As Leon Thomas continues to have an impressive 2025 campaign, courtesy of his top 15 Billboard Hot 100 single “Mutt,” the R&B polymath earned a monumental co-sign from his mentor and EZMNY Records label boss Ty Dolla $ign. During a spellbinding set that showcased Thomas’ wizardry as a singer and guitarist, it was his mastery of songs like “Not Fair” and “Yes It Is” that truly captivated viewers. Following his sizzling effort, Ty Dolla $ign joined his protégé onstage and boldly declared Thomas as the new “King of R&B.”

As the U.K. continues to thrive as a breeding ground for burgeoning R&B stars, Nippa and KWN showcased why they are currently the country’s brightest exports. Nippa, U.K.’s charming lothario, spoonfed fans hearty servings of smiles and sorrow. He hopscotched between songs like the dance-ready “One More” to the brooding ache of “Unfair.” KWN’s intensity was just as edgy, especially when she called on Kehlani for a steamy sequel of their contagious hit “Worst Behaviour (Remix).”

The AAPI community is having a banner year in R&B, led by breakout stars Sailorr and Karri. Draped in an all-pink ensemble, Sailorr exuded beauty and poise while staking her claim as one of Florida’s Finest. Her set struck a nerve with the heartbroken, who clung to every word of “Down Bad” and “Cut Up.” Meanwhile, Karri, fresh off tour with Isaiah Falls, flew U.K. fans straight to the West Coast with his buttery vocals and laid-back charisma anchoring “3 AM in Oakland.” Together, they’re forging a new standard for AAPI excellence in R&B.

Three years ago, a pregnant and vulnerable Summer Walker burst into tears when fans belted “Session 32” in unison. The now-viral performance not only captured Walker’s strength but transformed her vulnerability into a superpower. Fast forward, and the singer ruminated on the pivotal rendition, where she encouraged fans to sing along and relive her transformative moment.

Before Drake entered center stage, PND kicked their joint headlining set off with gusto. Not only did he break into P4 anthems like “No Chill” and “For Certain,” but he revisited his rookie days, returning to his self-titled debut project and performing “Wus Good / Curious.” Then, once PND strolled into “Come & See Me,” that proved to be the perfect launching pad to introduce Drake.

As promised, Drake gift-wrapped a slew of classic R&B deep cuts, including “Jungle” and “Feel No Ways.” He didn’t skimp on the popular favorites too, using “Marvins Room” and “Passionfruit” as a melodic master class for those unfamiliar with The Boy’s emotional depth.

The OVO tandem introduced a first-ever look at their $ome $exy $ongs 4 U U.K. Tour by giving a crash-course example of their elite chemistry and crowd control. Opening with “CN TOWER,” Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR thrived off the crowd’s energy, propelling them to slow-burning songs like “SPIDER-MAN SUPERMAN” before shifting gears to their cultural anthem “SOMEBODY LOVES ME.”

In true celebratory fashion, Drake called on the R&B cavalry to make the night that much more special. He enlisted Mario and Bobby Valentino for a nostalgic performance of their throwback cuts before calling on Bryson Tiller and GIVEON to inject their energy into the night’s smooth vibes. The biggest hero of the night came in the form of Ms. Lauyrn Hill, who wowed the crowd with an electric performance of Fugees’ “Ready or Not” before doing a clever mash-up of “Ex-Factor” and Drake’s “Nice for What,” a first in both of their careers.