There’s no denying that the Celeb Secrets gals are huge stans of Big Time Rush.
For the last 15 years, we’ve been supporting BTR’s journey from the day their show premiered on Nickelodeon to their epic reunion in 2021 and everything in between. So when the opportunity comes for us to see James Maslow, Kendall Schmidt, Carlos PenaVega and Logan Henderson perform our favorite songs live and in concert nearby, it’s really hard for us to say no.
Last Saturday (December 14), the guys made their way to the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT for a special one-night experience for their biggest fans — aka “Rushers” — during the holiday season. Tapped as Big Time Rush On Ice, the event was everything you could have imagined it was just by its name.
To kick things off, James, Kendall, Carlos and Logan donned bedazzled hockey jerseys as they ~skated~ their way to center ice, giving the roaring audience a rundown on what they were about to experience for the next two hours.
“When we did the TV show, and we had the four guys from Minnesota, I never thought you’d get the four of us on ice skating around let alone doing concerts,” Carlos said to the sold-out crowd.
“We had a whole 24 hours to rehearse on these skates, and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna look almost like professionals… you just wait,” James added with a laugh.
Before transitioning into synchronized skating choreography to their high-energy bop “Windows Down” and sultry “Waves,” James, Kendall and Logan presented Carlos his infamous black hockey helmet from the TV show for the first time ever at a BTR concert.
“I feel like we’re missing something,” Logan said, as James gave Carlos the iconic head tap.
The crowd went absolutely bonkers for the sweet nod to the hit sitcom, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2009-2013.
Taking a short break from their time on ice, the guys then introduced players from the Elite Hockey Academy in Bridgeport for a special “Pee Wee On Ice” scrimmage. James Kendall, Carlos and Logan then returned to the stage to show off their skating skills with paired routines choreographed by Adam Blake (Disney On Ice, Opening Ceremonies of World Figure Skating Championships). The fans made their voices heard by cheering the loudest for Logan, who was awarded a trophy for his performance.
Finally giving the audience what they came to see, BTR ditched the skates and made their way to their 360º stage to perform a slew of their best songs from their catalog, which included “Elevate,” “If I Ruled The World,” “Call It Like I See It,” “The City Is Ours” “Music Sounds Better With U,” “Halfway There,” and “Nothing Even Matters.” Skating was still a main focus at the event, as their “backup dancers” — or should we say “skaters” — continued to flip and twirl on the ice to each track.
Known for taking time to slow things down for a string of acoustic songs, Big Time Rush once again showed their vocal capabilities and harmonizing range by stripping down songs like “Stuck” as well as their Christmas original “Beautiful Christmas.”
A true staple in all BTR shows since its release, Kendall, James, Logan and Carlos chose their “Worldwide Girls” to help them sing the romantic yet classic song. Continuing to put the “Rushers” first, the guys made sure to make their way into the crowd to perform the wildly fan favorite “Paralyzed” and brought the energy back up thanks to singing songs like “Famous,” “Till I Forget About You” and “Any Kind Of Guy.” They then oddly hopped on carts to sing “Show Me,” where they pushed around in a circle to engage with fans closer to the ice.
Taking a brief break, James, Kendall, Carlos and Logan laced up once again to join their backup skaters in a synchronized formation to sing the show’s theme song “Big Time Rush.” As the lights dimmed, Carlos put his helmet back on as they formed a pinwheel to end the night with a one-of-a-king performance to their smash hit “Boyfriend.” And if you were wondering what we all were as it was happening… yes, they did include the song’s famous choreography… on ice.
Big Time Rush On Ice marks the second annual holiday extravaganza for the chart-topping band. Last year, James Kendall, Carlos and Logan hosted an event in Bethlehem, PA for the “Rushers” that not only included a concert, but also a “Big Time Game Show” that saw fan participation, surprises, on-stage antics and even a surprise visit from Santa. While Big Time Rush On Ice may have not been the most ideal setting to see one of our favorite boy bands live and in person, the concept made it a unique and fun experience we shared with people we love and fans from around the world.
