Three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Ludacris will headline the University’s annual Groovin’ on the Grounds concert March 24.
Ludacris will share the stage with Breaux Bridge native and country singer Hunter Hayes, Memphis hip-hop, rock and soul band FreeSol and Battle of the Bands winner Hazy Ray.
The lineup was announced Wednesday at a release party hosted by Students on Target, the sponsors of Groovin’, at Free Speech Plaza.
In compliance with Students on Target’s policy, Ludacris will perform clean, radio-friendly versions of his songs, and alcohol consumption will not be tolerated at the concert, according to Student Government Director of Programming Khristen Jones.
All the festivities cost about $190,000, with talent costing about $115,500, Jones said. The money comes from the Spring Concert Fund.
Ludacris will receive $85,000, while Hayes will gets $15,000 and FreeSol will earn $5,000. The remaining $10,500 will go to the artists’ talent agencies.
Hayes, who plays multiple instruments including the accordion, toured with Rascal Flatts and opened for Taylor Swift during part of her “Speak Now” world tour.
English sophomore Andree Ardoin said though she had never heard of Hayes before Wednesday, she considers him “the Justin Bieber of country music.”
FreeSol, whose song “Fascinated” features Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, is a self-described “unique hip-hop, rock and soul-infused band from Memphis,” according to its Facebook page.
Praise for selecting Ludacris permeated campus and social media Wednesday. Ardoin emphatically expressed her excitement to see him perform.
“Oh my God, it’s Ludacris,” she said. “We actually have a big rap artist.”
Before the Groovin’ on the Grounds’ artists take the stage the night of March 24, a wellness fair will take place on the Parade Ground. The concert will be moved to the PMAC if it rains.
 
 
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Contact Danielle Kelley at [email protected]