This weekend, dozens of famous faces from the worlds of sports and entertainment descended on Houston, TX for NBA All-Star Weekend, an annual event that not only attracts star athletes itching to show off their skills on the court, but also draws huge music talents who soundtrack the 3-day event with their chart-topping hits.
Last night’s (Feb. 16) NBA All-Star Saturday Night was a Nick Cannon-hosted affair that featured a series of individual skill battles from the league’s most talented passers, shooters and dunkers. Between the displays of superhuman skill, marquee musicians Ellie Goulding, Phillip Phillips and a recently reunited Fall Out Boy (with special surprise guest 2 Chainz) hit the stage to perform for famous fans like Diddy, Drake and Alicia Keys, who watched from courtside alongside with NBA superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Here’s a look and listen to the music that soundtracked the night:
Fall Out Boy & 2 Chainz Rock the Court
The newly reunited rockers were the musical highlight of the night, performing their new song “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark.” But the crew also brought out a slam dunk of a surprise: Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz rose from beneath the stage in a camouflage jersey to spit his braggadocios verse — an unexpected moment that got Drake out of his chair in excitement. The Illinois band also proudly wore matching Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls jerseys, tipping their hat to the legendary baller who celebrates his 50th birthday today (Feb. 17). “Happy birthday, Michael Jordan,” the band yelled as they wrapped up their performance.
Phillip Phillips Takes the Crowd ‘Home’
On a night filled with spectacular acts of athleticism and shimmering light displays, the ‘American Idol’ winner’s chill vibe was a big switch for the All-Stars crowd. Dressed down in a plaid shirt, the Georgia native performed a scaled back acoustic version of his folksy hit single “Home” while candid images of NBA players with cildren flashed on the area screens.
Ellie Goulding Turns on the ‘Lights’
English songstess Ellie Goulding opened the evening on stage with her breakout hit, “Lights,” rocking a black jacket with matching tights and shoes. Her lithe voice cooed throughout the Toyota Center with her backing band wrapping up the pop song with in raucous rock fashion.
The Sears Shooting Stars Challenge
Led by Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh and retired Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins (who hit two half court shots), Team Bosh won the contest where players have to hit jumpers from several spots on the court. The Jackson’s ‘80s cut “Can You Feel It” poured from the arena speakers as the Bosh received his trophy.
Taco Bell Skills Challenge
Portland Trailblazer guard Damian Lilliard was victorious among his young peers in a battle of passing skills, and rapper Lupe Fiasco’s “Superstar” served as the perfect soundtrack for the award ceremony.
Foot Locker Three-Point Contest
Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch the Throne” single “No Church in the Wild” blasted as Cleveland Cav star Kyrie Irving drained shot after shot in the contest for long range shooting. As The Knicks’ Steve Novak, the presumed winner, bricked one too many jumpers, Fat Joe’s biggest single “Lean Back” let him know that it wasn’t his year.
LeBron James Sings Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me”
During a post Valentine’s Day segment that played on the Toyota Center’s jumbotron, superstar Miami Heat forward LeBron James sang Bieber’s “Believe” single. “La-la-la-la-la-la love me,” ‘Bron goofily sang in his gruff falsetto. The audience got a good laugh out of it — and no one’s expecting James to quit his day job to steal Bieber’s anytime soon.
Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
Drake looked happy when his friend 2 Chainz hit the stage, but he was practically beaming when Terrence Ross from his home team the Toronto Raptors won the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Ross sealed the deal with a between-the-legs dunk over a brave little boy. Queen’s “We Are the Champions” rained from the speaker as Ross hoisted the last trophy of the night over his head.