As a new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off and drives the country cricket-crazy, we look at the musicians who have got the party started at opening and closing ceremonies.
Photo: IPL/Twitter
The star crooner (and among the most streamed artists in India) is likely to perform hist latest hit “Kesariya” at the opening ceremony of IPL T20 this year in Ahmedabad.
Photo: Courtesy of Arijit Singh
With a star troupe of artists including Benny Dayal, Mohit Chauhan and Neeti Mohan, A.R. Rahman closed out the 2022 season of IPL, coincidentally also performing in Ahmedabad.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
The powerhouse vocalist Usha Uthup joined hands with a longtime collaborator, composer-singer and India’s disco king Bappi Lahiri took the stage on home ground in Kolkata for the opening ceremony of IPL’s sixth season.
Photo: BCCI
IPL 6 in Kolkata also had international star power, with the opening ceremony bringing in Mr. Woldwide himself, Pitbull.
Photo: BCCI
At the fifth season of IPL, the opening ceremony brought in American pop star Katy Perry, making her debut performance in India in Chennai.
Photo: OnePlus Music Festival
Joined on the lineup by U.K. reggae stalwarts UB40 and tribute act ABBA Revival, Lionel Richie made an unlikely yet classy addition to IPL’s third season, performing at the opening ceremony in Navi Mumbai.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
The voice behind hits like “Lonely,” “Right Now (Na Na Na)” and “Smack That” was the star of the closing ceremony of IPL’s international edition in Johannesburg.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist