Keyshia Cole's The Way It Is Tour Proved R&B Never Left

Aug 1

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear the audience was in for a night that honored R&B in all of its forms. Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour stop at Houston’s Toyota Center on July 25 brought together some of the genre’s most soulful voices for a show that felt like both a celebration and a homecoming. Whether you were there for the classics, the nostalgia, or the pure vocal talent, this show had everything.

Elijah Blake opened the night with a smooth and emotionally charged set that reminded the crowd why his pen and voice are so respected in the industry. Wearing a black sequin top that shimmered under the lights, Elijah took full command of the stage with his effortless falsetto, vocal agility, and soulful runs. He performed “Climax,” the hit he co-wrote for Usher, and the crowd’s response was immediate. He paused at one point to share how personal his music is and apologized for getting emotional, but that vulnerability made his performance even more powerful.

One of the most beautiful moments came when Jordin Sparks joined him onstage. The two performed multiple tracks together, including songs from their joint EP 1990 Forever. Their chemistry was undeniable. You could feel the mutual respect they shared for each other’s artistry and talent, and their harmonies were pure magic.

Following Elijah, Keri Hilson’s DJ, repping Atlanta, came out to set the vibe with a quick set that had the entire crowd dancing. It was the perfect lead-in to the R&B hitmaker herself.

Keri Hilson stepped onto the stage with confidence and grace. She wore a bold fuchsia sequined two-piece set featuring a high-low jacket, shorts, and combat boots. Her stage presence was magnetic. Known for her pen game and writing for some of the biggest names in the business, Keri is also no stranger to singing background for R&B greats. Performing feels second nature to her, and she handled the stage like a seasoned pro.

She reminded us of her rich catalog, performing songs like “The Way I Are,” “Knock You Down,” “Turnin’ Me On,” and “Pretty Girl Rock.” She also performed “Bae,” a standout from her latest project WE NEED TO TALK: LOVE. With only two dancers on stage, she made space for them to shine, highlighting their talent and elevating her set with choreographed moments that matched the mood and rhythm of each track. Between her vocals and her energy, Keri reminded the crowd exactly why she’s still one of R&B’s most underrated gems.

Then came Tink, who hit the stage in a black leather look and instantly connected with the real R&B lovers in the room. Her performance was bold, emotional, and unapologetically her. She ran through fan favorites like “Million,” “Treat Me Like Somebody,” “CAP,” and “I Like,” giving the audience a set that blended vulnerability with straight-up attitude. Tink was joined by four dancers whose choreography wasn’t just in sync, it was deeply musical. Their movements added drama and energy, showing a level of athleticism and artistry that elevated the emotional tone of each track. She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to her day-one fans who’ve been with her since her Winter’s Diary days, making it clear she knows exactly who’s been riding for her.

Then the stage went dark, and the arena erupted. It was time for Keyshia Cole. This tour marked the 20th anniversary of her iconic debut album The Way It Is and you could feel the weight of that moment in the air. She came out in a bold red one-piece with feathered chaps, rising from a massive heart-shaped platform that sat in the center of the stage. To the far right, there was a pay phone. Wire fencing stretched across the set, creating a street-corner aesthetic that matched the raw honesty in her music.

In the middle of the show, just as the crowd was catching its breath, Trey Songz surprised everyone by appearing during Keyshia Cole’s set. He brought a jolt of energy to the arena, performing his hits “Na Na,” “Say Ah,” and “Bottoms Up.” It was a perfect break in the middle of an emotionally heavy night, and the entire crowd was on their feet. It felt like a mini party dropped right into the set, and everyone was here for it. Trey reminded us why he’s still Mr. Steal Your Girl. The charisma, the vocals, the presence. He still has it.

Keyshia’s set was packed with the hits that have shaped her legacy. She performed “Let It Go,” “Trust,” “Down and Dirty,” “I Remember,” and “Enough of No Love,” her emotional collaboration with Lil Wayne. And of course, she brought the house down with an encore performance of her viral classic, “Love.” The crowd sang every word with her, and you could see the emotion in her face as she looked out at a sea of raised phones and waving arms.

She reminded everyone that she is not just a singer. She’s a vocalist. Her voice was as powerful and expressive as ever. From the vulnerability in “I Should’ve Cheated” to the strength in “Let It Go,” Keyshia showed us why her debut album still holds up twenty years later. The production, the passion, and her raw storytelling made this moment unforgettable.

This wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of artistry, legacy, and real R&B. From Elijah’s soaring vocals to Keri’s flawless execution, from Tink’s honest storytelling to Trey’s surprise energy burst, and finally to Keyshia’s show-stopping headlining set, the night was packed with unforgettable moments.

Houston was lucky enough to be a city on the tour and to experience R&B royalty all in one night.