Thousands rock at music shows in Jeddah after F1

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Jennifer Lopez gave an unforgettable performance after the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Jennifer Lopez gave an unforgettable performance after the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Jennifer Lopez gave an unforgettable performance after the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Usher graced the stage on Sunday night after the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Usher graced the stage on Sunday night after the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Usher graced the stage on Sunday night after the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 April 2025
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Thousands rock at music shows in Jeddah after F1

  • Jennifer Lopez, Usher lit up the stage on Saturday and Sunday
  • This is cultural tourism via entertainment, says MDLBEAST CEO

JEDDAH: The past two days were filled with high-speed thrills and electrifying musical performances as the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 took over the city.

The after-race concerts, held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, were headlined by global music icons Jennifer Lopez and Usher, who lit up the stage on Saturday and Sunday night.

The party began right after a thrilling qualifying race, when Lopez stepped on stage. Wearing a dazzling black skintight catsuit, the 55-year-old icon made a bold and unforgettable entrance for an adoring crowd.

From the opening beats of “Get Right” to the final fireworks of “On the Floor,” Lopez delivered a show packed with powerhouse vocals, explosive choreography, and pure star energy.

The Bronx-born singer, who has sold over 80 million records and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, treated fans to a string of hits including “Jenny from the Block,” “Ain’t It Funny,” “I’m Real,” and “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.”

“This is an incredible place with an incredible backdrop for F1,” Lopez told the crowd, glowing with excitement. “It feels good to be back out here. I love the energy here. I am feeling myself a little bit here.”

In an emotional moment, the singer told the crowd: “Love is feeling safe, love is secured, that’s what love is.”

JLo graced the stage in a series of stunning outfits, changing into a red suit, followed by a golden one, and finishing the show in pink.

The audience responded with roaring applause, with many in tears.

“JLo brought the energy, the heart, and the glam,” said Reem Al-Sharif, a 29-year-old from Jeddah. “When she talked about love, I really felt that. She’s not just a performer, she’s a storyteller.”

Ramadan Al-Haratani, CEO of MDLBEAST, said: “This is what cultural tourism through entertainment looks like. The music doesn’t just support the race weekend, it transforms it.”

The following night, Usher, the king of smooth R&B, delivered a thrilling performance that brought the Grand Prix to a stylish and electrifying close.

Dressed in an edgy all-black ensemble, Usher commanded the stage with his signature swagger.

The Grammy-winning artist took fans on a journey through two decades of hits, from the crowd-hyping “Yeah!” to slow jams including “Nice & Slow,” “U Got It Bad,” and “My Boo.”

His charisma, vocals, and iconic dance moves had fans on their feet all night.

“This was my first time seeing Usher live, and it was worth every second,” said Talal Saleh, another concertgoer. “His connection with the crowd, the performance, everything was perfect. He even brought some nostalgic 2000s magic to Jeddah.”

Lina Al-Mansour, who attended both concerts, said: “The entire experience felt like a music festival and a Formula 1 race rolled into one. It was world-class entertainment right here in Jeddah.

“I never imagined seeing JLo and Usher in my hometown.”

The concerts also featured supporting acts including Major Lazer and Peggy Gou, who kept the crowd hyped between the headliners.


Review: Netflix docuseries highlights the ugly truth of ‘America’s Next Top Model’

Updated 25 February 2026
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Review: Netflix docuseries highlights the ugly truth of ‘America’s Next Top Model’

DHAHRAN: Out this month, nearly a decade after the successful show went off air, there is understandably a lot to unpack in Netflix’s three-episode documentary series “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.”

Premiering in 2003 and running for 24 seasons until 2018, “America’s Next Top Model” invited aspiring models from across America to compete for a coveted modeling contract, and a glossy magazine cover (remember those?).

All this while juggling growing pains, random challenges cooked up by producers, marvelously messy makeovers, photoshoots, and living — and competing — with fellow contestants.

What could go wrong? Turns out — plenty. The show’s intimate format made for compelling TV.

Tyra Banks, one of America’s top models, was the show’s brainchild.

The young contestants were impressionable and eager, full of sky-high dreams and sky-high heels. They came from fractured backgrounds or from small towns. They were meant to have a mentor in Banks.

Instead, their deepest, most shameful moments were broadcast for the world to see. To my knowledge, while some contestants became semi-successful, none truly reached the “top model” level.

The docuseries hits like a punch in the face. And maybe that is the point.

Three episodes, each just an hour long, barely scratches the surface of the trauma, chaos, and behind-the-scenes drama on and off the screen.

The series is essentially a catwalk down nostalgia lane — but the road is uneven and swerving, much like the show itself. The style of filming is also similar to the show, which makes it all the more compelling for avid fans.

Designed for the TikTok-and-meme generation, these bite-sized scenes in the docuseries are tailor-made for viral clips.

Banks appears alone in every scene. Speaking directly at the camera, she seems to shrug through every apology and justify her past behavior.

The docuseries highlights interviews with main judges: Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker, and most prominently, a shocking update on beloved judge J. Alexander, known as “Miss J.” All claim to be estranged from Banks.

A few former contestants are also featured, each seated alone as tears or rage bubble to the surface. Nobody speaks favorably about Banks, especially while replaying clips showing her old judging panels.

Was this backlash justified? Are the vicious things said about Banks fair? The docuseries offers viewers the chance to be the judge in what invariably turns into a trial of Banks and her role on the show.

The docuseries ends on a cliffhanger, teasing a possible revival for cycle 25. Mixed feelings aside, there is clearly an audience for it.