Reliving the Hits: The Pop 2000 Tour Brings Nostalgia & Festive Vibes To Des Plaines, IL

The Pop 2000 Tour brought an evening of joy and nostalgia to Des Plaines, IL, gathering fans for a night of unforgettable performances. Hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, the event delivered a lineup of beloved artists who helped shape the music scene of the early 2000s. With its festive timing and a chill in the air, the night carried an extra sense of excitement, as the season's holiday spirit mingled seamlessly with the nostalgia of pop classics. Each artist brought their own style and energy, uniting the audience in a shared love for songs that had once dominated the charts. From heartfelt ballads to infectious dance tracks, the performances transported everyone back to a time when these hits were part of the soundtrack of their lives. Fans of all ages filled the room, singing along to every lyric and savoring the chance to relive the music that defined an era.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The Des Plaines Theater provided a welcoming and intimate setting for the night’s performances. Originally opening its doors in 1925, the venue has a rich history, having transformed over the years into a space that perfectly balances its vintage charm with modern amenities. Its most recent renovation brought life back to the theater, incorporating stunning 1920s-inspired details that made every corner feel like a step back in time. The venue’s attention to preserving its character while adapting for contemporary use was evident in everything from the beautifully restored architecture to the warm, inviting ambiance. The staff added to the experience with their friendly and attentive demeanor, ensuring everyone felt at ease and ready to enjoy the evening. As fans settled into their seats, it was clear they were in for a night of incredible performances, all set against a backdrop steeped in history and charm.

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David Cook stepped onto the stage with nothing but his electric guitar and a voice that captivated the room. From the first note, his performance was a reminder of why he won Season 7 of American Idol. Opening with a cover of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” he quickly pulled the audience into his world, even as he worked through a brief issue with his guitar. Undeterred, David kept the energy flowing, delivering favorites like “Heroes” and “The Time Of My Life.” A lighthearted moment unfolded when he had to pause mid-song due to the sound of jingle bells coming from the crowd, a playful nod to the holiday atmosphere of the evening. He took it all in stride, smiling through the interruption and turning it into a charming moment of connection with the audience. David’s set closed with his soulful rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby,” showcasing his ability to bring new life to a classic. His authenticity and warmth left a lasting impression, creating a strong foundation for the performances to follow. The crowd responded with cheers that made it clear they appreciated not only his talent but the heart he brought to the stage.

Ryan Cabrera brought a burst of energy to the stage, captivating the crowd with his signature charm and relatable vibe. You probably know him for his TRL days or as a reality TV personality on The Hills, and he is married to WWE star Alexa Bliss, but Ryan Cabrera showed the Des Plaines crowd what he is truly known for: his ability to entertain. Starting with the upbeat "House On Fire," he set a lively tone that kept the audience engaged. As he moved into "Exit To Exit," his knack for connecting with fans was on full display, creating moments that felt personal and real. The familiar opening notes of his hit "True" drew cheers, as fans eagerly sang along to the song that had once dominated their playlists. 

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The holiday spirit shined when Ryan invited Erik-Michael Estrada of O-Town to join him for their Christmas duet, "Spend It With You." The warm harmonies and playful camaraderie between the two performers brought a festive glow to the evening. Wrapping up his set with "On The Way Down," Ryan gave it his all, delivering a performance full of passion and joy. The audience responded with a wave of applause and excitement, reflecting on the fun and nostalgia he brought to the stage. Throughout his set, Ryan showcased not just his talent but also his ability to create a space where fans could reminisce while feeling fully present in the magic of the night.

O-Town brought electric energy to the stage, instantly captivating the nearly packed house. From the moment they launched into their opening number, “Liquid Dreams,” the crowd’s excitement was undeniable. O-Town formed in 2000 during the TV show Making The Band. Now, 25 years later, the band is still going strong. The group, consisting of Dan Miller, Erik-Michael Estrada, Jacob Underwood, and Trevor Penick, effortlessly blended nostalgia with fresh energy, proving their enduring connection with fans. Their setlist included not only their own hits but also a creative mix of mashups that kept the audience on their feet. A standout moment came when they combined Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” with Bow Wow’s “Bounce With Me,” adding a fun, unexpected twist to the night.

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The medleys continued with Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” where the group humorously changed the lyrics to “O-Town Funk You Up,” adding a playful nod to their own legacy. Each song showcased their strong harmonies, stage chemistry, and commitment to giving the audience a great time. Whether it was classic hits or clever reimagining’s, O-Town had the crowd singing along, dancing, and reliving some of their favorite musical memories. Throughout the performance, the band’s connection with the audience never wavered, turning the theater into a shared space of joy and celebration.

Brad Fischetti from LFO brought a deeply heartfelt and emotional moment to the night as he stepped onto the stage with O-Town. In a touching tribute to his late bandmates Rich Cronin and Devin Lima, Brad carried a microphone stand adorned with two pairs of ADIDAS sneakers, a poignant symbol of their memory and the legacy they left behind.

“In 2005, cancer rocked our worlds. Leukemia hit Rich. He fought hard for 5 long years, as well in 2010, he wrote An Ocean Of Tears. LFO’s story almost came to an end until 2017, when I hit the road again with my best friend, and we honored Rich with these here kicks. The crowd showed us such love. The tour was great, we had so much fun, Rich was watching us from above, and one month later, the most fit dude you would ever see had a football-sized tumor in his abdomen that required surgery. A man and a cancer, both one in a million, he disappeared in 2018. My world went dark, shattered to a trillion. A heart had a dream, but through great struggle comes great grace. Now I see the light, and together with you and O-Town, we will honor them tonight. So, for the voice of a generation and one of the greatest rappers who ever lived, a moment of praise and thanks giving for everything they did so, when I count to three, please make so much noise that Rich & Devin will hear you in heaven.”

Backed by O-Town, Brad performed a selection of LFO’s iconic hits that resonated deeply with the audience. Starting with “Baby Be Mine” and moving through favorites like “Girl On TV”, “Every Other Time,” and “West Side Story,” Brad’s voice carried a mixture of joy and bittersweet reflection. 

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When the opening notes of “Summer Girls” began, the crowd erupted, singing along with the same passion they had when the song first topped the charts. The room was filled with a shared sense of nostalgia and appreciation for LFO’s impact on pop music. Brad’s presence and performance struck a perfect balance between celebrating the past and embracing the present, creating a moment that felt both intimate and uplifting. Fans were visibly moved, swaying and singing in unison, honoring not just the music but the enduring spirit of connection that it represents.

The night hit a thrilling high as Chris Kirkpatrick stepped onto the stage, greeted by a wave of cheers that shook the theater. It was clear the crowd’s excitement for the NSYNC star hadn’t waned in the slightest. With effortless charisma, Chris joined O-Town to launch into a string of NSYNC’s unforgettable hits, instantly transporting everyone back to the height of pop’s golden era. The audience sang along word for word to “Tearin’ Up My Heart,” their voices blending with the performers in an overwhelming chorus of nostalgia.

As the set continued with tracks like “It’s Gonna Be Me,” “Pop,” and the timeless “Bye Bye Bye,” the energy in the room surged. Fans danced in their seats, reliving the iconic choreography that had once defined their favorite music videos. The passion from the crowd was undeniable; each note and lyric echoed with the memories tied to those songs.

O-Town remained on stage and absolutely brought the house down with “All or Nothing,” a moment that proved to be the highlight of the night for many in attendance. The finale became even more special as Chris Kirkpatrick, David Cook, Brad Fischetti, and Christian Burns of BBMAK joined in creating a powerful, nostalgic sing-along. The night took a heartfelt turn when a birthday cake was brought out for David Cook and a young fan named Addalyn; they all sang Happy Birthday, celebrating her fifth birthday. Her birthday wish was to hear “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”. They then all closed the show with a massive, feel-good sing-along that sent everyone home in full holiday spirit.

Click The Image Above For The Full Chris Kirkpatrick Gallery

The evening at The Des Plaines Theater was a heartwarming reminder of the power of music to bring people together. Each performance carried its own unique energy, blending cherished memories with fresh moments of connection. The night’s lineup of artists delivered more than just songs; they created an atmosphere that felt personal and joyful, leaving the audience immersed in nostalgia while celebrating the present. The sense of togetherness was undeniable, with fans singing, dancing, and sharing laughter throughout the show. The holiday spirit added a special touch, making the experience feel even more meaningful during this festive season. Walking out into the chilly December night, everyone seemed to carry a shared warmth, their hearts full from an evening that reminded them of the memories tied to these songs and the joy of experiencing them live once again.

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