With a remarkable year in 2025, highlighted by his top 15 Billboard Hot 100 single “Mutt,” Leon Thomas received a significant endorsement from his mentor and EZMNY Records label head Ty Dolla $ign. During an enchanting performance that showcased Thomas’ talent as both a singer and guitarist, his renditions of tracks like “Not Fair” and “Yes It Is” truly mesmerized the audience. Following his captivating set, Ty Dolla $ign joined Thomas on stage, boldly proclaiming him the new “King of R&B.”

The U.K. is emerging as a hotbed for up-and-coming R&B artists, with Nippa and KWN exemplifying why they are among the country’s brightest talents. Nippa, known for his charming persona, treated fans to a mix of joyful and poignant performances, transitioning seamlessly from the upbeat “One More” to the emotionally charged “Unfair.” Similarly, KWN delivered an intense set, particularly when she invited Kehlani to join her for a fiery rendition of their hit “Worst Behaviour (Remix).”

The AAPI community is experiencing a remarkable year in the R&B scene, led by breakout artists Sailorr and Karri. Dressed in a stunning all-pink ensemble, Sailorr radiated talent and grace, establishing herself as one of Florida’s Finest. Her performance resonated deeply with those experiencing heartbreak, as she captivated the audience with her songs “Down Bad” and “Cut Up.” Meanwhile, Karri, fresh off a tour with Isaiah Falls, transported U.K. fans to the West Coast with his smooth vocals and relaxed charm during “3 AM in Oakland.” Together, they are setting a new standard for excellence within the AAPI community in R&B.

Three years ago, a visibly emotional Summer Walker, who was pregnant at the time, moved the crowd to tears as they sang “Session 32” in unison. This now-legendary performance not only showcased Walker’s strength but also transformed her vulnerability into an empowering moment. Fast forward to the present, and the artist reflected on that pivotal performance, encouraging fans to join her in reliving that transformative experience.

Before Drake took center stage, PARTYNEXTDOOR energized the crowd with an electrifying start to their co-headlining performance. He performed hits from his P4 collection, including “No Chill” and “For Certain,” while also revisiting his debut album with the track “Wus Good / Curious.” When he performed “Come & See Me,” it served as the perfect transition to introduce Drake into the spotlight.

As promised, Drake delighted fans with a collection of classic R&B deep cuts, offering songs like “Jungle” and “Feel No Ways.” He balanced these with popular favorites, using tracks like “Marvins Room” and “Passionfruit” to provide a melodic experience that showcased his emotional depth and artistry, especially for those unfamiliar with his more profound material.

The OVO duo gave fans an exclusive preview of their soon-to-launch $ome $exy $ongs 4 U U.K. Tour by demonstrating their exceptional chemistry and crowd engagement. They opened with “CN TOWER,” drawing energy from the audience and smoothly transitioning to slower tracks like “SPIDER-MAN SUPERMAN” before shifting to their cultural anthem “SOMEBODY LOVES ME.”

In a celebratory mood, Drake called upon his R&B heroes to elevate the night even further. He invited Mario and Bobby Valentino for a nostalgic performance of their iconic hits before welcoming Bryson Tiller and GIVEON to infuse their energy into the evening’s smooth ambiance. The standout moment came when the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill wowed the audience with a dynamic performance of Fugees’ classic “Ready or Not,” followed by a clever mash-up of “Ex-Factor” and Drake’s “Nice for What,” marking a first for both artists.