A mere few hours before what was "the biggest show of my career," Kehlani announced to her followers on her Instagram stories that she had cancelled her meet-and-greet due to experiencing the worst part of a cold and not having a voice. Fears of cancellation were put out there; however, when the lights went down after 9 p.m., and she took the stage, you would never have been able to tell that she was struggling vocally.
Despite being on the verge of cancelling the show due to her illness, Kehlani's unwavering determination shone through. It was a joint effort between her and the thousands of fans. She delivered a spellbinding performance, taking the crowd through the hits of her decade-long career.
Although it was a struggle for her, she delivered strong vocals throughout the hour-and-a-half-long set despite taking moments to blow her nose and nurse her voice. Joined by her band, a few dancers, and, for two songs, her opening act, KWN, she still was able to pull through and execute the biggest show of her career.
Starting with Next 2 U, Groove Theory and What I Want, all from her latest album, Crash, Kehlani set the stage on fire. The album, a follow-up to 2022's Blue Water Road, brought a fresh sound and energy, all of which was palpable in the live performance. The band's phenomenal job in bringing the album's instrumentation and sonic sound to life created an electrifying atmosphere, adding to the excitement of the concert.
Throughout the show, Kehlani shared moments of transparency and openness with her fans. She expressed her deep love and appreciation for London, a sentiment she has always expressed throughout the numerous times she has performed in the city. The setlist included a diverse range of her songs that showcased her versatility and artistry. It included hits like 'You Should Be Here' 'Toxic' 'Hate the Club' 'Open' 'everything' and 'Honey', and her recent fan favourites like her 2023 self-titled Jordan Adetunji remixed tracks. Not to mention being joined by her tour opener, known for a preview of their unreleased remix for her single 'Worst behaviour' coming on Valentine's Day.
Overall, the show was a continuation of her rise despite all the challenges and hurdles she has faced. As the European leg concludes in Manchester, she is far from slowing down.
