Dusted in glitter and gold, Kent State students danced it out to musical artists Kesha and PartyNextDoor for a rare, homecoming-themed concert Thursday night in the M.A.C. Center.

The performance marks the first fall concert of the Undergraduate Student Government’s programming this school year, and “it couldn’t have worked out more perfectly,” according to USG President Sam Graska.

“We saw that students were wanting a hip-hop and pop concert,” Graska said. “With the artists’ availability and price, alongside with being able to schedule the concert during Homecoming week, it really made this concert unique from others that we have put on in years’ past.”

Up-and-coming hip-hop artist Bas opened the show with songs like “Night Job” and “Lit,” a perfect preamble to PND’s soulful beats.

PND performed until about 10:30 p.m., bellowing out songs such as “Come and See Me,” which was made famous with his music video featuring model and reality television star Kylie Jenner.

Kesha served as the centerpiece of the event, with a breakout performance featuring her new band, Kesha and the Creepies, as a part of the band’s “F**k The World” tour.

While the doors opened at 6 p.m. and the show was promoted to begin one hour later, Kesha did not take the stage until around 10:45 p.m. which caused some frustrated students to take to social media.

“I’m livid. I can’t believe I spent $35+ for this event that could have been planned and executed better by a kindergartener @KentStateUSG,” tweeted Molly Spillman, a sophomore journalism major.

This is the singer’s first full tour since the beginning of her legal battle over alleged sexual assault claims with music producer Dr. Luke.

Encouraging the audience to forget about homework, ex-boyfriends and even “lawsuits”, Kesha was able to be political without losing her eccentric personality.

“All love is equal,” Kesha said into the microphone. “And I sure do love drugs”

Students were able to enjoy rock-and-roll versions of hit singles such as “We R Who We R” and “Your Love is My Drug” while still being able to enjoy the signer’s iconic voice and spunk.

The performer interacted with the crowd, and even chugged a beer on stage during her set.

While some students were disgruntled at the late start time, many members of the audience responded positively to USG’s lineup decision.

“Kesha was such a great choice for the headliner this year,” said Richard Howe, a sophomore middle childhood education major. “She is such a throwback artist, and everyone enjoyed her sound. I think a lot of people enjoyed seeing her tonight.”

Maya Peoples, a freshman biology major, voiced similar thoughts.

“In the past I’ve seen Kent (State) have concerts with more, like, underground artists,” Peoples said. “It’s nice that they are getting more well-known artists because that’s how you get people to come.”

Others questioned the student government’s sole decision in choosing the artists, despite their website featuring a forum where student’s can suggest artists for shows.

“I just feel like since we’re paying for it we should be able to directly decide who is going to perform, like in a poll,” said Kara Gruver, a sophomore fashion merchandising major. “I feel like they can’t decide what we all collectively want just based on what genre we like.”

For the dual performance of PND and Kesha, USG spent $175,000 on Thursday night’s show.

USG announced this semester’s next concert on during Thursday’s venue, telling the crowd that the band The 1975 will be performing on-campus on Oct. 30.

Rachel Duthie is a features correspondent, contact her at [email protected].