience needed to prepare for the closing act.

That act was Calvin Harris, one of the biggest DJs and producers on the radio. Standing behind a massive digitized booth, Harris electrified the arena with bouncing lasers and a kaleidoscope of lights to match his beats. He raced through singles like “We Found Love,” “One Kiss” and “This Is What You Came For,” and hyped up the already vivacious crowd in between cuts. Much like a mesmerizing fireworks show, his set exploded with energy but was over as quickly as it began.

Just like past years, the 2018 Jingle Ball successfully brought together an eclectic group of artists who represent what today’s pop music scene looks like. But the night’s performances showcased more than just vocal talent -- they revealed the impression songwriters like those on the bill can make and that the art of lyricism is not dead. Independent or not, this group of young artists proved they’re not just another voice in the crowd.

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