Jason Derulo kicks off ASU’s virtual summer concert series for students

Icona Pop, a Swedish electropop duo known for their unique sound influenced by electro house, punk and indie pop music, will be the next artists to perform in ASU’s summer concert series, Live from ASU.

The free virtual concert series was conceived by ASU President Michael Crow as a way to engage with students and the ASU community during the COVID-19 pandemic while providing an interactive shared experience with artists. Icona Pop will take the virtual stage on July 10 at 6 p.m., when the concert will be livestreamed exclusively to the ASU community at asuforyou.asu.edu and include a Q&A with the artists following the performance. The event will also feature ASU student band Eddie and the Getaway as an opener. 

In June, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, dancer and Tik Tok star Jason Derulo performed live for the ASU community in the first virtual concert of the summer series.

Sun Devils and their families had the opportunity to watch Derulo perform some of his top hits live from his studio. Derulo performed hits such as “Whatcha Say,” “Trumpets,” “Talk Dirty” and “Wiggle,” among others. He was also joined by a number of backup dancers. 

After his performance, Derulo spent time in a Q&A session answering questions sent in by members of the ASU community via the hashtag #ASULiveJason. ASU education major Jonathan Pacheco was the student emcee of the event. Pacheco was selected because of his role in the Programming and Activities Board. 

“It was very thrilling and exciting,” Pacheco said. “It felt different because it was online, but I still had that same excitement as though [the interaction with Derulo] was in person.”

Fans asked questions about Derulo’s career and his inspirations as well as for his advice on topics such as leadership and the Black Lives Matter movement. And of course, Derulo was asked about his Tik Tok stardom. Derulo even had a special birthday shout-out to a fan who was tuned in. 

Derulo talked about the inspiration behind his music videos as well as the impact artists like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Usher had on his music. One fan asked about Derulo’s start in the music industry. 

Derulo spoke about his early career, which began with him moving to Los Angeles at age 18 and writing his debut single, “Whatcha Say.” The song was originally intended for Sean Kingston, but after Kingston’s team decided to turn down the song, Derulo took it for himself, launching his career as a singer and performer. 

Derulo also spoke about being on Tik Tok and his love for making videos. While Derulo couldn’t name his favorite Tik Tok, he did say that he has most enjoyed learning how to cook from the platform.