By Steve Austin Cavalier Daily Associate Editor Billy Joel, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and, of course, the High School Musical concerts have come and gone. Now, two acts are coming up at John Paul Jones Arena this semester -- Common featuring Lupe Fiasco April 11 and Justin Timberlake featuring P!nk March 18.
University students debated which concert people are most excited about, while highlighting differences between the two acts.
"They're both different genres so they'll bring different crowds," first-year College student Brendt Harris said.
Some students disagreed, saying the artists' genres are similar.
"I'm a big fan of hip hop, I liked Justin when his solo CDs came out because ...They have a lot of hip hop flavor in them with producers like Pharrell," fourth-year Commerce student Art Vutiprichar said. "But Common is really well-respected within the hip hop community."
Second-year College student Ryan Frew said he is looking forward to the Common concert more than Justin's.
"I'm not really into the pop, boy band kind of thing," he said.
Frew said the genre of Common and Lupe Fiasco was not the only selling point.
"I just think they bring something new to hip hop, a lot of quality songs instead of the commercialized stuff around; they're real honest guys with meaningful lyrics," he said.
Second-year College student Danielle Needles said Justin's appeal comes from more than his pop background.
"A lot of [his concert] will focus on him playing on instruments and vocals -- it won't be like a 'N Sync concert and dancing around," she said. "We'll definitely be able to see his growth in performing abilities."
Most students agreed the audiences of both concerts would differ.
"The Common concert should be more guys," Vutiprichar said. "I don't think there are as many girls that are fans of him, but that could be just me. Timberlake has a lot more mainstream popularity than Common ... He has the fan base from 'N Sync and from his new stuff."
Some students planning to attend Timberlake's concerts haven't forgotten their childhood crushes on the now Diaz-free singer.
"I was in love with him in eighth grade and when I found out he was coming here I almost cried," fourth-year College student Katie Shaffer said.
One thing the two acts have in common is that without the new arena, their large fan bases at the University would not be able to see them here.
Needles said she was relieved that she would finally be able to see Timberlake without having to go to Washington, D.C.
"They're both pretty hot concerts. I'm amazed at the acts that JPJ is willing to get," Harris said.
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